CLE Jared Verse
NFL defensive edge rusher. Position: Edge Rusher (EDGE). Team: Cleveland Browns (traded from LA Rams on June 1, 2026).
Quick Facts
- Position: Edge Rusher (EDGE)
- Team: Cleveland Browns (traded June 1, 2026)
- 2024: 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Career stats: 4.5 sacks (rookie), 7.5 sacks (2025)
2026 Outlook
Jared Verse was traded to the Cleveland Browns on June 1, 2026, in the blockbuster deal that sent Myles Garrett to the Rams. Verse has impressed as a high-motor pass rusher over his two seasons with the Rams, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 and adding 7.5 sacks in 2025 along with three forced fumbles. Considered to be "on his way to being an elite pass rusher" with All-Pro potential. Now heading to Cleveland as part of the franchise's youth rebuild, Verse will be a cornerstone piece of the defensive line under new DC Mike Rutenberg. His upside as an elite defender entering his prime years makes him a critical player for the Browns' future, and the pick capital the Browns received from the Garrett trade positions them for a deeper rebuild. (per Garrett Blockbuster May Give Raiders Regrets From Botched Crosby Trade)
For the Rams, the decision to trade Verse represents a calculated sacrifice. Though Verse was viewed as a foundational defensive piece—rapidly establishing himself as one of the most explosive young defenders in the league—the organization made the bold bet that Garrett's immediate, proven dominance outweighs the long-term value of a younger, cost-controlled pass rusher. The Rams were clearly not interested in rebuilding, but rather in competing for championships immediately (per 2026 Defensive MVP Myles Garrett Traded to LA Rams - Respect My Region).
Browns' rebuild centerpiece (Late June): The Browns' 2026 roster is young and positioned around a multiyear rebuild, with Verse as a core defensive foundation. The team added promising players from the 2026 draft class and hired Todd Monken to boost the offense, but success depends on nailing their quarterback pick in 2027. Verse will be a cornerstone player during the rebuild window, with high expectations for sack production as a building block for Cleveland's future. (per NFL 2025 offseason power rankings countdown: Bottom-feeders have QB issues).
2026 upside with new DC Mike Rutenberg (July 5): First-time Browns DC Mike Rutenberg arrived from the Falcons, where he ran a pass-coverage scheme similar to Jim Schwartz's (the departing coordinator). Analysts project Verse could have a career-best 2026 season, though he may not replicate Myles Garrett's 23.0-sack pace from 2025. Verse has strong support from the new regime and a stable scheme, positioning him as a high-floor pass rusher entering his prime. (per Analyst Sends A Stern Warning To NFL About Browns' Defense).
The Browns valued Verse as critical to the Garrett deal, insisting he be included despite Rams resistance. The Browns assigned him a trade valuation of 1st + 3rd (bare minimum) to 1st + 2nd, reflecting his value as a cost-controlled, extension-ineligible player with two years and a fifth-year option remaining. Sean McVay had to personally inform Verse of the trade before it became public, signaling his importance to the Rams' defensive future—a personnel loss McVay emotionally struggled with. (per Inside the Rams' and Browns' Two-Month Negotiation Over the Myles Garrett Trade).
Role / Depth Chart
Starting edge rusher for the Cleveland Browns. Core building block in their defensive rebuild. Shula, the Rams defensive coordinator, described Verse as "the attitude of the defense," highlighting his motor, professionalism, and impact beyond the stat sheet. Shula expressed gratitude for Verse's contributions during his tenure in LA, calling him "everything the Rams wanted him to be," though parting ways was necessary to acquire Myles Garrett. (per Getting great people, great vets we can all learn from)
Recent News
- 2026-06-03 — Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams in blockbuster deal for Jared Verse, draft picks -... (Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams in blockbuster deal for Jared Verse, draft picks -...)
- 2026-06-29 — NFL 2025 offseason power rankings countdown: Bottom-feeders have QB issues (NFL 2025 offseason power rankings countdown: Bottom-feeders have QB issues)
- 2026-06-01 — Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams for Jared Verse, three picks (Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams for Jared Verse, three picks)
- 2026-06-21 — The Browns’ dead-money problem could set the stage for two more major trades (The Browns’ dead-money problem could set the stage for two more major trades)
- 2026-06-08 — Shedeur Sanders’ ‘aura’ has Browns rethinking QB race as $230m competition heats up (Shedeur Sanders’ ‘aura’ has Browns rethinking QB race as $230m competition heats up)
- 2026-06-11 — 2026 NFL offseason trade grades: A.J. Brown, Myles Garrett (2026 NFL offseason trade grades: A.J. Brown, Myles Garrett)
- 2026-06-10 — Notes: Todd Monken delays QB decision, says Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson have... (Notes: Todd Monken delays QB decision, says Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson have...)
- 2026-06-19 — Cleveland Browns Extend Quarterback Competition Into Training Camp (Cleveland Browns Extend Quarterback Competition Into Training Camp)
- 2026-06-22 — HOFer Joe Thomas says Myles Garrett trade 'hurts' Browns fans, points toward long-term... (HOFer Joe Thomas says Myles Garrett trade 'hurts' Browns fans, points toward long-term...)
- 2026-06-22 — Ranking the top 10 NFL offseasons: Myles Garrett trade was a win-win for two teams on... (Ranking the top 10 NFL offseasons: Myles Garrett trade was a win-win for two teams on...)