The Opening Drive 6/3: Three Key Ways of Evaluating the Myles Garrett Trade

As we get farther away from this trade, these are three ways I will measure the outcome.

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When Do Their Trajectories Intersect

Jared Verse is an exceptional young edge rusher who fits the DNA of what the Browns want to do defensively. But how quickly he develops and his longevity as a premier pass rusher will impact the way this trade is viewed.

Let’s be realistic: Verse will never be Myles Garrett, no one will. However, as Verse ascends and Father Time inevitably slows Garrett down, there will come a moment when their career trajectories intersect, and Verse becomes the more productive player. The timeline of that intersection is our first grading metric. If Garrett is 33 and beginning to decline just as Verse is blossoming into a dominant force on his second contract, the Browns can consider this a win. It means they successfully exchanged their superstar for another foundational player who better aligns with their timeline.

Statistics via PFF.com