The Myles Garrett trade involving the Rams could have greater implications than anticipated; an NFL analyst discusses the overlooked element.

The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant move in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title by trading for star defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. The trade package includes promising defensive end Jared Verse, along with a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. While the immediate football implications of this trade have garnered much attention, the financial aspects of Garrett's contract may prove to be equally advantageous for the Rams.

In the wake of the trade, NFL journalist Blaine Grisak emphasized the value of Garrett's contract, which features a remarkably low cap hit of $8.1 million for the 2026 season. Grisak pointed out that this aspect of the deal is often overlooked, especially when compared to other players in the league. For instance, the Seattle Seahawks are set to pay Uchenna Nwosu $20 million in 2026, highlighting the bargain that Garrett represents for the Rams. “A lost aspect of the Myles Garrett trade is how much of a bargain his contract is over the next three years,” Grisak noted on social media platform X.

The Browns made adjustments to Garrett’s contract extension in March, which enhanced the feasibility of trading the former Defensive Player of the Year. This restructuring allowed for greater cap flexibility by deferring some of Garrett’s payments, thereby reducing the financial burden of a potential trade. The dead-cap hit can now be distributed over two seasons, making it easier for the Rams to absorb the contract while pursuing their championship ambitions.

According to data from Spotrac, Garrett's cap charges are set to remain manageable over the next three years, with figures of $8.1 million in 2026, $16.1 million in 2027, and $21.4 million in 2028. Although Garrett's five-year, $178 million deal carries a hefty average value of $40 million per year, the structure of the contract delays the most significant cap impacts until 2029. This flexibility allows the Rams to reassess their options after the 2028 season, as only a portion of his 2029 salary is guaranteed.

Despite the higher price tag associated with Garrett compared to Jared Verse, whose cap hit is just $2.1 million in 2026, the Rams find themselves in a favorable position. The acquisition aligns well with their roster-building strategy, which typically operates in three-year windows. Following the trade, the Rams are projected to maintain approximately $16.3 million in available cap space, allowing them to continue strengthening their team as they aim for a Super Bowl run.