NFL Coach Says Myles Garrett Trade 'Isn't as Big' as Rams' Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson Additions

One NFL coach believes the Los Angeles Rams' additions of former Kansas City Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson will have a bigger impact on their defense than the team's trade for ex-Cleveland Browns superstar edge-rusher Myles Garrett, per comments made to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

"The (Garrett) trade isn't as big as the McDuffie trade and the signing of Watson," a coach said. "Those additions will impact their defensive unit more than Myles."

That's an interesting take considering Garrett, the reigning Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, just had an NFL-record 23.0 sacks last season. The 30-year-old is a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro who has amassed 125.5 sacks and 239 quarterback hits in his career.

To the coach's point, though, the Rams had some room for improvement in the pass defense (Howe notably called it their "greatest vulnerability"). L.A. did finish a respectable 12th in fewest yards per pass attempt allowed (5.8 YPA).

L.A.'s pass-rush is also sound as is. The Rams tied for seventh in the league with 47 sacks last year. Granted, seven-and-a-half of those were via Rams defensive end Jared Verse, who is now a Brown after being sent to L.A. in the Garrett trade. But Garrett is now aboard to help an already solid pass-rushing unit, which could be elite this year.

McDuffie and Watson are stepping in as the team's starting cornerbacks now. McDuffie was first-team All-Pro in 2023 and second-team All-Pro in 2024. Watson became a full-time starter in 2025 and impressed with 64 tackles and six pass breakups. He finished 17th among all cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus grades and sixth in run defense.

L.A. is going all-in on a Super Bowl this year, when the Big Game will be held in its home of SoFi Stadium. The Rams are coming off a 12-5 season that ended with an NFC Championship Game loss, so this team is clearly capable of a deep championship run given that it's returning much of its core and making key additions otherwise.