Dave Roberts Switches Allegiance to Rams After Myles Garrett Blockbuster Trade

The Los Angeles sports landscape was jolted earlier this week when the Rams completed a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year. The move instantly reshaped championship expectations across the league and reinforced the Rams’ push to remain among the NFL’s elite.

In exchange for Garrett, the Rams sent a significant package to the Cleveland Browns, including edge rusher Jared Verse and multiple future draft picks spanning from 2027 through 2029. The deal signaled an all-in approach from Los Angeles as it continues building around a win-now roster.

The impact of the trade extended beyond football circles, spilling into the broader Los Angeles sports scene. With the Rams now viewed as Super Bowl favorites, attention has shifted to how the acquisition resonates across the city’s other major franchises and personalities.

One of those voices is Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who recently acknowledged that the Rams’ move for Garrett has influenced his own NFL loyalties, marking a notable shift in his public fandom.

1. Garrett Trade Sends Shockwaves Through L.A.

The Rams’ decision to acquire Garrett immediately elevated expectations around the franchise. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, his arrival has strengthened an already competitive roster. The trade package sent to Cleveland underscored the magnitude of the move. By including young talent and multiple future draft selections, Los Angeles demonstrated its urgency to compete at the highest level in the present. League observers quickly identified the Rams as a primary Super Bowl contender following the deal. The combination of established talent and a defensive cornerstone like Garrett has significantly altered the competitive balance in the NFC. For Los Angeles sports fans, the acquisition also carried symbolic weight. It reinforced the city’s recent history of championship success across multiple teams and heightened expectations heading into the new season.

2. Dave Roberts Publicly Embraces Rams Momentum

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the impact of Garrett’s arrival during recent comments, stating that the move has reshaped his perspective on NFL allegiance in Los Angeles. Roberts revealed that he previously supported the Chargers but is now leaning toward the Rams, citing the excitement surrounding the team’s recent acquisition and overall trajectory. His comments came shortly after Garrett participated in a ceremonial first pitch appearance at a Dodgers game, further connecting the star defender with the city’s broader sports culture. Roberts praised Garrett as an elite-level talent, noting that players of his caliber elevate both team performance and fan engagement. His remarks reflected the growing buzz surrounding the Rams’ latest move.

3. Garrett Sets Championship ExpectationsGarrett Sets Championship Expectations

Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles has not only changed outside perceptions but also raised internal expectations within the organization. At his introductory press conference, he made clear that his focus is on winning immediately. The star defender emphasized his desire to build a legacy that includes both individual recognition and team success. That includes contending for additional Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as competing for a Super Bowl title. Garrett also expressed urgency about achieving those goals in Los Angeles, signaling that he views the Rams as a prime opportunity to compete at the highest level during the peak years of his career. With the Rams already coming off recent championship success in prior seasons, Garrett’s addition reinforces the franchise’s win-now identity. Combined with rising support from figures like Roberts, the move has only intensified expectations across the city heading into the season.