Rams saved themselves from gut-wrenching decision with Myles Garrett trade

The Los Angeles Rams were hurtling toward an uncomfortable decision at the end of the 2026 season. Both Jared Verse and Byron Young, the team's top two edge rushers, would need to be extended at some point in the near future. For Young, that date is coming sooner rather than later, as he will hit unrestricted free agency next offseason. 

The Rams had more time with Verse. Exercising his fifth-year option would keep him under contract through 2028. But with a potentially massive contract for Young, plus similarly lucrative deals for Kobie Turner and Puka Nacua, among others, his Horns future would be in doubt. More than likely, retaining both Young and Verse would prove unrealistic. 

The Myles Garrett trade has made that a moot point. Verse and a hefty haul of Los Angeles draft capital now belong to the Browns. While it hurts to lose him, the silver lining is that the Rams no longer face the painful choice of which young edge rusher to invest in. 

That, and the still-surreal reality that Garrett - the Myles Garrett - will suit up for the Blue and Yellow this season. If it's all a dream, don't wake me up. 

Garrett blockbuster leaves Rams' dilemma in the dust 

It was always going to be a choice between which of the roster's young stars to keep. Young's next contract is projected to be around four years and $120 million, per Spotrac. Verse could get something similar by the time his own payday rolls around. 

On top of Young, both Turner and Nacua will need to be extended before season's end, or else hit the open market. Turner is expected to make over $29 million annually. You already know that extending Nacua will break the bank. 

That barely scratches the surface of the financial commitments the Rams must pick and choose between with 25 pending free agents this season. One member of the current starting offensive line, tackle Alaric Jackson Jr., is under contract beyond 2026. Bringing back guards Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila would cost a pretty penny. 

Plus, Snead just threw a record-setting amount of money at cornerback Trent McDuffie to ink his extension. 

Of course, there is still no guarantee that the Horns hold onto Young, last season's team leader in sacks. Garrett has five years and $178 million remaining on his deal, taking another hunk out of the payroll and impacting future extensions for other players on the roster. But the agonizing decision of which home-grown pass rusher to keep no longer exists.

If the Rams pay one, it will be Young. Hopefully Verse gets his bag from the Browns. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow