Former Browns star Myles Garrett couldn't pass up an opportunity to compete for championships with the Los Angeles Rams , but admits Cleveland was tough to leave.
In order for the Cleveland Browns to complete their blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams that sent Myles Garrett to the City of Angels, they first needed the two-time Defensive Player of the Year to waive his no-trade clause.
Garrett confirmed in his introductory press conference on Tuesday what Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations had also revealed, that the two parties first discussed the possibilities of a trade with the Rams about a week ago. By the time the weekend rolled around, the framework was mostly agreed upon. On Monday, it was done.
Intrigued by the proposition of playing for a team that is a Super Bowl favorite, Garrett agreed. Still, the future Hall of Famer admitted that moving on from Cleveland isn't easy.
"I don't take my time in Cleveland for granted," Garrett said to the Los Angeles media. "I did love being there. My family had become really a part of the community. Definitely had started to plant roots ... just feeling like this is your second home. Stuff like that, it tears at you to leave and break away."
Garrett understands it's part of the business, though.
Just last year Garrett very publicly requested a trade on Super Bowl Radio Row, citing a desire to win immediately, which no longer aligned with the Browns current timeline.
When push came to shove, the standoff ended with Cleveland handing its star pass rusher a record setting contract extension that made him the highest paid non-QB in football at the time.
A little over a year later, though, his initial request was granted. Garrett admitted it was an opportunity he couldn't refuse.
"Since the very beginning it's always been about winning. It just breaks down to, the timing of everything," said Garrett. "What does it realistically look like to be a winner now. And to have an opportunity to do that immediately, that was an opportunity that was just too good to pass up."
Berry described his conversations with Garrett as the move unfolded "bittersweet," earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the 2017 No. 1 overall pick said he had to sleep on it before totally agreeing to it.
Cleveland appeared to truly tug at his heartstrings until the bitter end.
Ultimately, it ended with both sides getting what they needed most. Garrett wanted an opportunity to chase championships; LA offers that. And the Browns wanted an opportunity to continue turning over a roster with young talent, while setting themselves up to potentially find their franchise QB in 2027.
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