The Houston Texans likely now have the best defensive end in the AFC following the shocking move that set the NFL ablaze Monday morning.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cleveland Browns are finalizing a trade to send two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for two-time Pro-Bowl defensive end Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick and other draft compensation.
With the move, the Texans should feature the best pass-rusher in the conference with recently paid All-Pro Will Anderson Jr., along with four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter. One could maybe argue Las Vegas’ Maxx Crosby, but the numbers would bode in favor of the two edge rushers off NRG Drive.
The Rams reportedly expressed interest in Garrett shortly after the Browns modified the contract of the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end in March. With the post-June 1 marker passing, the move, along with the draft compensation, makes him easier to trade the future Hall of Fame pass-rusher without eating up most of his contract.
Los Angeles has proven to be all-in on the 2026 before the Garrett deal. Earlier this offseason, the Rams shifted draft picks to acquire Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie before signing him to an four-year extension.
Verse, a former first-round pick out of Florida State, should provide stability for the Browns as a rising star in Cleveland. Over the past two seasons, he’s totaled 12 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, while being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024.
Garrett, 29, is coming off a season in which he broke Michael Strahan’s NFL all-time single-season sack record. He is also regarded as the best defensive player in football and the league’s top pass-rusher.
After inking a four-year extension worth $160 million, Garrett joins a team built to win now and compete for multiple Lombardi Trophies under the twilight seasons of reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. He’ll become the face of a defense that already features talent like Braden Fisker, Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Poona Ford.
Anderson, who enters Year 4 with the Texans, recently became the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL after Houston locked him up on a three-year, $150 million extension this offseason. It’s warranted, especially since the former No. 3 overall pick helped Houston become the No. 1 defense in total yards and finish top three in scoring last season.
Since Anderson’s arrival, Houston is 32-19 in the regular season with three playoff wins and two AFC South titles. He now should become a clear favorite to enter 2026 as the league’s most feared pass-rusher in the AFC.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Blockbuster trade makes Texans All-Pro Will Anderson Jr. the AFC’s top pass-rusher
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
