Myles Garrett instantly elevated expectations for the Los Angeles Rams when the franchise completed one of the NFL’s most significant offseason trades. While the move has been widely praised for adding one of football’s premier defensive players, there are also legitimate concerns that could prevent the blockbuster acquisition from delivering the results many anticipate.
Garrett arrives in Los Angeles with a reputation as one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has made him a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate and one of the most feared defenders in professional football. Pairing that talent with an already competitive roster has fueled widespread belief that the Rams are positioned to contend for a championship in 2026.
Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) is introduced before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
The primary concern surrounding the trade centers on the substantial investment required to acquire a player of Garrett’s caliber. Los Angeles surrendered valuable assets to complete the deal, continuing a long-standing organizational philosophy of aggressively pursuing proven stars. While that strategy has produced success in the past, it also reduces flexibility when addressing future roster needs. If the team encounters injuries or unexpected weaknesses elsewhere, the lack of additional resources could become a significant challenge.
Another factor involves the pressure that accompanies such a high-profile move. Garrett is expected to transform the defense and help elevate the Rams into the NFL’s elite tier. Those expectations can create a difficult environment if immediate success does not follow. Even strong individual performances may not be enough to satisfy observers if the team falls short of championship aspirations.
NFL Analysis Reveals How Los Angeles Rams’ Myles Garrett Trade Could Backfire
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) walks on to the field after a timeout in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Los Angeles’ decision to trade for Garrett can backfire during the 2026 NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Brad Gagnon for Bleacher Report.
The Potential Backfire: Garrett is on the wrong side of 30 now, and it’s entirely possible the Browns sold at the highest point with a potential peak in 2025. Verse was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 and made the Pro Bowl as a sophomore. The gap between the two could close considerably in 2026, and Verse likely won’t cost Cleveland much until 2028. Garrett also won’t come cheap over time, even with the Browns absorbing a lot of the costs early on. Throw in all that lost draft capital and this basically backfires if the Rams don’t win the Super Bowl in the next two or three years.
There is also the reality that football remains the ultimate team sport. A dominant edge rusher can influence games, but no single player can guarantee postseason success. Opposing offenses will continue finding ways to limit Garrett’s impact, and the Rams must ensure the rest of the roster performs at a high level. If complementary pieces fail to meet expectations, the trade could face increased scrutiny regardless of Garrett’s production.
None of these concerns diminish Garrett’s extraordinary talent or the excitement surrounding his arrival in Los Angeles. The Rams acquired a player capable of changing games and anchoring a championship-caliber defense. However, the discussion surrounding potential risks serves as a reminder that even the boldest moves carry uncertainty. For Los Angeles, the challenge now is turning a headline-grabbing acquisition into the sustained success that justifies the significant investment and lofty expectations that accompany it.