The Cleveland Browns orchestrated one of the most unexpected moves of the offseason by trading elite pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. This blockbuster transaction comes on the heels of a historic 2025 campaign for Garrett, who established a new NFL single-season record with 23 sacks. While losing a generational talent is a difficult pill to swallow for the fan base, the Browns managed to secure a significant haul of assets in exchange for the veteran defender.
In addition to acquiring edge rusher Jared Verse, Cleveland received a package of three future draft picks:
- A 2027 first-round selection
- A 2028 second-round selection
- A 2029 conditional third-round selection
While the deal currently guarantees one first-round pick, a unique and clever conditional clause buried in the trade terms could potentially land the Browns a second opening-round selection in the future.
Strategic Clause Could Net Cleveland a Future First-Rounder
The 2029 selection included in the trade is designated as a conditional pick, meaning its value fluctuates based on specific circumstances. To protect their competitive interests, the Browns’ front office included a deterrent aimed at their division rivals. If the Rams decide to trade Garrett to any team in the AFC North—specifically the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, or Cincinnati Bengals—at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the compensation significantly increases. Under those specific conditions, Los Angeles would be required to send a 2029 first-round pick to Cleveland instead of the third-rounder.
This “anti-rivalry” provision effectively ensures that if the Rams move on from Garrett, he won’t be used against the Browns twice a year without a massive penalty. While such stipulations are rare in the NFL, they are not entirely new. The Dallas Cowboys recently utilized an identical strategy when they traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, stipulating that a first-round pick would be owed if Parsons was ever flipped to an NFC East opponent.
The Browns’ decision to include this protection seems particularly wise given the Rams’ recent history of aggressive roster management. In 2019, Los Angeles famously traded two first-round picks to acquire Jalen Ramsey. Although Ramsey was instrumental in their 2021 Super Bowl victory and earned multiple Pro Bowl nods, the Rams eventually traded him to the Miami Dolphins following the 2022 season. By acknowledging the Rams’ willingness to move star players when it suits their roster building, Browns GM Andrew Berry has effectively blocked a path for Garrett to end up in the hands of a division foe.
Currently 30 years old, Garrett is under contract through the 2030 season. While he is expected to lead the Rams’ defensive front for the foreseeable future, the structure of this agreement ensures that any potential exit from Los Angeles will likely take him far away from the AFC North.
Final Thoughts on the Myles Garrett Trade Impact
The trade of Myles Garrett marks the end of an era in Cleveland and a significant gamble for a Rams team looking to maximize its current window. For the Browns, the deal provides a defensive replacement in Jared Verse and a war chest of high-value draft picks to facilitate a roster reset. By including the 2029 conditional upgrade, the Browns have successfully prioritized long-term security and divisional protection, ensuring that even in Garrett’s departure, they have minimized the risk of him haunting them in the AFC North.
