.jpg)
50 minutes ago
3
The Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett trade has put their plans to shame over the last two seasons. The franchise has agreed to send Garrett, whom they handed a record-setting contract extension last offseason, to the Los Angeles Rams, in exchange for pass-rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 draft pick and an additional draft pick.
This means the Browns were all wrong about their championship window. The disappointing seasons, quarterback instability and mounting roster concerns made one thing clear. They were far off from contending and they are only realizing it now.
Over the last two seasons, the Browns used their resources on veteran talent, hoping the two-time Defensive Player of the Year could anchor a Super Bowl run. But the reality was hard to ignore. They missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The disappointing results were just on the surface. Behind the scenes, they made some moves in the draft, drafting two premier quarterbacks (Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders) last year. Now they seem worthless, or at least are nothing more than bridge quarterbacks until the franchise finds the right signal-caller.
Despite Sanders showing promise in the last few games for the Browns, the franchise is likely to turn to veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson, who missed the entire last season while recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon, for the 2026 season. So Sanders/Gabriel might also ask for a trade, assuming they believe other franchises would be interested after their minimal showing.
By trading away Garrett, the Browns have realized that they don't have a good enough roster for a deep run. Better late than never, the Browns, though, did one thing right in this trade.
MORE: Grading the Myles Garrett blockbuster deal from Browns to Rams
Browns did well to get Jared Verse atleast
The one good thing coming out of this trade is Jared Verse. The Browns might have acquired a defensive star who can rise for them in the next decade. He is still on a rookie contract and will need to be extended. However, his development timeline fits right in with the Browns' ability to start competing for the Super Bowl.
While the Browns could spin this Myles Garrett trade as roster management, cap planning, or long-term stability. But actually, it is more telling. You don't trade a defensive stalwart in the middle of his prime unless you no longer believe the current plan is working.
So in a way, this move was about the Browns coming to their senses.
English (US)