Everything Browns' Andrew Berry Said About Myles Garrett Trade to Rams After NFL Blockbuster

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry publicly addressed the decision to trade Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for a package that brought back Jared Verse and three draft picks in a blockbuster deal on Monday.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Berry explained there was no trade request from Garrett that led to the deal.

Instead, it was the Rams' decision to include Verse in the trade package that pushed Berry to change his mind and deal the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

The full trade has Garrett going to Los Angeles in exchange for Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.

It's been a whirlwind 15 months for Garrett and the Browns. He entered last offseason requesting a trade from the team, only to sign a four-year, $160 million extension one month later.

Garrett's performance in 2025 proved he was worth that investment. He finished with an NFL single-season record 23 sacks to win Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in his career.

Despite the individual success from Garrett, the Browns finished 5-12 and missed the playoffs for the seventh time in nine seasons since he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2017.

With no obvious immediate path to contention in 2026, barring a huge step forward from Shedeur Sanders or a return to past form by Deshaun Watson, the Browns were likely looking at another year of sitting in the AFC North cellar as Garrett racked up absurd stats.

Now, the Browns have at least set themselves up for a potentially intriguing long-term future. Verse isn't at Garrett's level as a defender because no one in the NFL is right now, but he's been a terrific player through his first two seasons with the Rams. He is also five years younger than Garrett.

In addition to acquiring Verse to be the anchor of their defense going forward, the Browns now have two first-round picks in the 2027 draft that is regarded as being very strong overall.

The quarterback class, in particular, looks extremely promising with Arch Manning entering the year as the favorite to go No. 1. Even if the Browns don't finish with the worst record, players like Dante Moore, Darian Mensah and LaNorris Sellers could be options.

Having a second first-round pick also allows the Browns to build a trade package if they want to move up for a player.

In a vacuum, trading arguably the best defensive player of this generation isn't a great piece of business. When you factor in where the Browns' roster is at and Garrett's age, it's hard to argue they didn't set themselves up well to at least have some hope for the future.

Browns fans have been sold hope for decades at this point that it's easy to be skeptical things will work in their favor, but the process for Berry and his staff in this case is sound.