Myles Garrett arrived in Los Angeles during the 2026 offseason after the Rams swapped him for Jared Verse and draft compensation, a move analysts say may fast‑track rookie edge rusher Josaiah Stewart into a starring role.
How did the trade happen?
The Rams completed the blockbuster deal in early July, sending defensive end Jared Verse and additional draft assets to Cleveland for the veteran left‑tackle‑turned‑edge‑rusher Myles Garrett. The transaction was highlighted in ESPN’s preseason breakout‑player roundup, where Ben Solak noted that the swap opens a pathway for Stewart’s development. Garrett’s size and ability to line up inside give defensive coordinator Chris Shula more flexibility, allowing Stewart to thrive on the outside.
Why does this matter for Josaiah Stewart?
Stewart logged just 166 pass‑rush snaps as a rotational player last season, yet his burst and drop‑kick ability impressed Shula. With Garrett now anchoring interior pressure, Shula can deploy Stewart on wider alignments and late‑game blitz packages. Solak called Stewart a “Swiss Army knife” who can bend, pop, and finish at the quarterback, a skill set that becomes more valuable when the Rams can shift Garrett inside and free up the edge.
What does this mean for the Rams’ defense?
Garrett’s presence gives Los Angeles a two‑pronged attack: he can rush from the edge or slide inside, forcing offenses to respect multiple gaps. That creates space for Stewart to attack tackles from the outside, especially on sub‑package downs where Shula likes to mix looks. The Rams finished 12‑5 in 2025 and fell 31‑27 to Seattle in the NFC Championship, so the front office is banking on this defensive upgrade to push them past the conference stage.
How could the trade shape the Rams’ 2026 outlook?
Beyond Garrett’s headline value, the move signals an aggressive push to maximize Matthew Stafford’s final championship window. The Rams also added Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas City, bolstering the secondary. If Stewart capitalizes on increased snaps, he could emerge as a key playmaker alongside Garrett, giving Los Angeles a deeper, more adaptable pass rush as they chase a Super Bowl berth.
What’s next for the young defender?
Stewart’s role will likely expand in training camp, where Shula can experiment with him in various blitz packages. Early preseason reps could determine whether he becomes a late‑game closer or a regular starter. Meanwhile, Garrett will be expected to anchor the interior, freeing up the edge for Stewart’s speed and versatility. The Rams’ defensive trajectory now hinges on how quickly the two can sync.
Bottom line: The Myles Garrett trade does more than add a veteran star; it reshapes the Rams’ defensive puzzle, giving rookie Josaiah Stewart a clearer lane to breakout in 2026.