Myles Garrett Trade Sends Shockwaves Through Browns Defense

Myles Garrett's blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Rams on the 2024 offseason reshapes the Cleveland Browns' defensive outlook, sparking debate about whether the team can stay top-10 without its Hall of Fame pass rusher.

What happened?

The Browns shipped future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett to the Rams in a deal that stunned fans and analysts alike. Garrett left after posting 23 sacks in the 2025 season, a career-high that helped Cleveland allow just 22.3 points per game. In his place, the defense now leans on young edge-rusher Jared Verse, interior lineman Carson Schwesinger and cornerback Denzel Ward.

Why it matters for Myles Garrett

Garrett’s departure removes the centerpiece of a unit that ranked among the league’s best last year. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report warned that without Garrett’s 23-sack production, the Browns could see a "defensive freefall" if the pass rush stalls. Verse, who recorded 12 sacks over two seasons, will inherit the pressure to match Garrett’s impact, but he insists he’s building his own legacy, not filling shoes.

How the Browns might respond

Davenport notes that the Browns still boast two former Defensive Rookies of the Year-Verse and Schwesinger-plus five-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward. Those pieces give Cleveland a realistic shot at a top-10 defense in 2026, but the transition to a new scheme could expose weaknesses. If the pass rush dips, Ward’s secondary will face more targets, potentially raising the points-allowed tally.

What comes next?

The upcoming season will test whether Cleveland can maintain its defensive standards without Garrett’s 125.5 career sacks and seven Pro Bowl selections. Fans will watch closely to see if the points-per-game figure climbs above 22.3 or drops, a clear barometer of the trade’s fallout. Meanwhile, Garrett joins a Rams defense eager to capitalize on his elite talent, setting up a new rivalry for the AFC North.

How the league views the move

Analysts across the NFL see the trade as a bold gamble for both clubs. The Rams gain a proven edge-rusher who can immediately boost their sack totals, while the Browns gamble on youth and depth. The next few months will reveal whether Cleveland’s rebuild pays off or if the loss of Garrett proves too costly for a franchise that went 54-79-1 during his tenure.

Bottom line

Myles Garrett’s trade reshapes the defensive landscape for two teams, with the Browns facing a pivotal season to prove they can thrive without their star defender. The outcome will hinge on how quickly Verse, Schwesinger and Ward adapt to new roles and whether the Rams can translate Garrett’s talent into wins.