Myles Garrett Trade to Rams Explained by Browns GM, Andrew Berry Talks Dealing 'Generational Player'

The decision to trade star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams wasn't an easy one for the Cleveland Browns, even if they did get Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round draft pick and a 2029 third-round draft pick in return.

"We have long taken the stance that our goal was for Myles Garrett to be a one-helmet player for his entire career," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. 

"When the Rams first approached us with the possibility of trading Myles, we remained convicted in our position, but as discussions intensified we were stuck at a legitimate crossroads: do we hold on to a truly generational player who has become the identity of our team, or do we make the difficult decision that we think is best for the organization over the long run?

"In that framework, the decision became clear, although our emotions were muddled."

The draft picks will generate plenty of attention, especially for a Cleveland team that is in rebuilding mode after finishing a combined 8-26 the last two seasons.

However, Berry highlighted Verse as a major reason the front office decided to make the trade. He called the 25-year-old pass-rusher "a player our fan base will love" and an "elite player at a premium position who will only continue to improve in his third NFL season."

Verse has been in the league for just two seasons and already has a Defensive Rookie of the Year, two Pro Bowls and 12 sacks on his resume. He isn't as impactful as Garrett, but he should slide right into Cleveland's defensive front and provide an important presence.

Still, he is replacing a legend.

Garrett's Record-Breaking Sack 👑

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Garrett set the all-time record for sacks in a single season in 2025 with 23 and is well on his way to the Hall of Fame with a list of accomplishments that includes two Defensive Player of the Year awards, five First-Team All-Pro nods, seven Pro Bowl selections and eight consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks.

He is unblockable when playing at his best and joining a Rams team that is in anything but rebuilding mode after reaching last season's NFC Championship Game before losing to the eventual-champion Seattle Seahawks by just four points.

One additional defensive stop could have made the difference in that game and perhaps resulted in a Lombardi Trophy for the Rams, which makes the addition of arguably the league's best defender all the more notable.

As for Cleveland, it is losing the face of its franchise and will need to deliver on its additional draft picks if it is going to compete for championships in the near future.