The 2026 NFL offseason has delivered its first true blockbuster, a deal that reshapes the defensive identity of two storied franchises. In a move that sent shockwaves through the league, the Cleveland Browns have traded superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for young standout Jared Verse and a significant package of draft capital. This move serves as a massive statement for a Rams organization that continues to prioritize veteran star power, while the Browns appear to be pivoting toward a younger, more sustainable core. In this analysis, we break down the Myles Garrett trade grades to see which side came out on top in this high-stakes exchange.
The Los Angeles Rams: A Defensive Revolution
For the Los Angeles Rams, this trade is a clear indication that the front office believes their championship window remains wide open. By acquiring Myles Garrett, the Rams have secured arguably the most dominant defensive force of the last decade. Garrett brings a resume that includes multiple All-Pro selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award, providing Los Angeles with the kind of game-changing pass rusher they have lacked since the departure of legendary figures in their trenches.
The logic for Los Angeles is simple: elite pass rushing wins championships. Pairing Garrett with their existing defensive scheme allows the Rams to manufacture pressure without having to rely on heavy blitzing. While the cost was steep—parting with a rising star in Jared Verse and premium draft picks—the Rams have never been a team to value future assets over immediate impact. If Garrett can maintain his high level of production, the Rams' defense instantly becomes one of the most feared units in the NFC West.
Rams Trade Grade: A-
The Cleveland Browns: Building for the Long Term
From the Cleveland Browns' perspective, trading a franchise icon like Myles Garrett is a difficult pill for the fanbase to swallow. However, the move signals a strategic shift in the organization's philosophy. By bringing in Jared Verse, the Browns are acquiring a younger, highly productive edge rusher who is still on his rookie contract, providing significant salary cap relief and long-term flexibility.
Verse, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance and fits perfectly into the Browns' defensive system. While he may not currently possess the same gravity as Garrett, his trajectory suggests he could develop into a perennial Pro Bowler in his own right. Furthermore, the draft picks acquired in this deal allow Cleveland to address other roster holes and build a more balanced team around their core. This wasn't a fire sale; it was a calculated move to maximize the value of an aging asset while securing a cornerstone for the next five years.
Browns Trade Grade: B+
Final Verdict and Myles Garrett Trade Grades
When evaluating the Myles Garrett trade grades, it is essential to look at the goals of both franchises. The Rams are in "win-now" mode, and Garrett is the ultimate "win-now" player. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and demand double-teams will create opportunities for every other player on the Rams' defense. For a team that has consistently traded away high draft picks for proven stars, this move is perfectly on-brand and improves their Super Bowl odds significantly for the 2026 season.
Conversely, the Browns are playing the long game. By moving on from Garrett's massive contract and replacing him with the younger Verse, they have extended their competitive window and gained the resources necessary to navigate a tough AFC North. While they lose the individual brilliance of Garrett, the overall health of the roster and the salary cap may improve as a result of this transaction.
Key Players Involved in the Deal:
- Myles Garrett: To the Los Angeles Rams
- Jared Verse: To the Cleveland Browns
- Draft Compensation: Multiple picks sent to Cleveland to balance the veteran value of Garrett.
Ultimately, this trade is a rare "win-win" scenario where both teams addressed their specific needs. The Rams get the superstar they crave, and the Browns get the assets required to build for the future. As we move closer to the 2026 regular season, all eyes will be on how Garrett adjusts to the bright lights of Los Angeles and how Verse steps into the massive shoes left behind in Cleveland.
Sources & Original Reporting
