The Myles Garrett trade just made the NFC much tougher for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cleveland Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Rams in a blockbuster deal that sent Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick to the Browns.
We all know that isn’t a small move and have kinda grown accustomed to the Rams making big trades. I mean, up until this draft, the last time they made a first-round pick was for Jared Verse and before that it was Jared Goff.
I think this trade matters to Dallas more than some want to realize.
The Cowboys aren’t just watching another AFC star move around the league. They’re watching one of the best defensive players in NFL history land with an NFC team they are scheduled to play on December 20, 2026. This late-season game just got more serious.
Myles Garrett changes everything about how an offense has to operate. You can’t block him with one guy all game, you have to slide protection, chip with tight ends, help with running backs, and get the ball out on time.
If Dallas walks into the game with offensive line issues or anything to affect the blocking game, Garrett will create chaos the entire game.
Jared Verse Was Not a Thrown-In
The Rams paid a big-time price, and Jared Verse was a big reason why.
Since Jared Verse entered the league in 2024, he has been a productive young edge defender. The last two seasons, Verse has 124 tackles, 12 sacks, three pass deflections, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. I would take those numbers on the Cowboys roster.
However, the comparison to Myles Garrett shows why the Rams were willing to move him.
Since Verse entered the league, Garrett has 107 tackles, 37 sacks, two pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Myles Garrett has been three times more dangerous as a pass rusher.
I feel like that is the difference between a promising young player and a franchise-altering defender.
Could Aaron Donald Come Back?
The craziest part about this trade is that I’m hearing Aaron Donald could come out of retirement to play with Myles Garrett.
I think this is a terrifying thought for offenses in the NFL.
To be clear, nobody should act like his return is a guarantee. He built one of the greatest defensive careers in NFL history, and he does not owe the Rams or anyone another snap.
But I feel like if there was ever a move that would make him think twice, this might be it.
If Aaron Donald came back, even in a smaller role, the Rams’ defensive front would become a nightmare. Garrett off the edge and Donald pushing the pocket from the inside would be brutal for any offense.
Dallas has had enough problems over the years with pressure and, on top of that, edge pressure is dangerous, but interior pressure destroys timing immediately.
If Donald joins Garrett, the Cowboys would need one of the cleanest offensive performances of the season just to survive upfront.
What Would the Cowboys Have Offered?
This is where I want Cowboys fans, analysts, critics, anyone to be honest with themselves.
Could Dallas have made an offer for Myles Garrett? Probably. Would it have been cheap? I can wholeheartedly say, “No.”
The Rams gave up Jared Verse and three premium future picks. For the Cowboys to have matched that, they would have needed to offer a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, another future pick, and a young ascending player.
Does Dallas have that type of player outside of maybe, George Pickens?
It’s easy to say Dallas should have gone all in on Myles Garrett. But when you sit back and look at what the team is trying to build, would it have been too steep of a price to pay? I think the answer is pretty obvious because Garrett is a Ram.
If Dallas truly believed it was one elite defender away from a Super Bowl, then yes, I would have swung for the fences for Myles Garrett. But, giving up an integral part of what is being built would have created a hole to fill another.
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