Rams acquire Garrett in historic defensive swap with Browns
The Cleveland Browns are finalising a trade that sends Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and additional compensation, marking one of the most significant defensive exchanges in NFL history.
The Cleveland Browns are finalising a trade that sends two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. In return, the Browns receive Rams pass rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and additional draft compensation still being negotiated. The move follows persistent pursuit by Los Angeles and comes as the Rams aim to bolster their roster ahead of Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in 2027.
The trade package includes Jared Verse, a 25-year-old two-time Pro-Bowl pass rusher who recorded 12 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. The Browns are expected to save approximately $30 million in cash through this transaction. Garrett, 29, is under contract through the 2030 season on a four-year, $160 million extension, which includes a no-trade clause he is now waiving for this deal.
The Browns will retain 11 picks in the 2027 draft, including three fourth-round, two fifth-round, and two seventh-round selections, alongside two first-round picks. This compensation structure allows Cleveland to maintain significant flexibility in the upcoming draft while acquiring a younger, cost-controlled defensive talent in Verse.
Garrett previously requested a trade last offseason but received a contract extension with a no-trade clause instead; he did not participate in the Browns' offseason program or meet with new head coach Todd Monken. The Rams' pursuit intensified after the Browns modified Garrett's contract in March, moving option bonuses to seven days before the start of the regular season, thereby facilitating a trade.
The Rams also recently acquired former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed Jaylen Watson. The acquisition of Garrett represents a significant shift in strategy for Los Angeles, which is now positioning itself to repeat as champions at SoFi Stadium. The deal is widely regarded as one of the biggest defensive trades in NFL history, rivaling recent high-profile moves involving other elite defensive players.
