Browns secure conditional first-round pick from Rams in Myles Garrett trade

The Cleveland Browns have completed a significant roster overhaul by trading star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, Cleveland received defensive end Jared Verse and three draft selections. The agreement includes a specific conditional clause regarding the 2029 draft selection, designed to influence the Rams' future asset management decisions.

Under the terms of the deal, the Browns’ 2029 third-round pick is conditional. It upgrades to a first-round pick if the Rams trade Garrett to an AFC North team at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft. This mechanism is intended to deter the Rams from sending Garrett to divisional rivals such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, or Baltimore Ravens.

The clause mirrors a precedent set by the Dallas Cowboys, who included similar protection when trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. In that instance, the Cowboys secured a 2028 first-round pick if the Packers traded Parsons to another NFC East team. The Browns have adopted this strategy to mitigate the risk of Garrett returning to a competitive division.

Rams general manager Les Snead has a history of trading acquired stars, which likely influenced the Browns' caution. In 2019, the Rams sent two first-round picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey played a key role in the team’s 2021 Super Bowl victory, but the Rams traded him to the Miami Dolphins after the 2022 season, demonstrating a willingness to move established talent.

Garrett, 30, is under contract with the Rams through the 2030 season. He concluded the 2025 campaign with 23 sacks, setting a new NFL single-season record previously held by Michael Strahan and tied by T.J. Watt. He also recorded 33 tackles for loss that season. Next Gen Stats data from 2025 shows Garrett ranked third among qualifying defensive linemen in pressure rate at 16.3 per cent and led the group in average pass rush pressure.

Verse was previously a Rams player before being traded to Cleveland. The Browns’ acquisition of Verse and the three draft picks, including the potential bonus first-rounder, represents the primary return for parting with one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. The long-term roster plans of the Rams regarding Garrett’s contract extension or potential trade timeline remain speculative.