Les Snead said at the start of the offseason that if Matthew Stafford returned to the Los Angeles Rams, the team would be more aggressive in pursuit of a Super Bowl. And boy, were they ever.
The Rams didn’t just make one big splash. They made three of them: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Myles Garrett.
Garrett was the biggest of them all, acquiring the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, but one NFL coach doesn’t think that will be the Rams’ most impactful move. He believes the additions of McDuffie and Watson will have a bigger impact on defense than the trade for Garrett.
“The (Garrett) trade isn’t as big as the McDuffie trade and the signing of Watson,” a coach told Jeff Howe of The Athletic. “Those additions will impact their defensive unit more than Myles.”
That may seem like a crazy thing to say on the surface, but consider this: Which position was a more glaring hole at the start of the offseason? Cornerback or edge rusher? Most would say cornerback.
As great as Garrett is, he’s joining a group that’s already viewed as a strength, while McDuffie and Watson help fix the weakest part of the defense. For that reason, the coach could wind up being right.
Altogether, the Rams’ moves on defense should improve that side of the ball significantly, whether it’s rushing the passer or covering on the back end.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL coach says Myles Garrett trade wasn’t Rams’ most impactful move of 2026
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
