Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett’s Trade to the Rams and the Restructured Five-Year Deal
6/11/2026, 9:58:53 PM
Background & Context
After a four-year, $160 million extension made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns in March 2025. The Rams acquired the two-time Defensive Player of the Year in exchange for edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2029 third-round pick that would upgrade to a first-rounder if the player were sent to another AFC North team.
Key Figures & Groups
- Myles Garrett – Defensive end, former Browns star.
- Los Angeles Rams – General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay, who framed the move as a short-term push for a 2026 Super Bowl run.
- Cleveland Browns – Negotiated the trade and the prior $160 million extension.
- Trade Assets – Jared Verse, 2027 1st-round, 2028 2nd-round, conditional 2029 3rd-round pick.
Contract Structure & Financial Details
The Rams and Garrett signed a five-year, $208.2 million agreement with $99 million in cash guarantees and a $35.7 million signing bonus. The deal contains eight void years for cap purposes, eight option bonuses, and a front-loaded $5.5 million raise for 2026 (raising his compensation from $31.5 million to $37 million). A $10.7 million cut in 2027 is followed by a $5.2 million increase in 2028. Reported cap hits are: 2026 ? $8.4-$8.9 million, 2027 $15.024 million, 2028 $27.577 million, 2029 $39.875 million, 2030 $48.173 million. An additional $39.9 million does not count against the cap until the contract voids in February 2031.
Why It Matters
The low 2026 cap charge gives the Rams immediate flexibility while retaining a premier pass-rusher for a potential championship window. The deferred and reduced guarantees, however, limit Garrett’s short-term earnings and create a cap-friendly structure that could be re-negotiated or terminated after 2028, affecting both player security and team budgeting.
Official Statements & Responses
- NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted the 2026 cap hit will be “just $8.9 million before rising each year… culminating with a $48.2 million cap hit in 2030.”
- Spotrac analyst Michael Ginnitti explained the contract “includes eight void years ‘for cap purposes.’”
- The Athletic’s Zac Jackson observed that “the only real explanation for the modification is that both sides were at least opening a trade window.”
- Rams officials emphasized the deal “maximizes the short-term window with quarterback Stafford” and positions Garrett as a cornerstone of the 2026 Super Bowl push.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue the structure benefits the Rams more than Garrett. The 2027 cap reduction blocks renegotiation until June 2027, and the loss of a full guarantee for that year reduces Garrett’s guaranteed earnings relative to his market value. The deferred cash and option bonuses suggest the Rams are protecting future cap space at the expense of immediate player compensation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact 2026 cap figure: $8.44 million (TheLines.com), $8.84 million (Heavy.com), and $8.9 million (NFL Network). Guarantee amounts also vary, with $99 million cash guaranteed overall versus a $37 million fully guaranteed salary for 2026. The precise mechanics of the conditional 2029 pick upgrade remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the only real explanation for the modification is that both sides were at least opening a trade window.” — Zac Jackson, *The Athletic*
- “There are also a staggering eight void years for cap purposes that run through 2038.” — Michael Ginnitti, *Spotrac*
- “Myles Garrett’s cap numbers on his revised deal with the Rams: 2026 – $8.84M 2027 – $15.024M 2028 – $27.577M 2029 – $39.875M 2030 – $48.173M Another $39.911M isn’t scheduled to hit the cap until after the contract voids in February 2031,” — Tom Pelissero, *NFL Network*
What’s Next
The contract contains a clause allowing the Rams to release Garrett before June 1, 2029, saving $32.74 million in cap space. A renegotiation is likely after the 2028 season, especially if his production declines or the team’s championship window closes. Garrett’s no-trade clause adds complexity to any future move. The Rams’ Super Bowl odds have risen, but the long-term financial impact of the deal remains to be seen.
