Myles Garrett traded: Joe Thomas explains Browns' bold move

The Cleveland Browns stunned the NFL by trading Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on June 1, 2026. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was sent to LA in exchange for Jared Verse and three draft picks. Browns legend Joe Thomas believes the move was the right decision for the franchise's long-term success.

Why did the Browns trade Myles Garrett?

Joe Thomas acknowledged the emotional difficulty of losing Garrett, who had been a fan favorite and the team's brightest star during lean years. 'For several of those seasons that Myles was here in Cleveland, he was like the one thing we got to cheer for,' Thomas said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. 'Last year, out of the playoff hunt for a long time, but he gave us a reason to be proud as Browns fans.'

What does this mean for Cleveland's future?

Thomas emphasized that the Browns' goal should be building a championship contender, not just celebrating individual achievements. 'I don't want to lose sight of the fact that we're still here to try to win championships,' he said. The trade brings in Jared Verse, a promising young pass rusher on a team-friendly contract, along with three valuable draft picks.

How will the Browns benefit from this deal?

According to Thomas, the trade puts Cleveland in a stronger position for the next few years. 'When you look at the Myles trade, to be able to get a great young player like Jared Verse... it puts us in a much better position for the next two, three, four years,' he explained. The Browns now have more draft capital to build around their core players.

The Browns only had one winning season during Thomas' 11-year career, and he believes this trade is a step toward changing that. While fans may mourn the loss of Garrett, Thomas sees the move as necessary for the team's long-term growth.