The Cleveland Browns recently traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, and many Pittsburgh Steelers fans can't hold back their excitement. Since entering the 2017 NFL Draft as the No. 1 overall pick, Garrett has darkened the doorway for Pittsburgh twice per year (and even in the Browns' 2021 playoff win over the Steelers).
Now, Steelers fans are beyond thankful that Garrett has officially made his exit from the AFC North, just shy of a decade haunting the division.
Though the Browns parted with a future Hall of Famer and one of their best players in franchise history, there was actually quite a bit of wisdom behind this move that felt like madness.
In fact, the Browns did something the Steelers would never dream of doing with T.J. Watt—they recognized the state of their team and traded away a superstar while he still held incredible value.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should applaud the Cleveland Browns for finally making the right decision with Myles Garrett
Not only did the Browns do right by allowing Garrett to play for a legitimate Super Bowl contender in his 30s, but the move also shows an incredible amount of self-awareness as an organization.
Most football fans recognized that Cleveland was in no position to compete in 2026. Even after a strong draft class, the Browns' quarterback situation is in shambles; they had to completely rework their offensive line, and they're starting over with Todd Monken and a new coaching staff.
Instead of clinging to Garrett and forcing the 30-year-old to play out his final good seasons in Cleveland, the Browns made a play for the future.
In exchange for Garrett, Cleveland received a respectable haul, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Browns are getting edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. While it might seem like Cleveland got fleeced in the deal (they should have been able to ask for the world for a player like Garrett), this is reasonable capital.
Verse is a two-time Pro Bowler and 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year. At 25 years old, Verse hasn't even reached his NFL prime, and he will be a cornerstone player the Browns can build around. Meanwhile, the added draft capital could go a long way toward rebuilding the roster.
Myles Garrett is irreplaceable, and the Browns knew that before they traded him. But they also knew that they didn't stand a chance to compete in their own division, let alone with the rest of the league, anytime soon.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can breathe a sigh of relief with Garrett no longer in the AFC North, while still tipping their hat to the Browns for making a potentially wise move for the future of their franchise.
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