Myles Garrett's Departure Marks New Chapter for Browns Amid Ongoing Struggles

CLEVELAND (AP) — Myles Garrett's tenure with the Cleveland Browns has come to an end after nine seasons as he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday. This move follows Garrett's signing of a historic four-year contract extension worth $204.8 million, which included $122.8 million guaranteed, just over a year ago. Despite the financial security, Garrett expressed that success on the field was his priority, noting, “If it’s about the money, then I can just pack it in and not go out there and give my best effort.”

The Browns acquired pass rusher Jared Verse and three draft picks in exchange for Garrett, a two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. General manager Andrew Berry had previously stated his intention for Garrett to remain a lifelong member of the team and potentially enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Brown. However, ongoing quarterback issues and organizational challenges, including a controversial trade for Deshaun Watson, have hindered the team's progress.

Reflecting on Garrett's departure, Berry said, “We were sincere in that desire as we entered this offseason and did not envision a world where Myles was not a Cleveland Brown.” The decision to trade Garrett came after negotiations modified his contract to defer option payments, allowing the Browns to pursue this trade while managing their salary cap, which now includes a cap hit of $15.53 million this year and $25.56 million next year.

Garrett's relationship with the Browns appeared to sour quickly after his extension. Following a disheartening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he vented his frustrations about repeated failures, stating, “To lose the same way every time, it’s frustrating as hell.” Despite his individual achievements, including breaking the single-season sack record in his final game with the Browns, the team struggled overall, finishing with a combined 8-26 record over the past two seasons.

The Browns have long battled instability at the quarterback position, having cycled through 42 starters since their return to the NFL in 1999. Owner Jim Haslam acknowledged the team's misstep in trading for Watson, who has struggled to perform since joining Cleveland. With Garrett now gone, the Browns are tasked with rebuilding around a younger core, including the newly acquired Verse, a promising pass rusher who brings experience as a recent AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.