The NFL’s offseason rarely slows down, but June 1, 2026, may go down as one of the league’s most dramatic days in recent memory. While headlines were already swirling around a potential A.J. Brown move and growing signs that quarterback Russell Wilson’s career is nearing its conclusion, the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns delivered the biggest shock of the offseason with a franchise-altering trade involving star pass rusher Myles Garrett.
After months of public insistence from Browns general manager Andrew Berry that Garrett would never be moved, Cleveland agreed to send the All-Pro defensive end to Los Angeles. In return, the Browns received a sizable package that includes a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round selection, a 2029 third-round pick and promising young edge rusher Jared Verse.
For the Rams, the message is clear: the organization is fully committed to winning another Super Bowl during quarterback Matthew Stafford’s championship window.
Rams Double Down on Championship Ambitions
Los Angeles has spent the past several seasons rebuilding its roster after salary cap struggles forced the franchise into a transition period. That reset now appears complete.
Following a disappointing 5-12 campaign in 2022, the Rams reshaped their roster through strong drafting and disciplined financial management. The emergence of players such as wide receiver Puka Nacua and young defensive linemen Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske created flexibility for the front office to pursue elite veteran talent.
That aggressive approach began last year when the Rams signed veteran receiver Davante Adams. This offseason, the team added standout cornerback Trent McDuffie in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs before signing him to a four-year, $124 million extension. Los Angeles also brought in cornerback Jaylen Watson to strengthen the secondary.
The addition of Garrett now gives the Rams arguably the NFL’s most dangerous defensive front while pairing the reigning NFL MVP in Stafford with one of football’s premier defensive players.
Why the Garrett Trade Makes Sense for Los Angeles
For general manager Les Snead, the timing of the move is critical.
Stafford is now 38 years old and coming off the best season of his career. Head coach Sean McVay has previously considered stepping away from coaching, making the Rams’ current championship window feel especially urgent.
The organization also recently drafted quarterback Ty Simpson, a move that signaled long-term planning for life after Stafford. With a potential future quarterback already in place, Los Angeles had the flexibility to use future draft capital on immediate impact talent.
Garrett fits that strategy perfectly.
The 30-year-old defensive end remains one of the most dominant defenders in football. He is coming off another remarkable season in which he set the NFL’s single-season sack record while recording 33 tackles for loss, the second-highest mark in modern NFL history behind J.J. Watt’s 39 in 2012.
Despite constant double teams and chip blocks, Garrett continued to overwhelm opposing offenses. Over the past three seasons, he has led the NFL in sack rate and remained among league leaders in pressure generation.
For a Rams defense that already relied heavily on speed and aggressive dime packages, Garrett’s arrival could elevate the entire unit.
Defensive Impact Could Be Immediate
Even though the Rams surrendered Jared Verse in the trade, Garrett represents a major upgrade in overall production and experience.
His ability to dominate both as a pass rusher and run defender gives defensive coordinator flexibility to continue using lighter defensive boxes while increasing pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Garrett’s presence is also expected to create more one-on-one opportunities for the rest of Los Angeles’ defensive line.
Several Rams defenders could see career-best seasons simply because offenses will be forced to devote additional attention to Garrett.
The trade also reflects the Rams’ long-standing willingness to sacrifice future draft picks in pursuit of championships. Snead has built a reputation for aggressively moving first-round selections, including the acquisition of Von Miller during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2021.
This latest move continues that philosophy.
Browns Shift Toward the Future
While the Rams are focused squarely on winning now, the Browns appear to be resetting their competitive timeline.
Cleveland gains significant draft capital and a talented young pass rusher in Verse, who better aligns with the franchise’s long-term plans. The move also provides roster flexibility over the next several seasons.
Still, trading Garrett represents the end of an era in Cleveland.
Over the past six seasons, Garrett established himself as the face of the franchise despite the Browns’ limited postseason success. He earned five first-team All-Pro selections and captured two Defensive Player of the Year awards in the last three years alone.
One of the Biggest Trades of the Modern NFL Era
There is a strong argument that Garrett is the most accomplished player traded during the prime years of his career in the modern NFL.
Unlike aging veterans nearing retirement, Garrett remains at the peak of his powers and is widely viewed as one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. His résumé already appears worthy of future Hall of Fame consideration.
For the Rams, the calculation is straightforward: elite players rarely become available, and championship opportunities do not stay open forever.
Los Angeles believes Garrett could be the final piece needed for another Super Bowl run. Cleveland, meanwhile, is betting that long-term flexibility and younger talent will position the franchise for future success.
Either way, the trade instantly reshapes the NFL landscape heading into the 2026 season.
