Myles Garrett, Sean McVay & Les Snead Address The Media Following Trade With The Browns

[0:00] Okay, I think I'll open kind of how did we end up with Miles Garrett sitting between Sean and [0:06] ourself? I think when Sean and I first met for the first time to talk about the offseason, [0:11] we did discuss how we can add to the defense that started with the trade with Trent McDuffie [0:17] adding Jalen. I think when we get to in Miles' case, and I'll keep this brief, when they made, [0:25] when Cleveland made the adjustment to his contract, not sure if it was a signal, [0:28] they made an adjustment. I've got a good relationship with Andrew. Barry thought I'd just [0:33] check in, you know, let's check in. Obviously, Miles and his standing with him, he's a Cleveland [0:39] Brown, he's on their Mount Rushmore, so they were a no. But Andrew and I have a good relationship. [0:46] We like talking about football a good bit, so I would pester him a little bit, probably jokingly [0:51] at first, kept doing that. And then we began talking a little more seriously about it. We [0:56] tried to do this with draft compensation. Then the draft came and went. We picked talks [1:03] back up. We tried to discuss, you know, more draft compensation. At the end of the day, [1:08] and where it got a little tough for us is they asked for Jared Burse in return. And similar [1:15] to what Cleveland did at first, we were a no, based on all that Jared's done for our organization. [1:20] So during May, we kept trying. We tried to work things out, tried to figure out a solution. [1:25] But as the June 1st date came to, let's call it, as it was getting closer, probably sometime [1:32] late May there into that weekend, we kind of had a decision to make. We knew where Cleveland [1:37] stand. They knew where we stood. And then we proceeded to make the trade. And with all [1:43] this, I can say, because I know Josh is here, Stan, I do think this, when you make a move [1:48] like this, having the ecosystem that Stan, Josh's family provides for us to be able to do something [1:54] like this out of the box a little bit as free agency, it kind of come and go. That's always [2:00] a very positive thing. And at the end of the day, we were able to agree. And we're jacked [2:06] here. [2:06] So much for being brief, Les. You know? No, I'm just kidding. That's coming from me. [2:13] That's not... [2:14] Oh, yeah. We'll compare notes. [2:15] Here's what I will say, though. It's a rare opportunity. And it is challenging, because when [2:19] you look at being able to acquire a player like this, these things don't come up often. [2:24] And so when you do have a chance, you're saying, hey, can we have the best of both where you're [2:29] able to get miles and still keep a player that you love that's been an instrumental part of [2:32] the last couple of years? That was the hardest part of this decision is parting ways with [2:36] somebody that we love and care about. Wish him the best in Cleveland. And he's done an amazing [2:41] job for us each of the last couple of years, brought an energy, a production level, a toughness. [2:46] But the opportunity to be able to get a chance to be able to work alongside Miles, he knows [2:51] the respect and reverence I've had for his game, just getting to know him over the course [2:55] of his career and my coaching career. And we feel like he can upgrade our football team. [3:01] He's going to make a great impact. The important stuff for us was, number one, you have Bubba [3:06] Ventrone in the building and Kyle Hoke that can speak to what a great teammate he is and where [3:10] you really see it on a daily basis. One of my favorite things I saw about this guy was, [3:14] he gets the sack record. It wasn't the fact that he got his 23rd sack. Watch the teammates [3:18] celebrating and how happy they were around him. That tells me a lot about him. And he is a pain [3:24] in the ass to game plan against. And I'm glad we don't have to do that anymore. He makes other guys [3:28] around him better. And I know he's excited to come in and be a big part of this culture. And we can't [3:33] wait to get to work. But it's an exciting time while also there's a part of it where you wish [3:39] Jared versus the best. But we're excited about this guy. And he's why we're here and look forward [3:44] to hearing from him. Hey, Miles, just for the record, Bubba did say you'd play Gunner for him. [3:50] Yeah, and I said no. He did tell me that I owed him at least one game at Gunner. So we'll see about [3:56] that. But I'm very excited. And I want to thank you, Sean, Les, the Kroenke family for making this [4:02] happen. Very excited to be here. It's an honor and a blessing to be in this building. I have a lot [4:09] of respect for all the guys here from the coaching staff, management, and many of the players. Now [4:17] I've got to see it firsthand. It's a very quality team, quality business. And I like the way things [4:24] operate. And I'm looking forward to helping a championship here to LA. Are they going to depend [4:46] on me or? That's always been my role since I stepped foot into the NFL. So nothing changes [5:03] for me. No, I don't feel any pressure to be anything else or be anything different. As long [5:08] as I'm myself and I come here to work every day and I'm a leader, the success will follow. I found [5:20] out about a week ago that this was even a possibility. And I mean, it was a surprise. It was a bit [5:25] of excitement. Being