Biggest Winners and Losers from Myles Garrett and A.J. Brown Blockbuster NFL Trades on June 1

A few NFL teams had June 1 marked on their calendars as the day to pull off blockbuster trades.

Many around the league felt their jaws drop when ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Los Angeles Rams made a deal to acquire Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.

But that's not all. 

Hours later, ESPN's Ian Rapoport broke the news that the Philadelphia Eagles dealt A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots for a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 first-rounder.

It was an eventful start to June across the league, to say the least.

With these deals, the Rams will be favorites to win Super Bowl LXI, and the Patriots have a shot to get back to the title game after coming up short against the Seattle Seahawks.

But let's dig a little deeper than the team level to highlight the biggest winners and losers from both trades.

Winner: Rams EDGE Myles Garrett

AP Photo/David Dermer, File

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett

The contrast between where the Browns and Rams have been in the NFL hierarchy highlights why Garrett is the biggest winner in this deal.

A year ago, Garrett requested a trade in hopes of playing for a contender. Instead of moving him, Cleveland signed the star edge-rusher to a four-year, $160 million extension.

Remember, Garrett played for a winless Browns team in his 2017 rookie year. Even with his elite pass-rushing production, he's suited up for just three playoff games.

If the Rams advance to Super Bowl LXI, Garrett will have matched or surpassed his playoff games with the Browns in a single campaign.

After rejecting trade offers over the past year, Cleveland gave in to an aggressive contender that will help Garrett chase his title aspirations.

On top of that, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Garrett will keep the no-trade clause in his contract, which allows him to maintain some control of his career future.

Losers: NFC West QBs

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy

Quarterbacks in the NFC West won't be happy to see the single-season sacks leader at the line of scrimmage.

They had to deal with Aaron Donald, another multitime Defensive Player of the Year, for a decade in a Rams uniform. Now, they must keep their heads on a swivel for Garrett, who's coming off a historic campaign with 23 sacks.

Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy should count their NFL days with Garrett in the division. Jacoby Brissett may want to think carefully about a new deal with the Arizona Cardinals behind an offensive line that's unsettled on the right side.

While AFC North quarterbacks still have to deal with a two-time Pro Bowler in Jared Verse, Garrett is a game-wrecking threat on the edge. NFC West running backs better learn to chip with help blocks to protect their passers.

Winner: Rams GM Les Snead

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead

Rams general manager Les Snead is truly all gas and no breaks in terms of making deals. Los Angeles plays for Super Bowls, and his roster-building approach reflects that.

Since 2017, the Rams have traded their own first-round picks, mostly for veteran players.

This offseason, Snead traded the Rams' 2026 and 2027 first-round picks for two All-Pros, cornerback Trent McDuffie and Garrett.

Snead's aggressive approach has kept his team's title window open. The Rams won Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, and they could win another one on their turf on February 14 of 2027.

Loser: Browns DC Mike Rutenberg

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg

Browns head coach Todd Monken told reporters that he didn't have any assurances that Garrett would be on the roster for the upcoming season.

Still, first-time defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg likely felt excited about the possibility of working with Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year coming off the best pass-rushing season in NFL history.

Rutenberg could've built a stout defense around Garrett as the Browns figure out their offense. His side of the ball may have been the driving force behind a handful of wins.

Well, Rutenberg will have to be a little more creative with his game plans without the league's best edge-rusher. He has a consolation prize in Verse, who's logged 12 sacks in two seasons, which is good but a notable drop-off from Garrett's production.

Winner: Rams EDGE Byron Young

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young

Byron Young should be relieved that it's Verse going to Cleveland and not him.

Young is entering the final term of his deal. Typically, productive players in their contract year are prime trade assets, but the Browns wanted Verse.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Rams were in "persistent pursuit" of Garrett, though Cleveland had no interest in a deal unless Los Angeles included Verse.

Young should benefit from playing opposite Garrett, who draws consistent double-teams at the line of scrimmage. With a lot of attention on the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, he can build on his 12-sack season ahead of a 2027 free-agency bid.

After the Rams absorb Garrett's contract, they may have to let key players walk in free agency next year. That said, Young can be a standout playmaker on a Super Bowl contender, which will raise his market value.

Loser: Browns EDGE Jared Verse

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Cleveland Browns edge-rusher Jared Verse

Verse had a taste of what it's like to play on a Super Bowl contender and showed promise, winning 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning two Pro Bowl nods.

Now, the third-year pro will line up for a rebuilding team that's closer to getting the No. 1 overall pick than the playoffs.

Also, keep in mind that Verse played under defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who was a head-coaching candidate in the previous hiring cycle. In Cleveland, he'll work with Rutenberg, a first-time play-caller. 

Verse is a talented player, but this change of scenery could adversely impact his development.

Winner: Browns GM for the 2027 Draft

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Andrew Berry, general manager of the Cleveland Browns

Cleveland is one of two teams with multiple 2027 first-round picks. The New York Jets are the other club.

If general manager Andrew Berry keeps his job after what could be a third consecutive losing season, he'll have the resources to rebuild the Browns' roster foundation.

Cleveland's pick could be a top-five selection. It acquired Los Angeles' first-rounder, which will likely be a late Day 1 selection, though the general manager can package it with an early second-rounder to make a move for a prospect.

Draft analysts have raved about the talent that could be in the 2027 draft pool. If the prospects meet the expectations of the hype, the Browns could get a franchise quarterback and another cornerstone player out of the next year's class.

Losers: Browns 2026 Season Ticket Holders

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

A Cleveland Browns fan dressed as a clown

Cleveland's faithful season ticket holders watched Garrett put together an unforgettable season. He rewrote the record books and established himself as an NFL great in a Browns uniform.

Months later, they have to come to terms with his departure. 

The Browns traded their best player only two months after telling Adam Schefter that they're "100 percent" not trading him.

As fans of other teams that traded star players know, a lot can change within a short period. Browns fans know this, but it still stings: one player who was elite on bad teams is gone now.

Other than the club's 2027 draft position, what can Browns fans look forward to in the 2026 season? The team's fourth-ranked total defense from the previous campaign will take a step back without Garrett.

Winner: Patriots WR A.J. Brown

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown

Over the past year, Brown grew frustrated with the Eagles offense, and rumors started to swirl about his tense relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The star receiver will reunite with a familiar face in Patriots lead skipper Mike Vrabel, who was his head coach between 2019 and 2022 with the Tennessee Titans.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Brown eyed New England as one of his "preferred destinations, in part  because of Vrabel."

Furthermore, Brown will head to a team with an experienced play-calling offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels, who's had success with the Patriots.

Brown had a new play-caller in all four of his seasons with the Eagles. He'll have some stability with McDaniels, a longtime Patriots offensive coordinator, entrenched at his position.

Loser: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts

Regardless of how anyone views Hurts' relationship with Brown after an offensively disjointed season, he lost his top receiver, which dings the passing game.

Despite all the criticism Hurts receives for his modest passing numbers, he tied for sixth in intended air yards per pass (9.0), which illustrates his attempts to push the ball downfield, and recorded a career-high 25 touchdown passes.

Although wideout DeVonta Smith can stretch the field, Brown's combination of size (6'1", 226 lbs) and speed made it tough for defenders to cover him on deep-ball throws. He's a more physically imposing playmaker than Smith, who's a slender 6'0", 170 pounds.

The Eagles could be heavily dependent on running back Saquon Barkley, while new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion gets a feel for a trio of new receivers: Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and rookie Makai Lemon.

Nonetheless, Hurts won't have that big-bodied bail-out target who can win battles for contested catches and shrug off defenders for additional yards in crucial moments. He'll miss Brown in those situations.

Winner: Patriots QB Drake Maye

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

Drake Maye came close to winning the 2025 league MVP award, finishing second to Matthew Stafford, throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season.

Maye can eclipse his 2025 passing yard and touchdown totals with a revamped receiver group led by Brown.

Last season, Maye built a strong rapport with Stefon Diggs, who had recovered from a torn ACL ahead of his age-32 term.

Brown is four years younger than Diggs and is more of a threat for big plays downfield. 

In 2024, Brown averaged 16.1 yards per catch as a go-to playmaker in experienced play-caller Kellen Moore's offense. Though his overall production dipped over the last two years, he could produce more explosive plays in McDaniels' system.

Expect to see Maye uncork more deep passes in the upcoming season with Brown on the receiving end of most of them.

Loser: Eagles OC Sean Mannion

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Eagles OC Sean Mannion

The Eagles' offensive coordinator position is a high-pressure job. Brian Johnson and Kevin Patullo only had one year calling plays before they were fired.

According to Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, and Ryan Novozinsky of the Philadelphia Inquirer, new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will bring elements from Sean McVay's and Kyle Shanahan's offense with an emphasis on short-to-intermediate passes.

While that type of system isn't built to showcase Brown's field-stretching ability, the Eagles will miss the attention he draws in the passing game.

Mannion will need immediate production out of new acquisitions [Hollywood] Brown, Wicks and Lemon. He must find ways to fill the void of a wideout who's racked up 1,000-plus receiving yards in four consecutive seasons.

Winner: Eagles WR DeVonta Smith

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith

Brown's departure elevates DeVonta Smith to the No. 1 spot on the Eagles' receiver depth chart.

Smith played second fiddle to Brown in target share over the last four years, though he outpaced his now-former teammate by five receiving yards last season.

As they did for Lemon this year, the Eagles traded up for Smith in the first round of the 2021 draft. 

As a top-10 pick in his class, Smith has the potential to be the go-to receiver in Philadelphia's offense. In his rookie year, he led the Eagles in targets by 28 over tight end Dallas Goedert, which may be the pass-catching pecking order in the upcoming season.

Also, Smith may finally get his first Pro Bowl nod in an offense that will allow him more catch-and-run opportunities.

Loser: Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte

With the addition of Romeo Doubs, who signed a four-year, $68 million deal, and Brown, there's limited room for Kayshon Boutte to build on a solid campaign.

In 2025, Boutte hauled in 33 passes for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. He started in 10 out of 14 games and played 67 percent of the offensive snaps.

Brown and Doubs will see most of the targets in the passing game. Tight end Hunter Henry has been a safety blanket for Maye. Counting his 2022 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Mack Hollins will play a third year in McDaniels' system. 

Entering a contract year, Boutte could struggle to carve out of a role in a crowded receiver room that also includes 2025 third-rounder Kyle Williams and slot wideout DeMario Douglas.

If Boutte wants to bolster his free-agent market value, he should push for a trade.

Player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.