How Myles Garrett trade could backfire for Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams made a bold move in trading for Myles Garrett, giving up a significant amount to bring the star defensive end to town. The team clearly believes that adding Garrett to their already formidable defensive line will be worth the high price they paid. However, as with any major trade in professional sports, there is always a risk involved. Will the Rams regret trading for Myles Garrett in the long run?

To understand the potential implications of this trade, it is important to first look at Myles Garrett’s career and how he has performed up to this point. Garrett was the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Cleveland Browns. He quickly established himself as one of the top defensive players in the league, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his first few seasons. Garrett is known for his exceptional pass-rushing abilities, as well as his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his speed and athleticism.

In his three seasons with the Browns, Garrett recorded 30.5 sacks, 104 tackles, and 6 forced fumbles. His impact on the field was undeniable, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Cleveland. However, Garrett also made headlines for a controversial incident in 2019, when he was involved in a physical altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. Garrett was suspended for the remainder of the season as a result of the incident, raising questions about his maturity and ability to control his emotions on the field.

Despite this incident, the Rams saw enough potential in Garrett to make him the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade. In exchange for Garrett, the Rams gave up multiple draft picks, as well as several key players on their roster. This was a significant investment for the team, and it raised expectations for Garrett to perform at a high level in Los Angeles.

One of the main reasons the Rams were willing to make such a big trade for Garrett was their desire to improve their pass rush. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leading to issues in their secondary. Garrett’s addition was seen as a potential solution to this problem, as his ability to disrupt the passing game could help improve the overall performance of the Rams’ defense.

However, there are also concerns about how Garrett will fit into the Rams’ defensive scheme. In Cleveland, Garrett was primarily used as a traditional edge rusher, lining up on the outside and attacking the quarterback from the edge. The Rams, on the other hand, run a 3-4 defensive scheme that often requires their outside linebackers to drop back into coverage as well as rush the passer. This could potentially limit Garrett’s effectiveness and force him to adapt to a new role in the Rams’ defense.

Another factor to consider is the financial implications of trading for Garrett. As one of the top defensive players in the league, Garrett commands a hefty salary that could put strain on the Rams’ salary cap. The team will need to make tough decisions in order to accommodate Garrett’s contract, potentially leading to cuts or restructures of other players on the roster. This could have long-term consequences for the team’s overall depth and competitiveness.

There is also the issue of Garrett’s off-field behavior and whether he will be able to stay out of trouble in Los Angeles. The incident with Mason Rudolph raised red flags about Garrett’s character and ability to control his emotions in high-pressure situations. The Rams will need to closely monitor Garrett’s behavior and ensure that he remains focused on his performance on the field.

Overall, the trade for Myles Garrett carries both significant upside and potential risks for the Los Angeles Rams. The team is betting on Garrett’s talent and potential to elevate their defense to the next level, but there are also concerns about how he will fit into their scheme, as well as his off-field behavior. Only time will tell whether the Rams will regret trading for Garrett, but one thing is certain – the pressure is on for Garrett to deliver on the high expectations that come with being the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade.

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Source: Sporting News