Lamar Jackson has hilarious reaction to Browns trading Myles Garrett

On paper, the Cleveland Browns made their defense worse for at least the 2026 NFL season when they sent two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a trade that involved Cleveland receiving pass-rusher Jared Verse.

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson commented on no longer having to see Garrett twice per season as a division foe. 

Lamar Jackson celebrated Browns trading Myles Garrett to Rams

"I was like, 'Yes! I don't have to see him!'" Jackson said about Garrett, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "But then we also have to deal with [Verse], and he's good, too. Shout out to Myles. Congratulations on that. But yes, that's awesome."

Garrett is coming off a campaign in which he set a new single-season sacks record (23), and the 30-year-old is widely viewed as the league's most dominant defensive player. That said, Jackson likely was wise not to give Verse any bulletin-board material ahead of the NFL's summer break. 

After all, Verse earned Defensive Rookie of the Year Award honors for the 2024 campaign. Across his first 34 career regular-season games, he tallied 12 sacks. 

Lamar Jackson comments on new Ravens offense

In February, new Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle made it known that he and first-year head coach Jesse Minter expected Jackson and others to participate in voluntary workouts this spring. According to Hensley, Jackson "has been at more voluntary workouts than previous years because he wants to learn the new system and terminology." 

The two-time MVP seems to be a fan of what Doyle is installing. 

"I feel like there's going to be a lot of explosiveness this year," Jackson said about the new-look Baltimore offense. "The way Declan calls plays and his creativity with his mind -- how detailed he is -- it's mind-blowing."

How Jackson feels about Doyle and Minter could help determine whether or not the 29-year-old signs a contract extension this summer. Jackson's existing deal prevents Baltimore from using the franchise tag to retain his rights after the 2027 season or trading him without his consent. 

"I like the coaching," Jackson added. "I want to be detailed, as well, [and] keep the defense honest. So, when we're doing everything right -- the little things right -- the defense doesn't know what we're doing [or] what we're capable of on offense on any given play. With the type of coaching that Declan is bringing, that I believe he's bringing, the sky's the limit."