When the Los Angeles Rams sent Jared Verse and three draft picks to Cleveland for Myles Garrett on June 1 2026, they acquired the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and NFL single‑season sack record holder. Garrett reset the NFL record with 23 sacks in 2025 and is coming off back‑to‑back Defensive Player of the Year awards. CBS Sports notes that the Rams are the first team in NFL history to feature the previous season’s league MVP (Matthew Stafford) and DPOY (Garrett) and that Garrett has averaged 0.94 sacks per game, the highest rate ever. He specializes on money downs—11 of his 23 sacks came on third down, most in the league—and his ability to convert pressures into drive‑killing plays addresses the Rams’ 2025 weakness (only 11 third‑down sacks, tied for third‑fewest). Through nine seasons he has amassed 125.5 career sacks, 412 tackles and 149 tackles for loss.
The move dramatically upgrades a Rams defense that already boasts a top‑notch secondary led by new All‑Pro corner Trent McDuffie and veteran Jaylen Watson. For the Raiders, who visit Los Angeles in Week 7 of 2026, it represents a daunting mid‑season test. Las Vegas allowed an NFL‑high 64 sacks in 2025, four more than any other team, and the offensive line endured a six‑game streak with four or more sacks allowed. To address that, the Raiders invested heavily in center Tyler Linderbaum during free agency. ESPN reports that Linderbaum signed a three‑year, $81 million deal and owns a 96.2 % pass‑block win rate. They also moved Jackson Powers‑Johnson to right guard.
Strengths of Myles Garrett
Elite pass‑rush toolbox: Garrett combines explosive get‑off, power and bend. He uses cross‑chop and swipe moves to beat tackles, and he can kick inside on obvious passing downs. His 613 pressures and 372 hurries over nine seasons show he disrupts beyond the sack tally.
Closer on third down: No defender produced more third‑down sacks in 2025. He accelerates off the snap and shortens the edge, closing quickly on quarterbacks who hold the ball.
Run‑game discipline: Garrett has 149 tackles for loss and sets a strong edge. He reads option plays well and rarely gets fooled by misdirection.
How the Raiders can attack
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