at LA, I have a lot of roots here. And knowing that there's a winning [5:31] culture and some great teammates and great coaches here. I was definitely looking forward [5:36] to the opportunity and God willing to have it. You know, Miles had a no trade clause. So [5:42] I remember Andrew and I, I remember asking Andrew after about a month of talking, hey, [5:48] I know Miles has a no trade clause. Are we going to have gone through all this and he's going [5:52] to say no? So it. I mean, every team's a work in progress. Damn, that's how you feel, huh? [6:18] No, on paper, I'm sure things look great. But you know, we got to go out there and put [6:23] the work in. It starts in the field, starts in the classroom. And we're not going to take [6:27] a single day for granted. We're not going to be looking at any odds or favorites. We're [6:31] going to win each game day by day. I mean, it's already very solid all around. We have [6:43] very talented guys in each position. And that's not just in my room, but getting guys like McDuffie, [6:51] you know, that was a big acquisition as well. So I think it's very talented, you know, from the, [6:56] from the top to the bottom. I don't even remember half my day. You know, hopped on a plane. First [7:09] thing that happened was I hopped into, you know, a truck, went to get some physical, some testing, [7:16] and now I'm here. So it's been, you know, ripping and running since. Listen, if he's interested, [7:35] you know, there is no, here's what I say. You talk to Aaron and you see what he's saying about that. But [7:39] here's what I would tell you guys overall, too, is, you know, Aaron's a guy that I stay really [7:45] close in touch with. And I know the respect that he has for Miles. Talk to him about the opportunity [7:50] to be able to bring him on board. If Aaron decides he wants to dust him off at the age of 35, I bet [7:55] you he could still do it at a pretty high clip. But here's what I would tell you guys, too. You [7:59] know, the one thing that's great about Miles, we're not going to ask him to do anything other than be [8:03] himself and take it a day at a time, be totally and completely present. The last time you guys remember [8:08] who the Super Bowl favorites were before season last season, right? No, you don't. Nobody remembers. [8:13] OK, so the point I'm making is, is like, hey, it's a fun narrative right now, but we're going [8:17] to be inside out. We're going to earn it every single day. We had our first 11 on 11 today, [8:22] and there's a lot of growth that we need to be able to have as a football team. And we're excited [8:25] to get him in here, learn the different things that we'll ask of him. But we believe that he can [8:31] impact the team in a significant way by being himself. You know, and then there's a lot of other guys. [8:36] It's the greatest team sport that there is. I'm really excited about our team coming together [8:41] because that's what every single year is about. And that happens one day at a time. We'll finish [8:45] up this offseason program where it's this week, the following week, and then we'll come back in [8:49] training camp and we got to be ready to rock. And then the goal will be to be able to peak when we [8:53] start in Australia and then, you know, hopefully stay fortunate to stay healthy and continue to build [8:58] and adjust and adapt as we go. But it's a long journey. We got to be able to handle it. But most [9:03] importantly is, you know, the caliber of people. How do we come together? How do we establish what [9:07] this team really looks like? We are fortunate to have a lot of continuity and there's excitement [9:12] being able to add a player like that. But it's one day at a time. And I love everything that he said [9:16] because I couldn't be more in agreement. And we're not going to let the outside-in narratives affect [9:20] our ability to be courageous every single day and go swing and see what the hell happens. [9:38] You're always threading that needle. But I think once we get to this time of year, [9:42] this season is looming, it becomes the main thing, the more important thing, [9:47] what you weigh the most. But you're always threading that needle for, you know, sustainability, [9:54] trying to win consistently. That's a hard one to thread. [9:57] I mean, I'm not sure, honestly. I've gotten a whole bunch of calls and texts. I've already missed [10:11] a call from Coach early on, just my phone blowing up. But no, he's been a [10:17] positive force in my life, just giving advice when he can as far as transition, always trying to [10:28] work through different situations early on in my career. And I'm sure we'll have some more [10:33] conversations now being in the same city. So we'll see. But I haven't got to talk to him yet. [10:39] Wow. That's amazing, knowing that I don't have to really have a large role in that. I know she's [11:02] going to handle business and handle my business and have my best interest at heart. You know, [11:07] I have no lack of trust in her or anyone on my team. So it's a blessing to have her in my corner. [11:13] And I know she's always going to do right by myself and my family. And she made this possible as well [11:18] as a lesson shown. I will say this for Nicole, wouldn't have been able to get this done without [11:24] us working pretty tirelessly since the weekend. We didn't have a lot of time to discuss contract, [11:31] but thank you, Nicole. Just talented. They love