Myles Garrett Joins Rams, Aiming to Leave His Mark in Los Angeles

Defensive end Myles Garrett, newly acquired by the Los Angeles Rams, stood alongside general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay during his introductory press conference on Tuesday at the team's training facility in Woodland Hills. The five-time All-Pro had spent nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns but never experienced a Super Bowl run until recently, when the Rams traded edge rusher Jared Verse, a first-round draft pick, and two additional future picks to bring Garrett to Los Angeles.

During the press conference, Garrett expressed his admiration for the Rams, citing their talent and the influence of Coach McVay. “They love playing the game for this guy,” Garrett remarked, emphasizing the importance of McVay's leadership. Having led the league with a record 23 sacks last season, Garrett joins a team viewed as a strong contender for Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium.

Garrett, who has fond memories of studying the legendary "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line from the 1960s and 70s, is eager to establish his legacy alongside other Rams greats, including Aaron Donald. “I still have plenty of great years in front of me, and being able to cement that legacy... is definitely pressed in my mind,” he noted, highlighting his desire for immediate success.

According to Snead, discussions about acquiring Garrett began back in March after the Browns' management hinted at a potential contract adjustment. The negotiations intensified after the NFL draft, and while initially resistant to parting with Verse, the Rams ultimately decided the trade was too significant to pass up. “These things don’t come up often,” McVay stated, acknowledging the challenge of letting go of a promising rookie like Verse.

Garrett, who waived a no-trade clause to join the Rams, noted his affection for Cleveland but recognized the opportunity for an “immediate and profound impact” in Los Angeles. He emphasized that he does not feel pressured to change who he is. “As long as I’m myself and come here to work every day, and I’m a leader, success will follow,” he said. With the Rams coming off an NFC championship appearance last season, Garrett is optimistic about contributing to a team poised for playoff success.