Rams' Myles Garrett Trade Draws Jared Goff-Matthew Stafford Deal Comparison
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) poses with jersey at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) poses with jersey at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Rams have never been afraid to make bold moves. Their blockbuster trade with Cleveland for defensive end Myles Garrett is now being compared to another franchise-altering deal in recent NFL history.
In 2021, it was Jared Goff heading to Detroit in exchange for Matthew Stafford. Just as Los Angeles shocked the league by getting Stafford in 2021, they have once again pushed their chips to the center of the table in pursuit of another Super Bowl.
In exchange for Garrett, the Rams gave away Jared Verse in 2026, along with a first-round draft pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2029.
“The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton. It has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl,” said Diante Lee of The Ringer.
Garrett had already built a Hall of Fame-caliber resume in Cleveland, with multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and a Defensive Player of the Year award. But individual achievements were never the aim.
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 10: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford 9 throws a pass during the NFC Wildcard playoff game against the Carolina Panthers on January 10, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 10 NFC Wildcard Rams at Panthers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon573260110013
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 10: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford 9 throws a pass during the NFC Wildcard playoff game against the Carolina Panthers on January 10, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 10 NFC Wildcard Rams at Panthers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon573260110013
Garrett prioritized winning the Super Bowl over simply playing for a non-contending team, just like Matthew Stafford, who spent years struggling with Detroit before arriving in Los Angeles.
And after finally leaving Detroit, Stafford immediately won a Super Bowl with the Rams.
Garrett's career had a comparable path in Cleveland, where team success rarely matched his individual dominance. The Rams believe Garrett's impact could be even greater in a competitive environment.
The Stafford trade became one of the defining moves of the McVay era. Now, the Garrett trade is being viewed through the same lens as the Rams try to get back to a Super Bowl title.
Myles Garrett Gives Rams Defense a Fear Factor NFL Offenses Won't Ignore
The Rams didn't trade for Myles Garrett just to add another star. They added him to transform their defense. According to CBS Sports, Garrett's arrival allows the Rams to become more aggressive.
This will create pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force offenses into difficult decisions.
"Garrett dictates what offenses do when he's on the field because one set of eyes and hands isn't enough," wrote CBS Sports.
Garrett's presence commands extra attention from offensive lines, which should create favorable matchups for the rest of Los Angeles' pass rushers.
By adding an edge rusher capable of changing games on his own, the Los Angeles Rams are betting that a dominant defense can push the franchise back into Super Bowl contention.
What are your views on the Myles Garrett trade? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Arundhoti Palit