The month started strong in the NFL with news that Myles Garrett was being traded to the Los Angeles Rams. The rumors about Garrett’s trade had started when the Browns restructured his contract in March and followed through till his absence at the OTAs.

On Monday, at the Browns Foundation Golf Tournament, Monken didn’t answer affirmatively when asked if he was assured that Garrett would be attending the Browns’ mandatory minicamp on June 9-11. 

“No, I wasn’t assured that when I took the job,” said Monken to the media. “I was never assured of anything when I took the job other than once I signed my contract and whatever my contract said, that’s what I was assured.”

Per Browns’ insider journalist, Mary Kay Cabot, reporters asked Monken if he expected the Browns’ DE to be on the team this season.

“Well, he’s not like any other player. I mean, I’m never told he’s going to be on the team, who’s not going to be on the team,” replied Monken. “If that’s a question, every day we evaluate the roster. Andrew evaluates the roster, management evaluates the roster.”

Cabot reported that Monken was given two chances to shut down rumors about Garrett’s trade, but he refused to do so. His responses to the reporters’ questions were an indication of the trade news that came soon after.

Now, fans know why he wasn't jumping to shut those rumors down. 

What Trade Did the Browns Make For Garrett?

Before signing his four-year and $160 million contract in March 2025, Garrett publicly demanded to be traded so that he could win a Super Bowl with a contender team.

The Browns then restructured his contract in March 2026, and that was when the Rams first expressed their interest in the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

Per Jacob Carmenker of USA Today, an insider source confirmed on June 1 that the Rams were acquiring Myles Garrett for a package that included 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. 

Ian Rapoport of the NFL reported that while the Browns were adamant on not trading their DE, the Rams were persistent. The inclusion of Verse and the high-end draft capital made both teams settle on the deal.

Garrett, who’s now 30 years old and entering his 10th NFL season, is adamant about winning a Super Bowl to add to his legacy. On the other hand, the Browns, who have a shot at landing their franchise QB in 2027, found the Garrett trade worth making. 

What are your thoughts on this trade?

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi