Myles Garrett hasn’t played in the last six games for the Los Angeles Rams, and after Week 1’s stat-less performance, questions are flying about the massive offseason trade that brought him to L.A. The Bears just shelled out two first-round picks for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, and it’s got everyone looking back at how the Rams handled their big offseason move. Was it worth it, or are they already wishing they’d played the waiting game?
The Garrett Gamble That Isn’t Paying Off
Let’s break down the Garrett deal first. The Rams sent a 2027 first-round pick, pass rusher Jared Verse (who was a 2024 first-rounder himself), and even more to the Cleveland Browns to get Garrett. This guy was coming off a Defensive Player of the Year season where he racked up 23 sacks, so you can see the appeal. It was a bold, superstar-level move. But here’s the kicker: some folks argued edge wasn’t even L.A.’s biggest need. And now? Garrett put up zero stats in Week 1’s 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Zero. Worse yet, he’s been sidelined for the past six games with a knee injury, and there’s no clear return date right now. The good news is, once the Rams open his 21-day activation window, his age, experience, and the rehab time mean he’s got a solid shot at being ready for the next game. But still, a guy brought in for that kind of haul isn’t even on the field. Oof.
Jeffery Simmons: The One That Got Away?
Now, imagine if the Rams had gone another direction. Some are saying Jeffery Simmons would have been a much, much bigger need for L.A. than Garrett, and they wouldn’t have had to give up Jared Verse. Verse, by the way, has the same number of sacks this year as Garrett: none. Think about what Simmons brings to the table. Since 2025, the dude has been absolutely dominant, leading all defensive tackles with 15.0 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 85 pressures, 28 pressures after a double team, 31 quick pressures, and 6 turnovers caused by pressure. And get this, he also leads DTs with 9.5 sacks on third down since 2025. That includes this season (as of January 8, 2026) where he had 7.5 sacks on third down, with only Garrett himself having more at 11.0 (from that same earlier season). Can you even picture what the Rams’ defense would look like this week against the Chargers if they had Simmons instead? Would Aaron Donald still be back? Would Kobie Turner and Poona Ford still be injured? Who knows, but a healthy Simmons would be a game-wrecker.
The Seahawks Know How to Make a Deal
While the Rams are trying to figure out their costly Garrett gamble, our own Seattle Seahawks made a move that looks pretty smart in comparison. The Hawks snagged Quenton Nelson, and the 49ers got DeForest Buckner, with neither team giving up more than a third-round pick. That’s how you get impact players without gutting your future draft capital. The Bears just paid two first-rounders for Simmons, and it’s hard not to look at the Rams’ situation and wonder if they pulled the trigger too fast.
The Rams are staring down a massive question mark with Garrett’s injury and the price of that trade. They’ve gotta hope that 21-day window opens fast and he’s back to DPOY form, because otherwise, that Simmons-shaped hole in their roster is going to keep looking bigger and bigger. Meanwhile, Seattle fans can watch our own Hawks, who seem to know a thing or two about snagging impact players without giving up the farm.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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