Myles Garrett isn’t leaving much room for interpretation. The star pass rusher has spoken openly about his Cleveland Browns exit, and his comments reveal a clear emotional line between what was and what comes next.

The five-time All-Pro defensive end, who spent nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns, was traded to the Los Angeles Rams on June 1. A day later, he reflected on his time with his former team. 

“I’ll always have love in my heart for Cleveland, the city, the community, and all its players and everything else,” said Garrett during his introductory press conference. “But the opportunity to come here, have an immediate and profound impact on this team, was something I had to move forward with.”

The trade of the Browns' No.1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on June 1 came as a shock to many Browns fans. Garrett, however, made his feelings clear about the move. 

Garrett was driven by competitive ambition. He looks forward to the chance to make a difference right away in a new environment. And Los Angeles is the perfect place to prove himself.

The Browns are viewed as a team that is still finding their footing. While they may have promising young talent, they're not considered immediate Super Bowl contenders. However, for the 30-year-old defensive end, he wants to maximize his remaining peak years by joining a team that can contend for a championship right away.

“Since the very beginning, it’s always been about winning. It just breaks down to the timing of everything,” answered Garrett. “What does it realistically look like to be a winner now? And to have an opportunity to do that immediately. That was an opportunity that was too difficult to pass up.”

Unlike the Browns, Los Angeles is built to win immediately. They have an experienced core and Super Bowl ambitions.

The Rams had to trade Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year. They also had to give up a first-round pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2029. 

Meanwhile, Garrett's next chapter begins with a lofty ambition.

Myles Garrett Opens Up About His Future Plans With the Rams

Garrett’s individual success did little for team success. The Browns were 5-12 last season and made the playoffs only twice with one postseason win during the nine years Garrett was with them. 

So, when an opportunity came for Garrett to win a Super Bowl, he was ready to pursue that dream with the Rams. Following Monday’s blockbuster trade to the Rams, Garrett addressed his new fanbase and revealed his plans. 

“I’m looking forward to help bring a championship here to LA,” said Garrett.

From Cleveland, Garrett steps into a franchise that has qualified for the playoffs in seven of Sean McVay's nine seasons and won a Super Bowl in 2021.

Will Garrett be able to turn that goal into reality in Los Angeles? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar