Browns trading 2-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to Rams, AP sources say

This photo combination shows Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, left, in Cincinnati, Jan. 4, 2026, and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse, Jan. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/David Dermer, Mark J. Terrill)

2026-06-01T18:01:59Z

The Cleveland Browns are trading two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster deal, three people briefed on the move told The Associated Press on Monday.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized.

The Browns will acquire pass rusher and linebacker Jared Verse — the 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year — a 2027 first-round selection and other draft picks that are still being worked out.

Garrett has not been seen at the team facility during offseason workouts. Head coach Todd Monken said two weeks ago he had not had a face-to-face meeting with Garrett since being hired in late January. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg said last week he had some conversations with Garrett over the phone.

Garrett was the unanimous choice for Defensive Player of the year last season after he recorded 23 sacks and broke the NFL single-season record. However, Garrett has been frustrated with the Browns’ direction over the past couple seasons. Cleveland is 8-26 the past two years after making the playoffs in 2023.

Garrett demanded a trade at the end of the 2024 season, but signed a four-year contract extension last March with a total value of $204.8 million that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

However, Garrett’s frustration with the team’s direction remained at an all-time high. In March, the Browns and Garrett agreed to modify the contract and defer option payments over the 2026-28 seasons. The first payment of around $10 million was due on May 28, but was moved to near the start of the regular season.

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AP Pro Football writer Rob Maaddi also contributed to this story.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

JOE REEDY Reedy is a sports writer based in Cleveland covering Ohio for The Associated Press. He has worked for the AP since 2015 with previous stops in Los Angeles and Tallahassee, Florida. twitter mailto GREG BEACHAM Beacham is a sports writer in California.