Before acquiring the star, the Rams had been closely watching another standout defender during the spring. The team had previously discussed a potential deal for Maxx Crosby, a dynamic edge rusher who had become a focal point of the Raiders’ defense. After Crosby’s status with Las Vegas became uncertain due to concerns about a knee surgery earlier in the year, Los Angeles kept him on their radar and monitored how the situation evolved.
Crosby’s performance has kept him at the forefront of league discussions. In the season prior to the trade deadline, he posted standout statistics, contributing double-digit sacks and a high volume of quarterback pressures, while continuing to earn recognition across the league. His contract, a sizable extension signed in the previous offseason, underscored his value as a cornerstone pass rusher.
The Rams’ interest in Crosby wasn’t a fleeting impulse. Reports indicated that the team explored this option for years, including efforts to acquire Crosby or other top edge players when opportunities arose. Their broader strategy has long centered on obtaining a disruptive defender who can change games from the edge, a pursuit that intensified after the departure of a former key pass rusher.
In the end, the Rams landed Myles Garrett, a proven disruptor, from the Cleveland Browns. The trade included Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick, with Verse playing a pivotal role in convincing Cleveland to part with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett’s arrival adds a veteran presence and an elite ability to pressure the quarterback, complementing a defensive line that already featured rising talents and established stars.
Garrett’s addition comes as part of a broader upgrade to Los Angeles’ front seven. The unit had already demonstrated strength, tying for seventh in sacks in the prior season and featuring a mix of young talent and proven performers. Garrett’s presence provides a blueprint for a feared pass-rush trio, joining young edge players and interior disruptors to form a formidable front.
While Crosby remains a compelling potential target for teams seeking an elite edge, the Rams’ pursuit took a different path this year. Garrett’s contract status and on-field impact make him a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ defense for years to come, shaping the team’s approach to pressure packages and rotation at defensive end.
This strategic shift illustrates the Rams’ ongoing commitment to building a championship-caliber defense. By prioritizing a game-changing edge rusher, the team signaled that it would pursue top-tier talent through bold trades and high-stakes acquisitions, even if those moves required parting with valuable assets. Garrett’s arrival signals a new era for the Rams, one in which relentless pressure from the edge could redefine their defensive identity and help drive a renewed conference-wide contention push.