playing the game. They love playing the game [11:54] for this guy. And that means a lot, you know, having a player's coach, you know, lead you onto [11:59] that field and wanting to, you know, give the extra effort and go the extra mile for him and for each [12:04] other. You know, that's kind of what you feel going on to that field. You know, these guys are [12:09] going to war, not just as individuals, but as a team. And that's how you end up playing those games [12:15] later into the year. Well, I mean, since the very beginning, it's always been about winning. [12:39] And, you know, it just breaks down to, you know, the timing of everything. You know, [12:46] what does it realistically look like for, you know, to be a winner now and to have an opportunity to do [12:54] that, you know, immediately. You know, that was an opportunity that was just, you know, too difficult to [12:59] pass up. And, you know, I always have, you know, love in my heart for Cleveland City, [13:04] you know, community, you know, all its players and everything else. But the opportunity to come here [13:10] and have an immediate and, you know, profound impact on this team, you know, it was, you know, [13:16] something I just, you know, had to move forward with. No, definitely, definitely have to sleep on it. [13:27] I don't take my time in Cleveland for granted. You know, I did, you know, love being there. [13:32] You know, I, my family have become, you know, really a part of the community. You know, [13:38] you definitely have started to plant roots at a, you know, home and, you know, just becoming, [13:44] you know, friends with, you know, all the people in your neighborhood and, you know, [13:47] getting to know people and getting out and, you know, just feeling like this is, you know, [13:51] your second home. You know, this stuff like that, you know, it tears at you to leave and to, [13:57] you know, to break away. But, you know, that's just a part of the things you learn after, [14:02] you know, adjust to as you grow up and learn you have to move on. I mean, games are, you know, [14:23] no matter what time they are, they're still just, still just the same old game. So I'm not worried [14:29] whether they're played at one o'clock on Sunday or Thursday night or Sunday night. It makes no [14:35] difference to me. We still got to suit up and be who we're supposed to be. Yeah, I think, you know, [14:46] number one, you really let the tape guide, you know, and to be able to, you know, it's hard when you, [14:52] to be able to get something great. Unfortunately, we had to give up something great and not going [14:57] to pretend to have all the answers. But when you do look at the body of work, [15:01] what you envision in terms of the fit and how that can help the other 10 guys around and what [15:06] are the different types of things that he elicits attention wise, where are some opportunities that [15:10] we can free him up or that he can offer opportunities for other guys to get the man side [15:14] of the protection or, you know, to be able to do some of those different types of things. But [15:19] it was really the tape, you know, and ultimately, sometimes we have to be able to make decisions [15:24] that are best for the collective. And this is what we thought was best for our team, [15:27] even though it affected somebody that's been a significant part in a negative way that we do love. [15:33] But it was really, you know, it was a football decision. And that's kind of what guides our [15:37] overall approach in our compass, if you will. But the first thing in the prerequisite was this is a [15:43] special human. You know, it's not a special player. Yes, it's a special player, obviously, [15:46] but it's a special person, special teammate. And those are the kind of things that we look [15:51] at first and foremost, and being able to welcome him with open arms, we're excited to have him be [15:55] a huge part of this culture. I did. What would you guess I told him? Hey, well, you know, it was [16:06] we talked to him about just the appreciation, the gratitude, Sarah. And, you know, and I think when [16:10] you have to have those hard conversations, you just let them know, you know, we just, you know, [16:14] executed a trade where we're acquiring Miles Garrett and, and you're going to Cleveland. And I know it, [16:18] it doesn't feel great right now. But there's a lot of love. There's a lot of appreciation [16:22] and gratitude for our relationship, the two years, the impact that you've made. And I can't wait to [16:27] watch you go shine in Cleveland. But I will say this, you know, what a stud with the way that he [16:32] handled it. You know, I was, I don't want to say I was surprised, but I was so impressed. And, you know, [16:37] when Jordan and Christian eventually go through a challenging conversation, I hope they handle it the [16:41] way that Jared Burst did. And I'm a big fan of his, you guys know that. And I'll wish him, you know, [16:48] the best and watch him do his thing. But we are really excited, you know, with respect to Jared [16:53] about being able to get this guy. And it's a big deal for us. [16:58] Oh, it's just a conversation. And no, it didn't take too much in a couple bucks. [17:11] Maybe more than a couple, but [17:14] he was open to it. And, and I understood that, you know, there, there have been some other number [17:20] trades, you know, before me. So I, I, I based my decision off of that, but, you