Browns Traded Myles Garrett on June 1, 2026
The franchise finalized the deal to move its star pass rusher earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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The Cleveland Browns traded Myles Garrett on June 1, 2026, marking a significant change in the team roster. Following the departure of Garrett, Jared Verse has stepped into the role of the primary pass rusher for the Cleveland defense.
Why it matters
The trade forced an immediate transition in Cleveland's defensive lineup, putting the pressure on new personnel to fill a major production void. Jared Verse has prioritized team cohesion and leadership as he works to anchor the defense while still seeking his first sack of the 2026 season.
Jared Verse has recorded zero sacks across three games in the 2026 season. In comparison, Mason Graham, the fifth overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, has already recorded four sacks through the first three weeks of play.
The players
Myles Garrett
He is the star pass rusher who was traded by the Cleveland Browns.
Jared Verse
He is the current primary pass rusher for the Cleveland Browns.
Spencer Fano
He was the first pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mason Graham
He is a defensive player selected fifth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The details
Jared Verse currently leads the team's defensive intensity, engaging in competitive reps and trash talk with teammates like 2026 first-round pick Spencer Fano. While Verse has yet to impact the box score with sacks, he emphasizes elevating his teammates and securing team victories.
Timeline
The Cleveland Browns traded Myles Garrett on June 1, 2026.
Mason Graham was selected fifth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Spencer Fano was selected by Cleveland in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Browns play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football.
Season Trajectory
The defensive transition impacts the team's ability to remain competitive during the 2026 season. Performance against rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers will determine if the roster shift affects the team's playoff positioning.
Jared Verse has not recorded a sack through three games, creating a statistical vacuum in the pass rush. The upcoming Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a critical test to see if the defensive unit can generate pressure without the production previously provided by Garrett.
The takeaway
The Browns are banking on team-first leadership and locker room intensity to compensate for the departure of a high-profile veteran. Fans should monitor defensive sack totals in the coming weeks to determine if the strategy is translating into on-field results.
What happens next
The Cleveland Browns are scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Week 4 Thursday Night Football matchup.
Further reading
For more on the current team standing, visit Cleveland Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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