The Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams have successfully completed one of the most remarkable trades in NFL history this offseason. The Browns traded two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett for young edge rusher Jared Verse and multiple draft picks from the Rams, including a first-round pick in 2027.
However, right after joining the Rams, Garrett faces a significant financial consequence, roughly $20 million in additional taxes over the life of his contract that he’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Myles Garrett to Pay $20 Million in California State Taxes
Myles Garrett is one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history. He is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, and a five-time First-Team All-Pro. In 2025, he set the NFL single-season sack record with 23.0 sacks, surpassing the previous mark of 22.5 held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
Feb 24, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns player Myles Garrett acknowledges the crowd during the first half of the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
After eight years, the Browns finally decided to part ways with Garrett in exchange for young edge rusher Jared Verse. The deal shocked fans, analysts, and enthusiasts alike. But one side effect that hasn’t received as much attention is the tax burden Garrett now faces.
Over the full remaining five years of his contract, Garrett will have to pay approximately $23 million in California state taxes. NFL players are subject to the so-called “Jock Tax,” meaning their income is evaluated based on where they play and practice, not their official state of residence. Since Garrett will primarily practice and play home games in California with the Rams, the higher California tax rate applies.
The tax difference is significant. In California, Garrett will pay roughly $5.3 million or more in state taxes annually, compared to just $1.1 million per year he would have paid in Ohio. Over five years, that adds up to approximately $23 million in additional state taxes simply for playing for the Rams.
On the other hand, his contract was reworked after the trade. His previous Browns deal paid $31.5 million annually, but with the Rams he received a raise to at least $37 million per year. Over five years, that amounts to a total of $204 million which is still a significant increase despite the higher tax burden.
The trade itself was stunning for fans. But right now, Garrett’s focus is on winning the Super Bowl and chasing the all-time career sacks record after already breaking the single-season mark.
Myles Garrett Eyes the All-Time Sacks Record
Myles Garrett set a new record for the most sacks in a single NFL season in 2025. The record had previously been shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt with 22.5 sacks. Garrett recorded his 23rd sack in the final week of the season to claim the record outright — and in doing so, earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second time, having first won the award in 2023.
Now he has his sights set on the all-time career sacks record. That record currently stands at 200 sacks, held by Bruce Smith. Garrett has been candid about his ambitions.
“I know there’s a big goal out there, and that’s 200. I want to eclipse that and I don’t want to make it close”, Garrettsaid. “I’ve had a good relationship with the guy who has that record and being able to go get that one would mean a lot to myself and to him, as well.”
Currently he has 125.5 career sacks. He is not very keen on fixing how many years he has left to play. He also stated his desire to cement his legacy as one of the greats and win the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. “I see a position to solidify myself here, as well, among the very greats,” Garrett, 30,said.
“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 and winning DPOY and a Super Bowl or more. Those things are definitely pressing on my mind, and I have a definite bit of urgency to do it and do it right away.”
Despite the financial complexities of the move, Garrett remains singularly focused on football. His urgency to win the Super Bowl with the Rams aligns perfectly with Los Angeles’ own championship ambitions and that shared mindset is precisely why the Rams made this trade.