know, he, [17:25] he understood and I'm glad to be sticking with the 95. I don't think I have the balance of snowboard [17:38] anyway, even if there, even if there wasn't, but yeah, there is. Yeah. Well, I think the, [17:51] the biggest thing when you're doing that is, is you're going through, what are the exact parameters? [17:55] You know, you knew you had an opportunity to be able to execute it, you know, but like we said, [17:58] you know, we, there were certain things that we had to kind of get finalized with Andrew and, and [18:03] in Cleveland to be able to figure out exactly what it gets done with as far as what the execution [18:07] and the agreement terms would be. Um, but we were excited, you know, and, and now it's about being [18:11] able to get to work. You know, I think this is all fun and it's obviously, you know, a big deal. [18:16] And our players are really excited to be able to welcome miles. And, and now I know he's just like [18:20] me where we're excited to get to work and figure out how we can, uh, you know, be able to do, you know, [18:25] some cool stuff together. I mean, that they're playing to the decision as well. [18:44] Uh, knowing I have the ability, you know, late game to, to pin my ears back, not just because we, [18:50] we need a, a play to be made, um, but because we, we have the lead and, you know, it's, it's obvious [18:56] passing downs, being able to, you know, make those game changing plays to, to win the game for us. [19:01] Um, although those are things that appeal to me, I'm sure appeal to, to all of us as D linemen. [19:06] So, you know, that is something I really look forward to and just have to wait and see. [19:17] Yeah. Uh, you know, respectful to a, to a teammate that they love and excited to be able to add a, [19:28] a really special player. You know, I know, um, you know, all of our guys, you know, we're, [19:32] we're fans of this game too. So there's a respect, there's an appreciation for the body of work, [19:37] how he's gone about it, what he's done. So there's, there's a lot of excitement. Um, and then there was [19:41] a lot of, you know, you know, um, honest, you know, feelings for Jared. So, but they're guys [19:47] were excited to be able to get him here and get to work. So guys are fired up. [19:50] All right, we're going to do Lindsey, Ted, and Stuart will be done. [19:54] I mean, I think, you know what the reaction was? Okay. Finality, uh, that was probably Sunday. [20:12] We need to get through Monday. We knew there was going to be some tough conversations and then you just go [20:18] to execute the trade from there, but it had been a finality would be finally would be the word. [20:25] There was a lot of discussions about it. You know, I think, uh, you guys know me, [20:29] I'm not the most patient person. So until it became a reality, you know, I think it still is, [20:34] you know, to be able to add players like this, it's so rare for opportunities that present themselves. [20:40] Um, you know, and we feel really fortunate that this feels very similar when we were fortunate enough [20:44] to be able to acquire a player like Matthew Stafford. Um, things like this don't present themselves and [20:49] we wanted to be aggressive and ask him to be nothing more than Miles Garrett and just continue [20:54] to improve and come in here. Um, but it was, uh, it was a long wait until it was actually official. [21:00] And there was things that we had to kind of be able to get figured out in terms of what we were going [21:03] to give, um, like we talked about, but, uh, we're excited that we are here now and you guys know we're [21:09] we're ready to get to work. [21:15] Yeah, I'm definitely recall watching film with the fearsome foursome, you know, Deacon Jones, uh, you know, [21:37] actually, you know, grew up, you know, watching that in, uh, high school, you know, once I start [21:43] started really watching and, uh, playing the game. And so I'm definitely very aware as far as, [21:49] you know, my, my ties to the city, my dad's from LA. So that's an obvious tie, but, you know, Chloe, [21:58] you know, she, her being from here and, uh, us being in the same city is obviously, you know, [22:03] something that I love and appreciate and, uh, everything else. It's really, really just looking [22:11] forward to the future. You know, looking to plant my own roots and, and, uh, you know, see what, [22:15] what comes of this and we'll see how long, uh, uh, LBJ is around here. I'm not sure what his future [22:22] looks like, but if he, if he wants to stay around for a couple more years, I know they'll accept him [22:27] with open arms, but there's only so long he can play. Last one student. I see a, a position to, uh, [22:51] you know, sort of my, solidify myself here as well, you know, among the, the very greats. I still [22:56] have, uh, know plenty of great years in front of me and, uh, being able to, to, uh, you know, [23:02] cement that legacy, um, as a, not only as a football city here in LA, but as a, as an individual, [23:08] you know, winning, you know, DPOY and, uh, you know, a Super Bowl or more, you know, those, [23:14] those things are definitely pressing on my mind and, and, uh, you know, I have a, definitely a bit of [23:19] urgency to, to do it and do it right away. [23:21] That's good. All right. [23:24] We can get a picture real quick. [23:25] Oh, sorry about that. [23:27] All right. [23:27] We can get a picture real quick. [23:28] Good job. [23:29] Good job.