The Los Angeles Rams acquired defensive end Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade announced Monday, June 1, 2026 [1].
The move significantly alters the NFL landscape by placing a former Defensive Player of the Year into a Rams system designed for aggression. This acquisition is viewed as a dramatic improvement to the roster's overall strength and defensive capabilities [2].
Ryan Clark, a defensive end for the Rams, said the team is now "No. 1 in the entire NFL" during an appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter [3]. Clark's assessment aligns with some league analysts, though other outlets have stopped short of declaring the Rams the outright best team in the league [4].
Adam Schefter, an ESPN analyst, said the Rams' defense is now arguably the best in the league with the addition of Garrett [3]. An analyst for The New York Times – Athletic also said the Rams took a massive step forward with the trade, which puts them at the top of the league [5].
To secure Garrett, the Rams gave up Jared Verse along with a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick [6]. The trade represents a substantial investment of future assets, and current talent, to solidify the defensive line.
While Yahoo Sports moved the Rams to the No. 1 spot in its 2026 NFL power rankings following the news [7], other perspectives remain more tempered. Some reports suggest the defense is among the top units in the league without confirming a No. 1 overall team ranking [8].
“"We're No. 1 in the entire NFL."”
The trade signals a 'win-now' strategy for the Los Angeles Rams, sacrificing long-term draft capital and a young prospect in Jared Verse for immediate elite production. By pairing a Defensive Player of the Year with their existing scheme, the Rams have shifted their identity toward defensive dominance, potentially forcing the rest of the league to adjust their offensive strategies to counter Garrett's presence.
