Myles Garrett Trade Gives Ravens a Major AFC North Opening

The Baltimore Ravens no longer have to circle two Browns games every season and build an entire protection plan around Myles Garrett.

That changes everything.

Cleveland traded Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday in one of the biggest defensive trades in recent NFL history. The Browns received Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick in return for the superstar edge rusher.

For more Ravens coverage, check out Maryland Sports Blog’s recent breakdowns on Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore, Rayshaun Benny’s fit on the Ravens defensive line and Zion Young’s edge presence.

That matters most for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense.

Garrett did not just pressure quarterbacks. Garrett destroyed game plans.

The former Browns star enters Los Angeles after arguably the greatest pass-rushing season in NFL history. Garrett finished 2025 with an NFL-record 23 sacks, 33 tackles for loss and another Defensive Player of the Year award. Garrett also owns 125.5 career sacks and produced at least 12 sacks in six straight seasons.

Baltimore felt that impact every year.

The Ravens constantly shifted protections toward Garrett. Tight ends chipped him. Running backs stayed in to block him. Offensive coordinators changed launch points and play designs simply because Garrett lined up across the field. Cleveland always had a chance to wreck a game because Garrett could take over an entire quarter by himself.

Now the Browns lose that nightmare weapon.

Verse gives Cleveland a legitimate young building block. The former Rams edge defender already won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and recorded 12 sacks across his first two NFL seasons. Verse added 58 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles during the 2025 season while becoming one of the league’s rising young defenders.

Still, the comparison between Verse and Garrett shows exactly why this trade changes the AFC North balance.

Garrett recorded 41 sacks over the last three seasons combined, including the record-setting 23-sack campaign in 2025. Garrett also earned three straight First-Team All-Pro selections and two Defensive Player of the Year awards during that span. Verse, meanwhile, produced 12 career sacks in two NFL seasons total. Verse brings youth, explosiveness and upside, but Garrett brought weekly domination and Hall of Fame-level production.

That difference matters in the AFC North.

Baltimore now enters divisional games against Cleveland without facing the league’s most feared pass rusher. The Ravens offensive line still faces a physical Browns defense, but Cleveland no longer has the one defender who could completely erase mistakes up front.

That changes how Baltimore can attack.

The Ravens can open the offense more aggressively now. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle can release more tight ends into routes instead of forcing extra blockers to stay home against Garrett. Baltimore can attack deeper developing concepts. Lamar Jackson can extend plays without immediately worrying about Garrett collapsing the pocket in two seconds.

The Ravens should also gain an edge in the running game.

Garrett dominated outside contain responsibilities and forced Baltimore runners back inside. Without him, Baltimore can stress Cleveland’s edges with zone-read looks, quarterback keepers and outside runs. Jackson becomes even more dangerous when defenses lose elite edge discipline.

This trade also reshapes the AFC North hierarchy.

Pittsburgh still features T.J. Watt, one of the NFL’s elite edge defenders. Cincinnati still owns an explosive offense led by Joe Burrow. Cleveland still fields a tough defense and now owns extra draft ammunition. But the Browns no longer possess the division’s biggest defensive game wrecker.

That gives Baltimore breathing room.

The Ravens already entered 2026 as division favorites because of Jackson, Derrick Henry and one of the NFL’s deepest rosters. Garrett leaving the AFC North strengthens Baltimore’s position even more.

Cleveland made the move because the franchise needed a reset. Garrett reportedly grew frustrated with the Browns’ direction and wanted out. Cleveland responded by collecting a young pass rusher and future draft capital instead of watching Garrett age during another rebuild.

From the Browns perspective, the deal makes sense.

From Baltimore’s perspective, the move feels like a gift.

The Rams now become a legitimate Super Bowl favorite after pairing Garrett with one of the NFL’s most aggressive front offices. Los Angeles aggressively pushed all-in for a championship window.

Meanwhile, the Ravens quietly became winners too.

Baltimore did not surrender draft picks. Baltimore did not need to make a blockbuster move. The Ravens simply watched one of the greatest defensive players of his generation leave the division.

Sometimes the biggest offseason victory comes from somebody else’s trade.

The Ravens still have work ahead. Baltimore still must protect Jackson better in January. The defense still needs consistency under Jesse Minter. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati still remain dangerous. Cleveland still will play physical football.

But the AFC North just lost its most terrifying defender.

That changes the division immediately.

External sources: apnews.com, espn.com, baltimoreravens.com