Andrew Buller-Russ
After years of speculation and perhaps wishful thinking from contending teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cleveland Browns finally traded Myles Garrett. Many were surprised just by the fact that the Browns actually parted ways with their franchise player after a record-breaking season. Others were taken aback by the trade return.
In return for trading the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, the Browns recovered a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick, plus a conditional 2029 third-round pick that can be upgraded to a first (with specific conditions), and pass-rusher Jared Verse.
While Verse has yet to top eight sacks in a single season, he generated 594 pressures last season, good for the second-most in the entire NFL. He’s also a two-time Pro Bowler who is just 25 years old and is under contract for the next two seasons, with an additional year of control available with a fifth-year team option.
However, the Browns also reportedly fielded trade offers from several other teams, including the Eagles. Except Eagles GM Howie Roseman wasn’t willing to give up what Browns GM Andrew Berry wanted.
Related: Myles Garrett Traded to Los Angeles Rams: Biggest Winners and Losers
According to OnSI’s Jeff Kerr, the Browns asked to get two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter plus change in return for Garrett. The Eagles, preferring to hold onto their star DT, said no to Cleveland’s request.
Philadelphia responded by offering Nolan Smith or Jalyx Hunt in exchange for Garrett. Naturally, Cleveland felt they could find a better offer, and they did in Los Angeles by getting a premier pass-rusher in return with Verse.
While Smith is also a former first-round pick, the fourth-year pro has yet to record more than 6.5 sacks in a single season. Hunt is a former third-round pick who also has peaked with 6.5 sacks, coming last year. Neither is on the same level as Verse, but it’s possible the Eagles were willing to offer even more draft compensation to make up for the difference.
Related: 8 NFL Trades We’d Like To See After June 1
