Before being traded by the Cleveland Browns on Monday, new Los Angeles Rams star Myles Garrett decided that the opportunity to further elevate his career was too difficult to pass up.
"I see a position to solidify myself here as well among the very greats," Garrett said during his introductory press conference Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Times' Greg Klein. "I still have plenty of great years in front of me, and being able to cement that legacy not only as a football city here in L.A. but as an individual winning (Defensive Player of the Year) and a Super Bowl or more, those things are definitely pressed in my mind. And I have a definite bit of urgency to do it - and do it right away."
The Rams were already projected to be a serious contender to reach Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium next year. They only reinforced that status by acquiring the 30-year-old Garrett, who produced a record-breaking 23 sacks in 2025.
The Browns informed the All-Pro defensive end last week that a trade to the Rams was possible. He then slept on the decision to waive his no-trade clause, ultimately agreeing to help facilitate the blockbuster move.
While Garrett racked up league highs of 149 tackles for loss and 125.5 sacks over his nine seasons in Cleveland, the Browns only made the playoffs twice during his tenure.
Garrett said that playing opposite of the Rams' offense, which features Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, also factored into his decision. Los Angeles has made the postseason each of the past three years and played in the NFC Championship Game last season.
General manager Les Snead said that the Rams began exploring the idea of acquiring the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in March, once Browns general manager Andrew Berry adjusted Garrett's contract. After initially being rebuffed, Snead continued to pester Berry about a possible deal, with talks becoming more serious in April.
Snead revealed that negotiations grew even more intense in May, though the Browns' request for 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse gave him pause. The executive initially declined the offer before reversing course and agreeing to the exchange.
"The hardest part of this decision is parting ways with somebody that we love and care about," head coach Sean McVay said of Verse, according to The Orange County Register's Adam Grosbard. "To be able to get something great, unfortunately we had to give up something great."
Garrett, who will don his familiar No. 95 with the Rams, has one goal in mind ahead of his debut campaign in L.A.
"Since the very beginning, it's always been about winning," he said.
