Sportsnaut
Could the Los Angeles Rams be gearing up for a blockbuster trade that gets them star pass rusher Myles Garrett? Probably not, but there is some interesting evidence that points to the possibility before the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline.
After the Cleveland Browns gave superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett a four-year extension worth $160 million earlier this year, it seemed likely that the six-time Pro Bowler would finish his career in Cleveland despite a rumored trade request in the summer. Then Week 8 happened.
On Sunday, Garrett had a game of a lifetime as he posted five sacks against the New England Patriots. However, it meant nothing as the Browns were blown 32-13. Garrett was seen enraged on the sidelines late in the game, and speculation grew louder that he could push for an exit like he reportedly did earlier this year.
However, many around the league believe his massive contract would make a trade very difficult. Yet, according to ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano, that may not necessarily be the case. With many teams willing to take on large sums of dead money just to get rid of certain players, the Browns doing the same to get a huge return in a trade for Garrett is a sensible decision.
With Cleveland being a mess right now, they need a lot of help to become a consistently competitive team. They have two first-round picks in next year’s NFL Draft. But the league insider believes getting two more from another team so they could have four in a year with a strong QB class would appeal to the Browns.
“Cleveland would be looking at the possibility of having four first-round selections in the 2026 draft,” Graziano writes. “The Browns would be able to completely control Round 1 and come out of it with whichever quarterback they wanted. The acquiring team would have to pay Garrett a fairly reasonable $31.5 million in fully guaranteed money in 2026 and about $30.5 million in 2027.”
In his speculation about potential landing spots, the NFL insider specifically named two teams that could meet the Browns’ demand of two first-round picks. Those being the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams. It doesn’t mean a deal is coming, and Browns sources claimed this week there is “no chance” Garrett is traded, but LA does match up for a hypothetical trade.
Adding to the outside chance of a blockbuster trade was an interesting comment this week from head coach Sean McVay. He admitted that they aren’t actively looking to make a deal, but also left the door wide open specifically for a “significant upgrade.”
“It hasn’t been something that we’ve really talked about, but I certainly would never rule that out,” McVay said.
