Myles Garrett is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his explosive power, incredible speed, and unmatched athleticism, Garrett has become the cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ defense. Since entering the league, he has consistently proven why he was the number one overall pick and remains one of the most feared pass rushers in football.
The Cleveland Browns traded star edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for linebacker Jared Verse and three draft picks in a blockbuster deal on Monday.
Garrett, 30, is a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Since the Browns selected him with the No 1 pick in the 2017 draft, he has emerged as one of the league’s best defensive players. He has the most sacks (125.5), pressures (413) and tackles for loss (149) of any player in that span. In 2025, he set the single-season sacks record with 23.
Garrett had requested a trade from the Browns in 2024 after they slumped to a 3-14 record, saying he wanted to play for a team with a realistic shot at a championship. A month later, he signed a four-year, $160m extension with the Browns that at the time made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. That deal pays an average annual salary of $40m, $122.8m in guaranteed money and has a total value of $204.8m.
The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight year, with Garrett the lone player to earn All-Pro recognition. Kevin Stefanski was fired as coach in January and replaced by former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
- The Browns shocked the NFL world Monday by trading the team’s best player.
- Driving the news: Cleveland is sending Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for defensive end Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.
- By the numbers: Garrett is the Browns’ all-time sack leader, a five-time first-team All-Pro selection and a seven-time Pro Bowler.
- He broke the league’s single-season sack record last season en route to his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
- Flashback: Garrett previously asked for a trade last offseason but signed a four-year contract extension with Cleveland in March 2025.
- The 30-year-old appeared to be untradable until Browns general manager Andrew Berry confirmed the team was negotiating a trade early Monday afternoon.
- What they’re saying: “We, and more importantly, our fans, have grown up with Myles, and he’s an enormous source of pride for our team,” Berry said in a statement after the trade was announced.
- “However, as we embark on a new era of Browns football with a young core and a replenished asset base, we felt this move was important to our transition.”
- 💭 Troy’s thought bubble: The Browns are in rebuild mode and trading Garrett for Verse — the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year — and draft picks was the right move.
- The Browns have the draft capital to move up in the 2027 NFL Draft, if needed, and select a highly touted quarterback like Texas’ Arch Manning or Oregon’s Dante Moore.
- The other side: Even if you’re OK with trading Garrett, you may question the compensation.
- Last year, the Dallas Cowboys traded pass rusher Micah Parsons for a Pro Bowl player (Kenny Clark) and two first-round picks.
- In March, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to send two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders for pass-rusher Maxx Crosby in a trade that was later nixed over medical concerns.
- Yes, but: Both Parsons (27) and Crosby (28) are younger than Garrett (30), while Verse was a first-round pick just two years ago.
- The bottom line: The success of this trade will depend on Verse’s performance and Cleveland’s ability to turn its draft picks into a franchise-altering quarterback.
Early Life and College Career
Myles Lorenz Garrett was born on December 29, 1995, in Arlington, Texas. From a young age, he showed exceptional athletic ability, excelling in multiple sports including football, basketball, and track. However, it was football where he truly stood out.
Garrett attended Texas A&M University, where he quickly made a name for himself as a defensive powerhouse. During his college career, he broke several records and became one of the most dominant defensive ends in college football history. His combination of size, speed, and technique made him nearly unstoppable, attracting national attention.
NFL Career and Achievements
Myles Garrett was selected as the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Since then, he has transformed the Browns’ defense into one of the most competitive units in the league.
Key Achievements:
- Multiple Pro Bowl selections
- First-Team All-Pro honors
- Consistently ranked among league leaders in sacks
- Known for game-changing plays and defensive dominance
Garrett’s ability to disrupt offenses, sack quarterbacks, and force turnovers has made him one of the most valuable defensive players in the NFL. Myles Garrett
Playing Style and Strengths
Myles Garrett’s playing style is defined by a rare combination of physical and mental attributes:
- Explosive Speed: Quick off the line, making it difficult for offensive linemen to react
- Elite Strength: Can overpower blockers with ease
- Technical Skills: Uses advanced pass-rushing moves
- Football IQ: Reads plays effectively and anticipates quarterback decisions
His versatility allows him to dominate in both pass-rushing and run defense, making him a complete defensive player.
Impact on the Cleveland Browns
Garrett has been instrumental in the Cleveland Browns’ resurgence in recent years. His leadership and performance have helped the team become more competitive in the highly challenging AFC North division. He is not only a defensive leader but also a motivational figure for the entire squad.
Off-the-Field Personality
Beyond football, Myles Garrett is known for his unique personality and interests. He enjoys poetry, art, and even dinosaur studies, showcasing a creative and intellectual side that sets him apart from many athletes. His well-rounded character has made him a fan favorite both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Myles Garrett’s move to the Rams is more than just a transfer—it’s a league-defining moment. With his elite pass-rushing ability, the Rams now have one of the most dangerous defenses in the NFL.
Myles Garrett is more than just a football player—he is a game-changer, a leader, and one of the most talented defensive athletes of his generation. With his continued dedication and performance, he is on track to become one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Whether it’s his dominance on the field or his personality off it, Garrett remains a true icon in modern football.