Rams land Myles Garrett in trade, shift to Super Bowl favorites

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A Super Bowl Pursuit at SoFi Stadium

With Super Bowl LXI slated for SoFi Stadium, the Rams have doubled down on their championship-or-bust philosophy. General manager Les Snead—who previously orchestrated aggressive trades for stars like Jalen Ramsey and Von Miller—has once again prioritized immediate impact over long-term draft capital. By bringing in the 30-year-old Garrett, the Rams add a defensive cornerstone who recorded a league-high 23 sacks last season. The move has already rippled through the betting markets. According to NBC Sports, the Rams shifted from +850 to +600 favorites to win the Super Bowl following the trade. They are now clear frontrunners to claim the NFC Championship, with their odds improving from +425 to +300. The franchise has consistently demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice future draft assets to maximize the prime years of their current roster, a strategy that previously yielded a Super Bowl title.

Cleveland’s Pivot to a Full-Scale Rebuild

For the Browns, the departure of their defensive centerpiece marks a sobering admission that their post-2022 strategy has failed to produce a sustainable contender. Despite publicly insisting all offseason that they would not move the face of their franchise, the front office faced the reality of a roster lacking depth and a clear direction at the quarterback position. NFL.com reports that the team’s decision to modify Garrett’s option bonus earlier this year served as a quiet signal that a departure was possible. By waiting until after the June 1 deadline to execute the trade, the Browns managed to spread the $41 million in dead money across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, rather than absorbing the full financial hit immediately. This cap management strategy clears $15.53 million in 2026 and $25.56 million in 2027, providing the organization with necessary flexibility as they evaluate a quarterback room currently featuring Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

The Arrival of Jared Verse in Cleveland

Cleveland’s primary return in the deal is 25-year-old Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Browns general manager Andrew Berry emphasized that the acquisition of Verse provides the team with a younger, high-upside player whose career trajectory better aligns with the franchise’s current rebuilding timeline. “Chief among the considerations to make the decision was the inclusion of Jared Verse — a player our fan base will love,” Berry said. “At 25 years old with two Pro Bowls and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award under his belt, we receive a young, elite player at a premium position who will only continue to improve in his third NFL season. Jared’s passion and relentless style of play will be embraced by our fans. He will fit right in with the established identity of our defense.”Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns General Manager Verse, who recorded 7½ sacks last season, carries a salary-cap hit of $2.2 million for the upcoming year. While he is viewed as a foundational piece for the Browns’ defense, he steps into a locker room that is clearly transitioning away from the veteran-heavy approach of previous years.

Financial Stakes and Roster Implications

The financial logistics of the trade highlight the contrasting realities of the two franchises. Myles Garrett is scheduled to earn $31.5 million this season, a significant expenditure that the Rams are betting will be the difference-maker in their quest to host the Lombardi Trophy at home. The Rams are no strangers to such investments; earlier this year, they traded for cornerback Trent McDuffie and subsequently signed him to a record-setting extension. The transition for Verse was marked by a public exchange of gratitude between the player and his former team. “Thank you for everything LA,” Verse posted on Instagram.Jared Verse, NFL player The Rams responded via social media, stating, “Thank you, Jared! Best of luck in Cleveland,” acknowledging the impact the young edge rusher had during his tenure in Los Angeles. As the NFL moves toward the regular season, the spotlight now shifts to how these two teams will perform under their new configurations. The Browns face the difficult task of revitalizing an offense that struggled last year, while the Rams have officially placed themselves on a path where anything less than a Super Bowl appearance will likely be viewed as a disappointment.