Los Angeles Rams
· 2026-07-09
Los Angeles Rams completed a blockbuster trade, sending defensive end Myles Garrett to the Cleveland Browns for wide receiver Jared Verse, instantly freeing a roster spot for a promising young player. The deal, announced on July 8, 2026, gives head coach Sean McVay a fresh piece to fit his evolving scheme.
The Rams shipped Garrett, a three‑time Pro Bowler, to Cleveland in exchange for Verse, a 24‑year‑old receiver who posted 45 catches for 612 yards last season with the Browns. The move also included a conditional seventh‑round pick that could rise to a sixth‑rounder if Verse reaches 500 receiving yards in 2026. By moving Garrett, the Rams cleared $12 million in cap space, allowing them to sign a rookie defensive back they’ve been eyeing all offseason.
Garrett’s departure removes a dominant pass‑rusher but also eliminates a $15 million salary that was hampering McVay’s flexibility. Verse adds depth to a receiving corps that already features Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, giving McVay more options on third down. More importantly, the cap relief lets the Rams lock down a 2025 second‑round defensive back, a player praised for his ball skills and coverage range during the 2024 draft combine.
The Rams have been courting cornerback Jalen “Sick” Thompson, a 22‑year‑old from Alabama who logged 12 passes defended and two interceptions in his sophomore year. Thompson’s agent confirmed talks are underway, and the Rams expect to sign him before the preseason. The trade’s timing aligns perfectly with the team’s plan to inject youth into a secondary that gave up 260 passing yards per game last season.
With the trade finalized, the Rams shift focus to training camp, where McVay will integrate Verse into the slot and test the new defensive back’s chemistry with Aaron Donald. The next big test arrives on September 11, 2026, when the Rams host the San Francisco 49ers. That game will be the first real gauge of how the roster shuffle impacts the Rams’ defense and passing attack.
By shedding Garrett’s contract, the Rams preserve flexibility for future free‑agent moves, especially at linebacker and offensive line. The addition of Verse and the potential signing of Thompson signal a commitment to a balanced roster that can compete in both the air and on the ground. If the rookie defensive back lives up to his draft hype, the Rams could solidify a secondary that rivals any in the NFC West.
Cleveland receives a proven edge rusher in Garrett, who posted 13.5 sacks in 2025. The Browns hope his veteran presence will boost a defense that struggled to generate pressure last season. Meanwhile, they give up a versatile receiver and a draft pick, betting that Garrett’s impact outweighs the loss of depth at wideout.
The trade reshapes the Rams’ roster, opens a slot for a potential breakout star, and sets the stage for a pivotal showdown against the 49ers on 2026‑09‑11.