Myles Garrett Brings 23-Sack Pedigree to Rams Following Offseason Trade

Following a June trade, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett is transforming the Los Angeles Rams' culture despite missing 13 practices with knee swelling.

The Los Angeles Rams acquired reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett via trade in June, adding a pass rusher who recorded a league-high 23 sacks for the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season. Garrett is currently managing swelling in his knee, an injury that sidelined him for a joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys and 12 additional sessions in August. Head coach Sean McVay stated on August 25 that the defender has not suffered any setbacks, with the team targeting a return for the Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers. That matchup is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET in Melbourne, Australia, and will be broadcast on Netflix.

Despite the injury, Garrett has maintained a vocal presence on the sideline. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott noted that the pass rusher was "definitely on the field" during joint sessions, even without pads. Garrett informed McVay in mid-August that he felt approximately 85% healthy. The Rams' training staff is currently focused on establishing a rapport with the 2017 No. 1 overall pick to ensure he reaches peak condition for the regular season. The trade was executed as part of a strategy to maximize the remaining career of 18th-year quarterback Matthew Stafford, who previously faced Garrett during the 2023 season.

Defensive Impact and Athleticism

Rams safety Kam Curl described Garrett as an "alien" whose athleticism prevents opposing offenses from executing their game plans. Outside linebacker Byron Young highlighted Garrett’s explosive "first step," noting that the veteran covers three to four yards immediately upon the snap. Safety Quentin Lake remarked that film study of Garrett’s rushes makes other professional athletes appear unathletic by comparison. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner compared Garrett's ability to bend corners and work at the top of the rush to former teammate Aaron Donald, who retired in March 2024 but re-signed with the club on a Sunday in August for a jog-thru session.

Right guard Kevin Dotson indicated that the offensive line has already implemented "AD protocol" for Garrett, meaning the unit must track his location on every snap and commit multiple blockers to his side. Tight end Tyler Higbee expressed relief that he only has to face the four-time Pro Bowler during training camp rather than on national television during the regular season. Stafford added that Garrett forces the offense into a "chess matchup" on every play, influencing both passing drops and handoffs.

Cultural Shifts in Los Angeles

Garrett is credited with changing the internal culture of the Rams' defense through specific leadership actions. Byron Young recalled an instance early in training camp where Garrett insisted on "breaking down" and huddling in the meeting room, a practice the group had not previously established. While Garrett stated he did not want to "force" himself on an existing group that was already performing well, his teammates suggest his conduct has elevated the entire unit. The defensive end noted that the Rams' coaching staff provides him more freedom to attempt playmaking maneuvers compared to his previous tenure in Cleveland.

Integration and Veteran Leadership

Matthew Stafford, who joined the Rams in 2021 after 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, noted that Garrett has successfully integrated into the team's existing structure. Although Garrett has not practiced since early August, he participated in the initial stages of training camp to establish his presence. The veteran pass rusher described his time in Los Angeles as "a joy," citing the ability to play within defensive boundaries while maintaining the freedom to attack the ball. Braden Fiske summarized the newcomer's physical tools by stating that "not all men are created equal," emphasizing the unique rush techniques Garrett brings to the Los Angeles front.