The Cleveland Browns executed one of the most unexpected moves of the NFL offseason by trading superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. The decision to move on from Garrett comes directly after a historic 2025 campaign in which he established a new league record by recording 23 sacks. While the departure of a generational talent is rare, the Browns managed to secure a significant package of assets in exchange for the reigning sack king.
In addition to acquiring defensive end Jared Verse, Cleveland received a substantial collection of future draft capital, including a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a conditional 2029 third-round pick. However, the structure of the deal suggests that Cleveland could walk away with even more premium compensation thanks to a clever safeguard built into the trade agreement.
The Specific Conditions for Cleveland to Gain an Additional First-Round Selection
The 2029 third-round pick included in the trade is not a fixed asset. Instead, it serves as a “poison pill” provision designed to protect the Browns from seeing Garrett line up for a division rival. The round of this selection will be upgraded significantly if the Rams decide to move Garrett to a team within the AFC North—specifically the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, or Cincinnati Bengals.
According to the terms, if Los Angeles trades Garrett to any of those three franchises at any point between now and the 2029 NFL Draft, the Rams will be forced to send a 2029 first-round pick to Cleveland instead of the originally scheduled third-rounder. This strategic move ensures that if Garrett ever returns to the Browns’ division to haunt his former team, the Rams will have to pay a massive premium to make it happen.
While such conditions are rare, there is recent precedent for this level of divisional protection. The Dallas Cowboys reportedly utilized an identical clause when they traded star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. In that deal, Dallas secured a future first-round pick as an upgrade if Green Bay ever shipped Parsons to an NFC East opponent. These clauses reflect a growing trend of front offices prioritizing competitive balance within their own divisions even after a player has left the building.
For Cleveland, this insurance policy is a calculated reaction to the Rams’ aggressive front-office history. General Manager Les Snead has a well-documented track record of acquiring stars and eventually moving them. A clear example occurred in 2019 when the Rams surrendered two first-round picks for Jalen Ramsey. Although Ramsey was instrumental in their 2021 Super Bowl run, the Rams eventually traded him to the Miami Dolphins just a few years later. By adding this conditional clause, the Browns have effectively ensured that Los Angeles will think twice before entertaining trade offers from Baltimore, Cincinnati, or Pittsburgh.
At 30 years old, Garrett remains in his physical prime and is currently under contract through the 2030 season. While the Rams likely view him as a long-term fixture of their defense, the Browns have successfully insulated themselves from the nightmare scenario of Garrett joining a rival, while potentially setting themselves up for a secondary windfall of draft talent.
Final Thoughts
The trade of Myles Garrett marks the end of an era in Cleveland, but the front office has maximized the value of the transaction through creative contract engineering. By securing Jared Verse and a haul of picks, the Browns are looking toward a new defensive identity. More importantly, the conditional 2029 pick serves as a masterclass in risk management, ensuring that the Browns either keep Garrett out of the AFC North or receive an elite first-round asset as compensation for his return to the division.
