The already loaded NFC West just got a little bit tougher with the Los Angeles Rams acquiring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Rams are sending a package that includes edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick and other draft compensation.
Garrett outpaced the entire 49ers roster in sacks last season. He set the NFL record with 23.0 to earn his second DPOY win. San Francisco as a team had just 20 sacks.
This is a potential nightmare for San Francisco. Now they not only have to deal with the NFL’s best defense in Seattle twice per season, but they’ll add Garrett and a much-improved Rams defense to the mix.
NFL Media’s Rapoport reported the Browns weren’t interested in trading Garrett, but the Rams’ insistence on making phone calls and eventually including Verse while improving the draft compensation got the deal done. Garrett does turn 31 next season which brings into question his ability to continue producing at a high level since edge rushers typically don’t age well. However, his 23 sacks in his age 29 season would indicate his arrow is still trending the right way.
Due to a lack of high-end young players on their defensive line, it’s hard to see how the 49ers might have gotten involved in such a deal. Perhaps the Browns would’ve been interested in a veteran like Nick Bosa or Fred Warner, but both players are approaching 30 and coming off significant injuries. Verse is still 25 and has 12.0 sacks in two seasons as a pro.
It won’t take long for San Francisco to face the new-look Rams. The two teams face off in their regular season openers on Sept. 13 in Melbourne, Australia.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers already brutal division just got much tougher after huge trade
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
