Myles Garrett is no longer a member of the Cleveland Browns. In one of the more shocking trades in recent NFL memory, Garrett — a two-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner — was shipped to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Verse and multiple draft picks.
It was a franchise-altering trade, one that could shape Browns general manager Andrew Berry’s tenure with the club.
Because of that, Berry faced the media Tuesday, explaining what went into making the deal and why he ultimately pulled the trigger on sending Garrett to another NFL franchise.
In his opening remarks, Berry admitted the trade was not something he envisioned would happen this offseason. He then explained that the Browns eventually felt the return checked a lot of boxes, leading to Berry agreeing to the deal.
“There are moments, particularly in my job, where opportunities come up that, quite honestly, are unexpected. And they force you to stop and re-evaluate and look at and say, ‘Hey, is this something that could be really beneficial to the team.’ And that was the case in this instance.”
Berry then explained exactly what the Browns were looking for in a Garrett trade, saying the Rams met those needs.
“I always told myself that if we were ever in a position where we were going to trade Myles, three things would have to be true.
“No. 1, it would have to have short and long-term benefits. No. 2, as part of the trade, a young, cost-controlled star at a premier position would have to be included. And the third piece is that there would have to be premium draft capital. “
With the trade, the Browns got both younger and cheaper, checking off that first box. Verse — the former Defensive Rookie of the Year — checked off that second box. And the team’s acquisition of multiple draft picks, including a first-round pick, checked the final box. For those reasons, the Browns decided it was the right time to trade Garrett.
Throughout his statement, Berry made sure to stress that the trade “wasn’t something we had anticipated.” He also made it clear that he and the organization harbors no ill will toward Garrett, saying the Browns will welcome him back when his career is over. Ultimately, Berry concluded that the Browns were “excited about this transaction.”
Those are strong words from someone who just traded away one of the best — if not the best — defensive player of the current era. While it was a bold move, it could work out for Cleveland, though. Verse is an excellent young player and the cap savings and draft picks could boost the Browns ahead in the years to come.
Of course, that’s dependent on Garrett falling off some over the next few years of his deal. While he’s already 30, there’s nothing in his game to suggest Garrett is about to experience rapid decline.
Even if that does happen sooner than expected, the Rams might not care. Los Angeles made the trade as a clear win-now move, as quarterback Matthew Stafford likely won’t play much longer. If Garrett can deliver a Super Bowl to the team in the short-term, whatever happens in the long-term with Garrett’s performance and contract won’t really matter.