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Rams Admit Tough Decision Behind the Myles Garrett Trade
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams made a blockbuster move on Monday, acquiring defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns . In exchange, they sent away a 2027 first-rounder, 2028 second-rounder, a 2029 third-rounder and EDGE Jared Verse.

It's a great deal of capital to lose, but the Rams received an immediate impact player. Last season, Garrett was named the Defensive Player of the Year, recording 60 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 23 sacks and 53 pressures.

He joins a defensive unit that last year ranked 10th in points allowed per game (20.4) and 17th in total yards allowed per game (327.5).

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

However, there was one piece of the trade that Los Angeles wishes had stayed with the team. During an appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show," Rams general manager Les Snead admitted they didn't want to lose Verse.

“We tried, we did not want to lose Jared Verse… He’s one of the few first-rounders we’ve drafted over the last decade,” Snead said. “I believe he’s exceeded that 19th pick, you know, in kind of what he’s done on the field. He’s been a big part of what we’ve been able to accomplish the last three years. So we did not want to trade Jared Verse, but in the end, that’s what it took.”

Since 2017, Verse has been one of just two first-round picks Snead has selected, alongside quarterback Ty Simpson (2026). The former Florida State Seminole made a strong impact during his two years with the team, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year Honors and two Pro Bowl selections.

With Los Angeles, he appeared in 34 games and made 33 starts. The 25-year-old has accumulated 124 tackles, 12 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 45 quarterback hits, 69 pressures and five forced fumbles.

However, this trade reinforced a win-now approach for the Rams after losing in the NFC Championship Game last season. While keeping Verse in Los Angeles was a goal, a deal may not have been agreed to without him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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