NFL Insiders: Who Won the Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown Trades?

Two massive trades shook the NFL on Monday, with the Los Angeles Rams acquiring defensive superstar Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, and the New England Patriots landing wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Rams sent Pro Bowl edge rusher Jared Verse and multiple high-round draft picks to Cleveland for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. League insiders call it a calculated gamble: high risk for the Rams, but a potential Super Bowl payoff.

“A really good team just got a lot better,” one scout said, noting Garrett, 30, is the first reigning Defensive Player of the Year ever traded. The Browns, however, are criticized for waiting a year too long to pull the trigger, starting over after committing $160 million to him.

“That’s the Browns,” an executive said of the delayed rebuild.

In the second blockbuster, the Patriots finally got their man, sending a 2028 first-round pick to the Eagles for A.J. Brown. Sources were surprised Philadelphia secured a first-rounder, but Brown is seen as a “classic change-of-scenery guy” who was “miserable” in Philly. Despite a down 2025 season, he has six 1,000-yard seasons.

“He’s the best receiver they’ve had in years,” one scout said.