New NFL Rumors Reveal Surprise Suitor for Myles Garrett Trade Before Rams' Blockbuster Deal

The Los Angeles Rams reportedly weren't the only team negotiating with the Cleveland Browns the day the team traded Myles Garrett.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday on his Substack the Buffalo Bills reached out to Browns June 1, the day Garrett's trade to the Rams was first reported.

The Bills "had checked in periodically on Garrett's availability for the better part of two years" prior to that final call, according to Pelissero.

Buffalo ultimately fell short of being able to match the Rams, which offered three draft picks including a 2027 first-rounder alongside linebacker Jared Verse.

The Bills didn't get to the point of discussing that level of draft compensation and would have been unable to put a young edge rusher like Verse on the table, according to Pelissero.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported at the time the Browns were "adamant" about not trading Garrett until the Rams shifted their offer to include Verse and different draft capital.

The fact that Verse was still on a rookie contract with a club option taking the deal through 2028 was "pivotal" to the deal, according to Pelissero.

The Bills have spent the summer making smaller moves at edge rusher following the departure and potential retirement of Joey Bosa.

The franchise signed outside linebacker Bradley Chubb earlier this offseason following his release by the Miami Dolphins.

Buffalo traded out of the first round of the 2026 draft but still used their top pick to add another edge rusher in Clemson's T.J. Parker.

These players will be joining a 3-4 base scheme installed by new coordinator JIm Leonhard, who BuffaloBills.com's Alec White reported is shifting his defensive ends further inside the defensive line.

Players formerly listed as defensive ends or edge rushers like Chubb, Parker and Greg Rousseau will now be reclassified to outside linebackers who can function as edge rushers, according to White.

Leonhard will hope those changes can help improve what has been a weakness for a franchise ranked 27th in the NFL in ESPN's pass rush win rate last season.

The Bills will next be forced to take on Garrett as an opponent when traveling to California to play the Rams in a Week 5 road matchup Oct. 12.

The Rams' pass rush could look even more intimidating by then if Aaron Donald, who is coming out of retirement to join his former team but won't be available in Week 1, is ready to see his first NFL action since 2023.