The Los Angeles Rams made a blockbuster move for Myles Garrett in June, sending defensive end Jared Verse and three future draft picks to the Cleveland Browns. Less than 5 months later, the deal is facing serious questions as Los Angeles struggles through a disappointing season.
The Rams entered 2026 with championship ambitions after adding the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Instead, they are 2-4 through six games, and Garrett has been sidelined by a knee injury since playing in the season opener.
Cleveland, meanwhile, has reason to feel encouraged about the return. The Browns received a young, accomplished pass rusher in Verse, plus a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-rounder and a 2029 third-rounder. With Los Angeles struggling, the value of those future selections could rise considerably.
The Rams paid a steep price for a championship push
Los Angeles acquired Garrett after he delivered a historic 2025 campaign with Cleveland. He recorded 23 sacks, setting a new NFL single-season record and reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most disruptive defensive players.
The Rams’ package reflected their urgency to capitalize on their championship window. In addition to Verse, Cleveland received three future selections, including a first-round pick that could become especially valuable if Los Angeles continues losing games.
The gamble was understandable on paper. A defender capable of changing games with relentless pressure can transform a defense, particularly for a team with established offensive talent. The problem is that Garrett must be available to deliver that impact.
Garrett’s knee injury has changed the equation
Garrett has been out since Week 1 because of a knee injury and remains sidelined as Los Angeles tries to recover from its slow start. His absence has deprived the defense of the player it acquired to anchor its pass rush.
The timing has been especially damaging because the Rams entered the season with expectations of competing for a Super Bowl. Instead, they have lost ground in the NFC West, and their expensive roster has not produced the results many anticipated.
An injury does not make the original trade automatically wrong. Garrett’s long-term value could still justify the investment if he returns healthy and makes a difference. However, every missed game reduces the immediate return Los Angeles can receive from its substantial investment.
Cleveland received a proven young defender in Verse
Verse gives the Browns a significant asset of their own. Los Angeles selected him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
He has also earned Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first 2 NFL seasons. Those achievements give Cleveland more than a developmental prospect; Verse has already demonstrated that he can contribute at a high level.
For a Browns team looking to build a sustainable contender, Verse’s age and production profile are important. He offers the possibility of several productive seasons ahead, while the additional draft capital gives the front office more ways to improve the roster.
The future draft picks could become Cleveland’s biggest prize
The 2027 first-round selection is arguably the most important long-term component of Cleveland’s return. Its eventual position will depend on the Rams’ final record, meaning Los Angeles’ struggles could directly influence the quality of the pick the Browns receive.
A higher first-round selection can provide access to a stronger group of prospects or become valuable in a trade-up scenario. Cleveland’s front office could use that flexibility to target a quarterback, strengthen the offensive line or address another pressing roster need.
The Browns also secured a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-rounder. Those selections are further away, but they give Cleveland additional opportunities to add young players or package picks in future deals without sacrificing all its existing draft resources.
The Rams’ wider injury problems have deepened the concern
Garrett is not the only key player missing time in Los Angeles. The Rams have also dealt with injuries affecting cornerback Trent McDuffie, defensive tackle Kobie Turner, nose tackle Poona Ford and kicker Blake Grupe, creating problems across the roster.
The offensive side has taken a major hit, too. Wide receiver Davante Adams suffered a ruptured hamstring during the loss to Arizona and was reported to be facing an absence of 6–10 weeks. That injury removes a significant target from Matthew Stafford’s offense.
These setbacks complicate any attempt to judge the Garrett trade in isolation. The Rams’ disappointing record reflects multiple issues, including injuries and inconsistent performances. Still, the team’s inability to field its marquee acquisition makes the cost of the deal more difficult to overlook.
Cleveland’s early-season results strengthen its position
The Browns have started the 2026 season better than many observers expected, opening with a 4-2 record through six games. That early progress gives the organization room to develop its roster while benefiting from the possibility of a valuable Rams draft pick.
Cleveland does not need the trade to produce an immediate championship. Verse can contribute on defense now, while the future selections could support a longer rebuild or help the team address weaknesses elsewhere.
The challenge for the Browns is converting that flexibility into lasting improvement. Draft picks do not guarantee successful selections, and even an established player must remain productive. But the trade has given Cleveland several avenues to improve, rather than tying its return to a single player.
Garrett’s long-term value remains an open question
It would be premature to declare the Rams’ decision a failure after only six games. Garrett set the league’s single-season sack record in 2025, and his ability to pressure quarterbacks remains a compelling reason Los Angeles pursued him.
The central question is whether he can return to the field and produce at the level the Rams expected. If he recovers and helps lead a late-season turnaround, the trade could look considerably different by January. A prolonged absence, however, would make the price harder to justify.
Cleveland’s position is more favorable because its return includes both an established young defender and multiple future picks. The Browns have already secured tangible assets, while the Rams need Garrett and the rest of their roster to get healthy and start winning.
Fun fact: In 2023, Garrett purchased a minority ownership stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers and became a brand ambassador for the team.
TL;DR
- The Rams traded Jared Verse and three future draft picks to Cleveland for Myles Garrett in June 2026.
- Garrett has been sidelined by a knee injury since Week 1, while Los Angeles has fallen to 2-4.
- Cleveland received Verse, a former Defensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler, along with future draft capital.
- The Rams’ injuries extend beyond Garrett, including an expected lengthy absence for Davante Adams.
- The trade’s final value remains uncertain, but Cleveland’s return could become more attractive if the Rams’ struggles continue.
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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