Blockbuster Myles Garrett trade shakes up Saints Week 9 matchup

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints’ Week 9 contest against the Cleveland Browns is now set to look a lot different for the Saints offense after a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams was completed.

The Browns sent superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Rams in exchange for defender Jared Verse and a collection of draft picks. The move means that the Saints will no longer face Garrett at home in the Caesars Superdome following their Week 8 bye week and return from Paris.

Garrett set the NFL record for most sacks in a single season with 23 quarterback takedowns last year. With quarterback Tyler Shough eager to prove he is the future of the Saints’ franchise at signal caller, not having to match up with the incredibly productive edge rusher is certain to evoke a sigh of relief.

That week, New Orleans won’t completely escape facing an elite edge presence. The team will still have to take on Verse, who was a problem for the Saints’ offensive line in his past two meetings with the team.

Last year, he had a pair of pressures, but forced a lot of focus from the protection unit while rushing opposite Byron Young. In 2024, Verse totaled six pressures against New Orleans including three hits on the quarterback. 

New Orleans will be looking to limit Verse’s success against its offense again in 2026, the third consecutive season the team has faced the former Florida State pass rusher.

The Saints’ new-look offensive line will still face some strong competition in 2026, but the trade sending Garrett to the Rams at least takes one of the truly elite opponents off of the board. The Saints and Rams will need in the preseason and via joint practices before the season begins.