The NFL landscape shifted significantly when the Cleveland Browns sent perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. While the move sent shockwaves through the league, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry recently shed light on the inner workings of the deal. According to Berry, the Myles Garrett trade was far from a certainty until the Rams agreed to include rookie pass rusher Jared Verse in the package.
The Turning Point in the Myles Garrett Trade Negotiations
During a recent press availability, Andrew Berry was candid about the high price tag associated with moving a generational talent like Garrett. While draft picks are the standard currency for blockbuster NFL deals, the Browns were looking for more than just future assets. They required a foundational piece that could immediately contribute to the defensive front.
Berry was adamant that he did not seriously consider the Myles Garrett trade with the Rams until Los Angeles included Jared Verse in the deal. "When you're talking about a player of Myles' caliber, you aren't just looking for picks," Berry stated. "You need a player who fits the culture and has the ceiling to be an anchor for your defense for years to come. For us, that player was Jared Verse. Without him in the conversation, there was no deal."
Why Jared Verse Was the Deal-Breaker for Cleveland
Jared Verse, the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Florida State, had already begun making a name for himself in Los Angeles before the trade. Known for his explosive first step and physical play style, Verse represented exactly what Cleveland needed: a high-upside edge rusher on a rookie contract.
By securing Verse, the Browns managed to mitigate the loss of Garrett by acquiring a player who is several years younger and significantly cheaper against the salary cap. The Browns’ front office viewed Verse not just as a throw-in, but as a mandatory component of their long-term defensive strategy. The insistence on his inclusion highlights the team's commitment to remaining competitive while resetting their financial flexibility.
The Rams' Perspective: Going All-In for a Title
For the Los Angeles Rams, the decision to part with a talent like Verse was undoubtedly difficult. Verse was seen as the cornerstone of their post-Aaron Donald defensive rebuild. However, the opportunity to pair Myles Garrett with their existing roster was a gamble the Rams' front office felt they had to take.
The Rams have a well-documented history of trading away young talent and high draft picks for proven superstars. Adding Garrett—a player with 88.5 career sacks and multiple All-Pro selections—vaults the Rams' defense into an elite tier immediately. While losing Verse hurts their long-term depth, the acquisition of Garrett signals that Los Angeles is firmly in a "win-now" window.
Impact on the Cleveland Browns Defense
While the departure of a franchise icon is never easy for a fanbase to swallow, the addition of Verse provides an immediate spark. The Browns are transitioning into a new era, and Verse will be expected to step into a starting role and provide the pressure that Garrett once did. Key factors for the Browns moving forward include:
- Development of Jared Verse: The rookie will now be the primary focus of opposing offensive lines in Cleveland.
- Draft Capital: In addition to Verse, the Browns secured significant draft assets to continue their roster overhaul.
- Salary Cap Relief: Moving Garrett’s contract allows the Browns to address other areas of need in free agency.
A High-Stakes Exchange of Talent
The Myles Garrett trade serves as a reminder of how aggressive NFL front offices have become. For Andrew Berry and the Browns, the deal was about balancing the present with the future. For the Rams, it was about securing one of the most dominant forces in football history. As the season progresses, both teams will be under the microscope to see who truly won this blockbuster transaction. For now, it is clear that without the inclusion of Jared Verse, Myles Garrett would still be wearing a Browns uniform.
Sources & Original Reporting
