The Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams entered June with a blockbuster trade, an impact that will be felt across the league. The Browns traded star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Rams, parting ways with him after drafting him nine years ago.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Browns were “adamant about not trading Myles Garrett.” Their general manager Andrew Berry had even called Garrett a “career Brown” in the annual NFL meeting. However, the Rams were also adamant about landing the five-time All-Pro player.

“However, Rapoport noted the Rams were “persistent” in their pursuit of Garrett and continued calling the Browns in hopes of working out a deal,” USA Today reported.

The deal “was on,” per Rapoport, and both franchises agreed to terms on the trade on June 1.

In return, the Rams traded 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick, USA Today reported on June 1.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams gained interest in acquiring Garrett after the Browns modified his contract in March.

Garrett's recent history with the franchise suggested this move was possible despite the team's public stance.

Myles Garrett Had Been Looking For A Trade For Over A Year

Picked first overall, the 30-year-old had an absolute run individually. Myles Garrett is a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He racked up 125.5 sacks and set the NFL record for most sacks by a player in a season with 23 sacks last season. 

Garrett, however, wanted out from the Browns, as expressed in his open letter in preseason 2025. 

“The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns,” he wrote in February.

He eventually signed a $140 million contract extension and played the 2025 season. The financial arrangement and his absence in the OTAs this year, however, proved to be a writing on the wall. While Garrett has gotten what he wanted, the Browns have lost one of their most successful players.

General manager Andrew Berry explained the dilemma this trade put the Browns in.

“Our goal was for Myles Garrett to be a one-helmet player for his entire career… but as discussions intensified we were stuck at a legitimate crossroads: do we hold on to a truly generational player who has become the identity of our team, or do we make the difficult decision that we think is best for the organization over the long run?” Berry said.

This is the end of a journey for the Browns. Garrett had been a cornerstone of the Browns for years, who hopefully is on his way to the Super Bowl. What are your thoughts on this trade? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar