The Los Angeles Rams have never shied away from making bold moves in pursuit of a Super Bowl, and their blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett is another example of the franchise pushing its chips toward the center of the table. Acquiring one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players immediately elevates the Rams’ championship aspirations, while the Cleveland Browns continue their efforts to reshape the roster for the future.
Like most blockbuster trades, there are clear benefits and drawbacks for
both organizations. While the Rams receive the best player in the deal, the Browns acquire valuable assets and younger talent that could help accelerate a long-term rebuild.
Who came out better in the blockbuster deal? Let’s take a look.
Rams Grade: B
The Rams are getting a future Hall of Famer and one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Garrett has consistently been among the NFL’s sack leaders and remains capable of completely changing games on his own. Any team with Super Bowl ambitions would love to add a player of his caliber.
Pros
1. Upgrade at Edge Rusher Production
While Jared Verse has developed into an outstanding young defender, Garrett is already an established superstar. There is very little projection required when evaluating Garrett’s impact. The Rams know exactly what they are getting: elite pass-rush production, game-changing pressure, and a player offenses must account for on every snap. He is the reigning defensive player of the year and has been a double digit sack artist for the last 8 seasons.
Garrett’s presence would immediately create one of the most feared defensive fronts in football. Opposing offenses would struggle to dedicate extra resources to Garrett without exposing themselves elsewhere along the defensive line.
2. Future Cap Flexibility Beyond 2028
One overlooked aspect of the trade is the financial flexibility it creates in future seasons. While Garrett’s contract is substantial, the Rams gain a clearer understanding of their long-term financial commitments. By moving younger players who would eventually require massive extensions, Los Angeles creates greater cap flexibility beyond 2028 while maximizing its current championship window.
Cons
Age Concerns
The biggest concern is Garrett’s age. While he remains one of the league’s elite defenders, edge rushers eventually decline, and the Rams are betting that Garrett will continue producing at a high level deep into his 30s.
If his play begins to regress over the next few seasons, the Rams could find themselves paying premium money for declining production.
Breaking Up Former Florida State Teammates
Another downside is separating Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who developed tremendous chemistry as teammates at Florida State before continuing that partnership in Los Angeles.
The duo quickly became foundational pieces of the Rams’ young defensive core. Trading away Verse eliminates a player the organization envisioned building around for years and removes a partnership that had already shown signs of becoming one of the NFL’s best young defensive tandems.
Browns Grade: B+
The Browns may have surrendered the best player in the deal, but they receive a package that better aligns with their long-term timeline.
Pros
Building for the Future
Cleveland’s roster is at a crossroads, making future assets incredibly valuable. Acquiring young talent and draft capital allows the Browns to continue rebuilding while maintaining financial flexibility moving forward.
Rather than remaining tied to an aging roster, Cleveland gains pieces that can contribute for years.
Getting Younger
Verse immediately becomes one of the youngest cornerstone defenders on the Browns’ roster. His athleticism, physicality, and production make him an attractive building block as Cleveland transitions toward a younger core.
The Browns also avoid the risk of paying Garrett through the later stages of his career.
Additional First-Round Pick for future Quarterback Need
Perhaps the most important part of the return is the Rams’ 2027 first-round selection. That pick gives Cleveland additional ammunition to pursue a franchise quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft if the right prospect becomes available.
Quarterback remains the most important position in sports, and extra first-round capital significantly increases the Browns’ flexibility.
The Browns also received a 2028 second round pick and a 2029 third round pick, continuing to stock pile future draft picks to make a move for an impact player.
Cons
Picks at the end of the Round
The downside to acquiring the Rams’ first-round selection is that Los Angeles projects to remain a contender. If the Rams continue winning, the pick could fall near the end of the first round, reducing its overall value.
While first-round picks are always valuable, there is a major difference between selecting in the top 10 and selecting near pick No. 30. There are typically only 10-15 blue chip players in a draft.
Jared Verse’s Ceiling
Verse is a talented player with a very high floor. He should be a productive starter for years and could develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber defender.
However, there are questions about whether his ceiling matches Garrett’s. Verse has relied heavily on power, effort, and athleticism during the early stages of his career. While those traits make him a safe projection, some evaluators wonder if he possesses the complete pass-rush arsenal necessary to become a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Ultimately, the Rams receive the superior player and improve their Super Bowl chances immediately, while the Browns secure assets that better fit a long-term rebuilding strategy. Los Angeles earns a solid B for taking a calculated swing at another championship, while Cleveland receives a B+ for maximizing value and positioning itself for the future.
Even as a Rams fan, the Browns are getting a good return for their needs. The Rams are getting the best defensive player on the planet. Something they enjoyed having from 2014-2023 with Aaron Donald. This deal for the Rams will largely hinge on how they perform in 2026. If they win the Super Bowl, the grade instantly becomes a
