According to Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, trading star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams was ultimately general manager Andrew Berry’s decision, driven by the acquisition of a 25-year-old player on a rookie contract alongside valuable first-, second-, and third-round draft picks.
Jimmy Haslam Addresses the Myles Garrett Trade
Nearly two months after the trade sent shockwaves through the NFL, Jimmy Haslam broke his silence during a Friday press conference. Haslam told reporters that the blockbuster transaction was Andrew Berry’s call. Conversations regarding the move happened quietly over a period of time, according to Haslam, with the Rams serving as a good partner by keeping the discussions under wraps.
“That was Andrew’s decision,” Haslam told reporters, noting that ownership was involved in high-level talks but ultimately left the final recommendation in his general manager’s hands. When asked why he accepted the proposal, Haslam pointed directly to the roster math and future draft capital.
Did you know?
The Browns traded Myles Garrett just a year after Haslam stated the team never gave trading the star defender a “serious thought,” following Garrett’s public trade demand in early February.
Roster Value and Draft Capital Return
According to Haslam, the primary catalyst for signing off on the deal was securing a young, high-caliber player currently playing on his rookie contract. The Browns also picked up a first-, second-, and third-round draft pick in the exchange.
Those selections carry immense value for a franchise that spent three drafts without a first-round pick due to the previous trade for Deshaun Watson. Haslam acknowledged the painful nature of moving on from a player he compared to franchise legends Jim Brown and Joe Thomas, calling Garrett a first-ballot Hall of Famer and world-class person.
Weighing the On-Field Production Against Future Picks
Despite the return of early-round draft picks and young talent, the transition leaves lingering questions for a franchise that managed just five wins. In 2025, Garrett set the single-season sack record and earned the NFL’s defensive player of the year honors, making his departure a stunning shift for an organization that previously refused to entertain offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made the final decision to trade Myles Garrett?
According to Jimmy Haslam, the trade was general manager Andrew Berry’s decision and recommendation.
What did the Browns receive in return from the Rams?
The Browns received a young player on a rookie contract along with a first-, second-, and third-round draft pick.
Why did the Browns trade Garrett after his record-breaking season?
Haslam cited the value of acquiring a 25-year-old player on a rookie contract and valuable draft picks to help replenish a roster that lacked early-round selections following past trades.
Join the Conversation
What do you think of the Browns’ decision to trade Myles Garrett? Drop a comment below and subscribe to our newsletter for more NFL updates.
Related reading