The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just add one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers; they created a ripple effect that will impact the organization for years to come. Who benefits the most from the Garret trade?
The Ripple Effect: Who Benefits the Most from the Rams Trading for Myles Garrett?
Former Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who is signed through 2030 on a five-year, $160 million contract, will impact several key people in the Rams organization.
As a five-time First-Team All-Pro and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett has the experience to elevate Rams’ coaches and players.
His range of skills and talents will allow the Rams to win Super Bowls for years to come. Garrett is a team player and has already shared his goals and expectations with the Rams.
“I want to be the most dominant force on the field. It doesn’t matter if it’s a passing down or they plan on rushing the ball,” Garrett said.
Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford just finished his 17th season and won the NFL MVP. While he may have just had his best season, he is 38 years old. Stafford contemplated retirement this offseason but signed a one-year, $55 million extension with the potential for a two-year deal.
Stafford’s career is coming to an end, but now with a dominant defense and an elite offense, he could play for another few years. Stafford still has more to give, but Garrett’s acquisition catapults the Rams into Super Bowl favorites for the next few years.
This could be the first time in Stafford’s career that his team is Super Bowl favorites, and this feeling might convince him to continue playing for a few more years.
Stafford’s career implications could dramatically change if he wins another Super Bowl. If he wins multiple Super Bowls in a short span, he could quickly climb up the ranks and become a top 10 quarterback in NFL history.
Sean McVay
Rumors about Rams head coach Sean McVay’s possible retirement in tandem with Stafford have circulated in the media for the last few years. McVay, who has been the Rams’ head coach since 2017, has floated the idea of retiring several times throughout his head coaching career. He has even said that he could retire earlier than expected.
Although he hasn’t made any significant comments about retirement lately, there is a belief that he could walk away when Stafford retires. Articles and reports have circulated speculating about McVay’s early exit from football, but Garrett’s dominance could convince McVay to continue coaching in pursuit of more Super Bowls.
Garrett’s addition makes McVay’s retirement less likely. Even if Stafford retires soon, the Rams’ key pieces should keep the Rams a dangerous team for the next several years. The Rams should be Super Bowl favorites for the next several seasons, and if that’s the case, expect McVay to remain the Rams head coach for a while.
Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald played for the Rams for 10 years and retired in 2023. During his career, Donald became a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-year First-Team All-Pro. He is one of the best pass rushers of all time, especially considering he played as a defensive tackle. Donald’s ability to draw double teams and beat schemes with ease made him one of the greatest forces in football history.
Since the Rams acquired Garrett, Donald has “flirted” with the idea of coming out of retirement. While Donald has nothing left to prove, the opportunity to line up with Garrett is certainly an enticing one. The two would automatically make the Rams one of the most feared defenses in the NFL.
“Definitely expect to talk soon,” Garrett said about speaking with Donald.
Chris Shula
Garrett’s addition to the Rams’ defense gives defensive coordinator Chris Shula an embarrassment of riches to work with this season. After adding Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the addition of Garrett will elevate the defense to new heights.
Garrett has already begun thinking about how he will fit into the Rams’ defense.
“I pride myself on being able to play anywhere. Whatever they call on me to do, I’m ready and willing,” Garrett said.
After last season, Shula had significant interest from teams looking to fill head coaching openings. This season, Shula will be coaching for a potential head coaching position, and Garrett will only increase his chances of getting the best job. Garrett will undoubtedly be a key player in Shula’s quest to be a head coach.
