The Los Angeles Rams already had one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the NFL when they paired Jared Verse with Byron Young. Then they went out and upgraded it this offseason by trading for Myles Garrett, which came at the cost of giving up Verse.
With Garrett and Young now teammates, it’s hard to find a better pass-rushing duo anywhere in football. Garrett is the best in the NFL at getting after the quarterback, and Young has had at least 7.5 sacks in each of his first three seasons – including a career-high 12 last year to lead the team.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame ranked the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL heading into this season and he put the Rams’ tandem at No. 1. Garrett does most of the heavy lifting in this ranking but Young is no slouch.
If anybody respectable was across from Garrett, they would be part of the top choice here. As it happens, the Rams have another star in the spot with Young, who is turning into an All-Pro talent.
As for Garrett, what hasn’t been said about him? A future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Garrett set the single-season sacks record last season with 23 for the Browns. In the offseason, he was acquired by the Rams for defensive end Jared Verse, along with first-, second- and third-round picks, and despite being 30 years old, was still seen as worth the cost.
Garrett led the league with a single-season record 23 sacks last year, which was 6.5 more than any other player. Young was tied for eighth with 12 sacks, matching the total of Texans All-Pro Will Anderson Jr.
It’s possible both players will increase those totals in 2026 now that they’re teammates and playing on a team that should hold a lot of leads. Garrett has never been on a team this talented, which will only increase his pass-rushing opportunities when opponents are forced to drop back and pass.
The only other NFC West team in Verderame’s rankings was the 49ers, with Nick Bosa and Osa Odighizuwa coming in at No. 4. Brian Burns and Abdul Carter were fifth, Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen were third and Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. were second.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ pass-rushing duo ranked as best in NFL for 2026
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
