Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett’s Blockbuster Trade to the Los Angeles Rams and New Contract
6/4/2026, 9:31:27 PM
The Trade and Contract Restructure
The Los Angeles Rams acquired two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in a trade announced on June 1, 2026. In exchange, the Browns received edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick. Simultaneously, the Rams and Garrett agreed to a new five-year deal covering the 2026-2030 seasons with optional years through 2038 for salary-cap flexibility. Reported terms include a signing bonus of $35.7 million (some sources cite $37.5 million) and a minimum salary of $1.3 million, raising Garrett’s 2026 compensation to at least $37 million—approximately $5.5 million more than under his prior contract.
Background & Context
Garrett’s contract was restructured in March 2026, moving a $29.2 million option bonus from March to late summer, allowing the Browns to spread the dead-cap hit and keep the player tradable after the June 1 accounting deadline. The Browns had publicly denied any intention to trade Garrett earlier in the year, but the restructuring created a viable trade window. The Rams had pursued Garrett since 2022, with GM Les Snead repeatedly contacting Browns GM Andrew Berry before the trade materialized.
Key Figures & Groups
- Myles Garrett – Defensive end, two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
- Jared Verse – Pro Bowl edge rusher, former Rams first-round pick (2024).
- Les Snead – Rams general manager.
- Sean McVay – Rams head coach.
- Andrew Berry – Browns general manager.
- Dee and Jimmy Haslam – Browns owners.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 season: 23 sacks (NFL single-season record).
- Career totals (through 2025): 125.5 sacks, 31 quick pressures (5th-most league-wide).
- Awards: Two Defensive Player of the Year, eight All-Pro selections.
- 2026 contract: $35.7 million signing bonus, $1.3 million base salary, total >= $37 million.
- Browns receive draft assets: 2027 first-round, 2028 second-round, 2029 third-round.
- Rams 2025 defense: 5th in pressure rate (38.0 %), 10th in scoring defense, 21st in sack conversion (18 %).
Why It Matters
The trade signals the Rams’ “all-in” strategy to contend for Super Bowl LXI at home, adding a premier pass rusher who can alter defensive math and free up other linemen. For the Browns, the deal provides cap relief, a younger replacement at Verse, and multiple high-value draft picks to aid a rebuilding timeline.
Official Statements & Responses
- Les Snead (Rams GM) noted a long-standing relationship with Berry and said, “We kept talking… we’re going to get Garrett.”
- Andrew Berry (Browns GM) affirmed Garrett’s status, stating, “Myles is a career Brown… one of the faces of our organization.”
- Sean McVay (Rams head coach) emphasized a day-by-day approach, adding, “We’re not going to let outside narratives affect our ability to be courageous.”
- Dee and Jimmy Haslam (Browns owners) expressed goodwill, saying they “look forward to welcoming him back at the appropriate time and wish him and his family only the best.”
Criticism & Opposition
Observers highlighted the Browns’ earlier public denial of any trade intent, suggesting a disconnect between statements and actions. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly refused to include defensive tackle Jalen Carter in a parallel trade, underscoring alternative market dynamics.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact signing bonus ($35.7 M vs. $37.5 M) and on whether the new contract’s average annual salary exceeds the prior $40 M figure. Details on remaining guarantees and the precise structure of the optional years remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Loving you is easy, leaving you is the hard part,” — Myles Garrett, social media post
- “We met with Myles on Saturday and told him we are extremely grateful for all that he contributed to our team and to our community and that he will always be a Cleveland Brown.” — Dee Haslam & Jimmy Haslam
- “On paper, I’m sure things look great, but we got to go out there and put the work in,” — Myles Garrett, press conference
- “He's a pain in the ass to game plan against and I'm glad we don't have to do that anymore.” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “It’s one day at a time and I love everything that he said because I couldn’t be more in agreement,” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “He makes other guys around him better and I know he’s excited to come in and be a big part of this culture and we can’t wait to get to work.” — Sean McVay, head coach
What’s Next
Garrett is expected to report to the Rams’ training camp in late June, with the contract’s final terms to be filed with the league shortly. The Rams open preseason in Australia against the 49ers, followed by a schedule featuring the Seahawks and 49ers. The Browns will integrate Verse and evaluate the draft capital acquired, while both franchises prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft and the upcoming Super Bowl window.
