The Los Angeles Rams broke the internet last week when they traded for superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett. The addition of Garrett immediately puts the Rams as the overwhelming favorites for the Super Bowl this season.
The Rams are going for it all this season, and the addition of Garrett is a clear indication of that. While it's a big gain for the Rams, it does come with a loss for Garrett.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the state of California will take several great bites out of the 30-year-old superstar's annual income over the next five years via its double-digit state tax structure.
“The Browns owed Garrett $179 million from 2026 through 2030. The Rams owe Garrett $179 million from 2026 through 2030,” Florio wrote. “Given the significant differences in state income tax rates between Ohio and California — 3.125 percent versus 13.3 percent — Garrett will lose 10 percent of his gross pay that, in Cleveland, he would have kept.”
After the Rams traded for Garrett, they reworked the contract that pays him $204 million over five years. Still, that will affect the money he will actually receive in his contract during his time with the Rams.
“The Rams got a gift on this one, because Garrett could have made a very fair and reasonable request to have his pay increased to offset the elevated tax burden. And it’s no small issue; the difference is in the millions,” Florio continued. “It would have been more than reasonable for Garrett to ask for a pay increase in connection with his trade, especially since he has a no-trade clause.”
Myles Garrett still set to earn massive money with Rams
While Garrett will lose a chunk of his money with the Rams due to taxes, it doesn't mean he will be scrapping for change. The former No. 1 overall pick has earned enough money throughout his nine-year career, roughly $150.6 million.
Garrett will soon enter his 10th season in the league and his first with the Rams. He is set to bolster the already improved defense for this season and certainly for some time to come.
The Texas native is an all-time talent and fits perfectly into this Rams win-now window.
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