​The Sporting News recently published a piece examining how Myles Garrett could help the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026 breakout candidate, with The Sporting News designated as a preferred source. In a blockbuster exchange, the Rams pivoted their fortunes by trading Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett. The move instantly reshaped the Rams’ pass rush, pairing Garrett with Byron Young to form what some view as the NFL’s premier pass-rushing duo. Yet Garrett’s impact might extend beyond his own production; his presence could unlock bigger seasons for teammates as well.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak highlighted 2025 third-round pick Josaiah Stewart, a former Michigan edge rusher, as a breakout candidate for the Rams in 2026. The logic is straightforward: Garrett could clear paths and create more favorable scenarios for Stewart to flourish. Solak notes that Stewart is a versatile subpackage option with genuine drop capability, which endears him to Rams offensive coordinator and play-caller Matthew Shula. Stewart’s value isn’t limited to rushing the passer; he has the athleticism to drop into coverage when needed, giving defensive coordinator Chris Shula an additional tool to deploy on blitzing downs as a Swiss Army Knife.
Though Stewart is typically associated with edge rushing duties, his role could expand with Garrett on the roster. The addition of Garrett increases the likelihood that Stewart can be deployed in varied alignments, allowing the defense to maximize its personnel packages. Solak explains that with Verse now swapped for Garrett, the Rams will likely see Garrett slide inside more frequently in subpackage looks due to his size and inside-pass-rush potential. That interior presence would, in turn, create opportunities for wider, more dangerous edge looks for Stewart, potentially positioning him as a late-game closer.
The Rams’ defensive scheme could leverage Garrett as a more interior threat while keeping a strong edge presence with Byron Young, Braden Fisk, Kobie Turner, and Poona Ford along the defensive line. This configuration would enable the Rams to put substantial pressure on opposing quarterbacks, as Stewart earns opportunities on the outside in combination packages designed to overwhelm protection schemes.
Stewart’s track record includes playing all 17 games in his rookie season, registering 3.0 sacks and three tackles for loss in a limited role. While the third-rounder might have been a standout even before Garrett’s arrival, the new dynamic created by Garrett’s presence could amplify Stewart’s impact. The message from Solak remains clear: Garrett’s interior presence could unlock more opportunities and allow Stewart to function as a rotational pass rusher with the potential for a bigger role in a top-tier defense.
In this context, the Rams’ 2026 defense could be among the league’s most disruptive units, leveraging Garrett’s interior versatility to free up Stewart on the edge and allow the rest of the front to apply consistent pressure. The combination of a healthy Garrett inside, Young’s speed on the outside, and a versatile Stewart who can rush the passer and drop into coverage offers the Rams a unique advantage. If Stewart capitalizes on the increased workload and the defense as a whole maintains its high level of play, a breakout season for the 2025 draftee could become a reality in 2026.
The Rams’ front is designed to apply pressure from multiple angles, and Garrett’s presence could be the critical catalyst that enables this approach to reach its full potential. With a mix of interior pressures and edge rushes, the Rams could stifle opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers, ultimately supporting a breakout year for Stewart as a key rotational piece who can deliver game-changing plays when called upon. The story to watch remains whether the Garrett acquisition translates into a breakthrough season for Stewart, driven by the strategic use of personnel, alignment variety, and the continued development of the Rams’ elite defensive backbone.