The Cleveland Browns are finalizing a blockbuster trade that will send two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and other draft compensation, ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network staff report.
Speculation about a Garrett trade surfaced after the Browns modified his contract earlier this offseason by moving his option bonus deadline to seven days before the regular season begins for each remaining year of his deal. The adjustment made a post-June 1 trade more enticing to Cleveland.
The Rams became interested in Garrett shortly after Cleveland adjusted his contract, Schefter adds. Los Angeles persistently pursued Garrett despite the Browns initially being adamant about holding on to their star player, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport notes. The inclusion of Verse, along with changes to the draft compensation, reportedly changed the tone of the trade talks.
Garrett earned Defensive Player of the Year honors last season after recording a single-season record 23 sacks. The award marked his second DPOY in three years, having claimed the title in 2023 following a 14-sack campaign.
Garrett, who turns 31 on Dec. 29, spent the first nine years of his career in Cleveland, recording 125.5 sacks.
