Did the Browns Move Too Early on Myles Garrett Deal? GMs Raise Questions

While the Browns' trade of Myles Garrett rocked the NFL and was seen as a shocker to many, SportsBoom has been reporting for weeks that the rift between the future Hall of Fame pass rusher and team was massive, and that a trade between the spring and the trade deadline was looking increasingly likely.

In the end, it occurred immediately after June 1, the point at which Garrett’s reworked contract made it more palatable from a salary-cap standpoint, with the Rams dealing a first-round selection and young pass rusher Jared Verse in the package. 

Multiple NFL general managers indicated the Bills, Commanders and Eagles were among the other teams keeping tabs on Garrett, but the conversations with the Rams had been going on for weeks.

Those general managers said that the Browns, with Garrett already secured to a long-term deal at the time of the trade, and one that is at least somewhat team-friendly, were looking to outpace what the Cowboys got for Micah Parsons before last season, even though Garrett is further along in his career. 

And in the end, some GMs wondered if the Browns may have done better by stomaching Garrett’s absence longer and making a trade in-season.

Was The Return Up To Par?

One GM said, “I told you on Sunday it would take at least two ones, and that’s basically what it was. [Jared] Verse is worth more than a future one; he’s 25 and can help them this season. I think they did pretty well." 

Another GM said, “They were looking for more than two ones. I’m surprised they didn’t hold him until the trade deadline. He was going to have to show up with the contract. I think they could have done better making the move then if they weren’t having a good season.”

With a rookie head coach in place, Todd Monken, Garrett’s absence was becoming an issue, and even though he agreed to a new deal a year ago after issuing a public trade demand, he clearly was not happy with the direction of the long-suffering franchise and wanted to get to a contender.

Now he gets the best of both worlds with the deal secured from the Browns and the chance to join the team with the best odds of winning the Super Bowl.