Browns GM: No Garrett trade if Verse not included

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated that he did not seriously consider trading Myles Garrett until the Los Angeles Rams included Jared Verse in the deal. In his first public comments following the completion of the trade, Berry emphasized, "[The trade] wasn't something that we anticipated, certainly coming into this year or coming into the spring or quite honestly coming out of the draft."

On Monday, the Browns traded Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, to the Rams for Verse, along with a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-rounder. Berry had previously rebuffed trade offers for Garrett when he requested a trade last year. After the Rams inquired about Garrett following the adjustment of option bonus payments in his contract, many viewed this as a potential gateway for a deal.

Furthermore, Berry clarified that Garrett did not request a trade during this offseason. Reports indicated that discussions regarding Garrett's trade intensified after the NFL draft. Initially, the Rams were hesitant to part with Verse; however, they later reconsidered if suitable adjustments were made to the draft picks involved in the trade.

Berry remarked, "I didn't have it on the bingo card, and I realize how strong I've been with Myles. But the reality is when you have an opportunity to do something that has strong both short- and long-term benefits, we have to be flexible with it." He described that if he was to ever entertain an offer for Garrett, it would need to include "premium draft capital and a young, cost-controlled star at a premium position."

He identified Verse, a 25-year-old who was honored as the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and is a two-time Pro Bowler, as a "huge part of this return." Berry stated, "He's a perfect DNA match for our attacking front. He's really a terror in both phases, both as a run defender and a pass rusher. We are really, really excited to add him to our team. He allows us to continue to play defense at a high level, which has been our standard over the past couple of seasons, and we are really excited to welcome him into the organization."