The Cleveland Browns moved on from a franchise cornerstone when trading defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. However, Cleveland received a large haul in return, gaining EDGE Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.
Despite that, moving on from Garrett wasn't an easy decision. Since being selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, he has been dominant. With seven Pro Bowls and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, Garrett has been a steady presence for the struggling franchise.
However, it's a move many found necessary to help the team's future. That includes former Browns offensive tackle and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas. During an appearance on "The Insiders," the 10-time Pro Bowler shared his take on the trade.
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“It puts us in a much better position for the next two, three, four years as we’re in this building phase,” Thomas said. “As you step away from the emotion of losing Myles, you realize, like, this puts the team in a much better situation moving forward, and it was the right decision even though it hurt.
Between the 2027 and 2028 NFL Drafts, Cleveland now has six picks within the first two rounds. There's no doubt that Garrett made the Browns a better team, but they made the playoffs just twice during his nine years with the team.
With the ability to now load up on top-tier talent in the draft, the Browns are seeking more consistency. Securing Verse, who is just 25 years old and was the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, also gives them youth at a critical spot.
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Moving on from Garrett certainly stings. He leaves Cleveland as the franchise's all-time leader in sacks (125.5), tackles for loss (149), and forced fumbles (23). However, as Thomas noted, what the Browns received in return may have more of an impact in the long run.
