After the NFL Draft, many fans questioned the Rams' decision to spend a first-round pick on a quarterback who likely won't play a snap in 2026. Shouldn't Los Angeles be focused entirely on maximizing its current Super Bowl window?
If the Trent McDuffie trade wasn't enough to answer that question, the Myles Garrett trade certainly is.
In one of the biggest NFL trades in recent memory, the Cleveland Browns have shipped Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Rams in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick.
There had been little buzz surrounding Garrett's future until just a few hours before the deal was completed, and even then, it wasn't entirely clear which teams were making serious offers. While clubs like Philadelphia and Dallas were reportedly willing to move draft capital, Los Angeles raised the stakes by including Verse in the package.
The 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year represents a strong return when paired with the draft compensation. Through his first two seasons in Los Angeles, Verse recorded 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 22 tackles for loss. He was trending toward a lucrative extension and brings valuable versatility as a hybrid edge rusher and linebacker. Cleveland will have plenty of ways to utilize him.
Still, Verse isn't Myles Garrett.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Pro has accumulated 125.5 career sacks, including a career-high and record-setting 23 sacks during the 2025 season. Garrett spent the prime of his career on terrible Browns teams, and the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl was enough for him to waive his no-trade clause. That clause will reportedly be reinstated in Los Angeles.
Garrett made sure to acknowledge the Dawg Pound shortly after the news broke. It was a classy gesture during a difficult moment for Browns fans, who have already watched another former No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield, find success elsewhere. While Garrett departs on far better terms, Cleveland now faces another season searching for many answers, including at quarterback.
As for the Rams, their defense suddenly looks very different with McDuffie and Garrett in the fold, and potentially another former Defensive Player of the Year on the radar. If Donald seriously returns, watch out. Either way, expectations will be sky-high. Los Angeles is clearly pushing its chips to the center of the table, and there will be little room for excuses if the season falls short of a championship run.
Rams Super Bowl odds are only going to climb from here, so if you're thinking about grabbing that future, now may be the time.
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