Steelers Get Absolutely Screwed Over By Browns and Rams' Blockbuster Trade With Myles Garrett

On one hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers are probably happy that Myles Garrett has been shipped out of town. He was a problem for them, specifically when the team had to travel to Ohio and face the Cleveland Browns. On Monday, when dead cap rules change, Cleveland is allegedly expected to ship the recent AP Defensive Player of the Year winner away to the Los Angeles Rams for a massive haul that includes former AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. It's clear that they are tanking with all the pieces they lost and what little bit they acquired in the offseason. 

The Steelers shouldn't celebrate too hard, however. Along with the fact that the Browns are tanking, they picked up a 2027 first-round pick in that deal with the Rams. They are in perfect position to land a future franchise quarterback, which Pittsburgh will could desperately be looking for as well. With this deal, it will become significantly harder to get the guy it wants when Draft Day rolls around. 

General Manager Omar Khan has received positive reviews for the most part, but the one big blemish on his record is the fact that he has not found a long-term option at quarterback for the future. With how the 2026 offseason has gone, as well as the overall outlook for the team, that may end up being the case again. It goes far beyond what the Browns did as well, but that is a key part of this. 

The New York Jets also have two first-round picks at their disposal while also being in a prime position to tank. They will be potentially be fighting with the Browns to be the worst NFL team, but if it neither of them get it, then there could be a bidding war for the first overall pick while the loser gets the next best option. That may not happen either though, as the Arizona Cardinals also seem to be in full tank mode and could get the best passer of the class. 

Before all this, the Browns were looking to make progress on a disappointing 2025 season. While Verse is a great edge rusher, he isn't the best in the league like Garrett. Between that, losing defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, and losing their entire offensive line, all those plans of getting better have disappeared for them. It might be first overall pick or bust in Cleveland.

The 2027 quarterback class is supposed to be generational, so the Steelers should still have some options in theory. However, 2026 was also supposed to have an elite group of passers, and that could not have been further from the truth. There is no guarantee that there will be enough first-round talents at the position. What appears to be guaranteed, however, is the fact that Pittsburgh won't get one of the three best signal-callers next year.

Steelers May Have To Rely On What They Have

Mike McCarthy was hired to try and develop a quarterback for the Steelers. He may have to do that without getting a first-round talent. He has a pair of risky projects to work with, and there is no guarantee that either of them can develop into long-term starters. Pittsburgh may have to select another passer in Day 2 of the 2027 NFL Draft and keep taking lottery picks until one hits. 

If he truly is the quarterback whisperer that the Steelers believe he is, then he should be able to help Will Howard and/or Drew Allar become quality passers. It's a very tough task, but it's doable. It would be much easier if he had a bona fide uber-talented first-round signal-caller to work with, but he has to play with the hand he was dealt while the Browns make moves to help their future.

What do you think about the Browns' Garrett trade having a negative impact on the Steelers? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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