Surtain shocked by Rams’ blockbuster acquisition of Garrett
Pat Surtain describes surprise at Los Angeles’ move for Myles Garrett, as both Denver and Los Angeles ramp up roster construction ahead of 2026 season opener.
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain has expressed surprise at the Los Angeles Rams’ recent acquisition of defensive lineman Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Speaking at a charity event hosted by his foundation on Tuesday evening, Surtain acknowledged the magnitude of the deal, which has shifted the balance of power in the league’s defensive ranks.
The Rams secured Garrett by sending pass rusher Jared Verse and three draft selections—a first-round, second-round, and third-round pick—to Cleveland. The move comes as the Rams were already considered favourites for the Super Bowl, with Surtain noting that the addition of Garrett now makes them the clear favourites to win the title in 2026.
Surtain, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, joked about the alternating pattern of the accolade between himself and Garrett, who won the honour in 2023 and 2025. When asked about the trade, Surtain admitted he did not see it coming but recognised the strategic necessity for teams looking to improve.
“I mean, shoot, that was a blockbuster trade,” Surtain said. “I don’t know, I was quite shocked by it, I didn’t see that coming. But, like I said before, teams are trying to find ways to get better and when you’re able to get a player like that, you’re willing to give up whatever.”
The Broncos and Rams are both believed to view their recent acquisitions as key to contending for the 2026 Super Bowl title. Earlier in the offseason, Denver traded first-, third-, and fourth-round draft picks to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The two teams are scheduled to face each other in Week 3 of the 2026 season, with the Broncos hosting the Rams on Sunday Night Football.
If the trend of alternating Defensive Player of the Year awards continues, Surtain indicated he is due to win again in 2026. “Why not?” he said. “Shoot, let’s just keep going, me and him, back and forth.”
