The Cleveland Browns shocked the NFL world on June 1, 2026, by trading away one of the greatest players in franchise history.
After nine seasons in Cleveland, former No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett is headed to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster deal that signals a major shift in the Browns’ organizational direction. In return, Cleveland acquires former Defensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Verse, along with a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick.
For many Browns fans, the move feels painful. Garrett wasn’t just Cleveland’s best player—he was the face of the franchise and one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation.
His résumé speaks for itself:
- 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2023, 2025)
- 5× First-Team All-Pro (2020, 2021, 2023-2025)
- 2× Second-Team All-Pro (2018, 2022)
- 7× Pro Bowl selection
- 2025 Deacon Jones Award winner
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
- NFL single-season sack record holder with 23 sacks
Career statistics through 2026:
- 412 total tackles
- 125.5 sacks
- 23 forced fumbles
- 6 fumble recoveries
- 18 pass deflections
- 1 defensive touchdown
Garrett leaves Cleveland as arguably the greatest defensive player in franchise history. Yet despite all of his individual success, the Browns managed just one playoff victory during his tenure.
That reality may have ultimately influenced both sides.
Garrett held a no-trade clause in his contract and reportedly wanted an opportunity to compete for a championship immediately. The Browns, meanwhile, appear to have acknowledged a difficult truth: their current roster was not built to contend for a Super Bowl right now.
Instead of holding onto a superstar nearing his 31st birthday, Cleveland chose to invest in the future.
And that future suddenly looks very young and very intriguing.
The Browns now have a developing core that includes:
- Jared Verse
- Mason Graham
- Quinshon Judkins
- Harold Fannin Jr.
- Carson Schwesinger
- KC Concepcion
- Spencer Fano
- Denzel Boston
- Shedeur Sanders
The biggest question facing the franchise remains under center.
Are the Browns positioning themselves to find their franchise quarterback in the loaded 2027 NFL Draft? Or are they betting that Shedeur Sanders can become that player?
After sliding to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders enters his second season with significantly more talent around him. An improved offensive line, additional playmakers, and a young roster growing together could provide the perfect opportunity for him to prove the rest of the league made a mistake by passing on him.
If Sanders develops into a reliable starting quarterback, the outlook for Cleveland changes dramatically.
That’s what makes this trade so fascinating.
This isn’t simply a team giving up on its best player. It’s a franchise choosing a new timeline.
The Browns are collecting draft capital, getting younger at a premium position, and building toward what they hope will be a sustainable winner. With a new stadium scheduled to open in 2029, the organization appears focused on creating a roster that can peak over the next several years rather than chase short-term success.
Will Browns fans miss Myles Garrett? Absolutely.
Will many criticize this trade? Without question.
But history often judges blockbuster deals differently than fans do in the moment. If Jared Verse becomes a cornerstone defender, if those draft picks turn into impact players, and if Shedeur Sanders develops into the quarterback Cleveland has been searching for, this trade could eventually be remembered as the move that changed the trajectory of the franchise.
For now, one thing is certain:
The Myles Garrett era is over.
The next chapter of Cleveland Browns football has officially begun.
Story by Ian Cunningham
X account iancle1
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