Verse arrived as part of a blockbuster trade the Rams did with the Browns to acquire Myles Garrett. He used to wear number eight on the Rams, and he decided to keep that number, despite it being already issued to QB Dillon Gabriel.

Gabriel played six games in 2025 as a rookie. However, he lost his starting spot to Shedeur Sanders in the second half of the season. Now, he is behind Sanders and Deshaun Watson in the Browns’ QB battle.

Who is the Browns’ No. 8?

As of now, both Verse and Gabriel are wearing that jersey number. Teams have some freedom to double up on jersey numbers during the 90-man portion of the calendar. Once, the roster is cut to the final 53 men, only one can have it. Now, it remains to be seen if Gabriel will be on that final roster. If he doesn’t, No. 8 will be Verse’s number.

The ironic part in all of this, is that the Browns are the ones in charge of the numbers. They could just reclaim and reissue the number to Verse if they want. Still, at least for now, they’ll live with two No. 8’s on the team.

Is Myles Garrett using No. 95 on the Rams?

Yes, Myles Garrett will continue to use his mythical No. 95 jersey on the Rams. However, Garrett did buy his jersey number for an undisclosed fee from Poona Ford. Garrett took a much more traditional approach.

Also, that might have been because Ford is really likely to stay on the 53-man roster. When speaking on the matter, Garrett said it took “more than a couple” of bucks for Ford to give him the No. 95.

“Good for us,” Flacco said via the Bengals official website. Not having to face one of the league’s best defensive ends twice during the season could be beneficial for Cincinnati, but there are those who believe the team cannot afford to relax because of this situation.

“It doesn’t matter. You still have to go win on Sundays. Congrats to Myles. That’s how I feel. We still have to go win,” Orland Brown Jr. said. “(Verse) is a young player who is also a great player. Very talented. I have a lot of respect for his game.”

Amarius Mims will also be tasked with protecting his quarterback, whether that ends up being Joe Flacco or Joe Burrow. The addition of Jared Verse to the Browns as part of that trade does not necessarily weaken the Rams’ roster, as Los Angeles still boasts plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. “It’s the hardest division anywhere, whether it’s Myles Garrett or Jared Verse,“ he said.

Garrett takes his talents to the NFC West

The Los Angeles Rams have completely shaken up the NFL with a true blockbuster trade. Myles Garrett’s arrival to Rams instantly makes their defense terrifying, especially considering he is coming off a legendary 2025 campaign.

Garrett was named the Defensive Player of the Year after anchoring the league with a historic NFL record of 23 sacks, while also racking up 17 tackles for loss, 31 quarterback hits, and 4 forced fumbles.

When do the Bengals and Browns face off?

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns are scheduled to face each other twice during the 2026 NFL regular season. Their first division rivalry matchup will take place in Week 13 on Sunday, December 6, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

They will wrap up their season series in Week 18 on Sunday, January 10, 2027 (or Saturday, January 9, depending on NFL flexing), when the Bengals host the Browns at Paycor Stadium.

The detailed production report was shared on X by Daniel Oyefusi. “Expected new Browns DE Jared Verse, who was the 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, has 99 pressures since entering the league in 2024,” the reporter shared. This elite level of consistent performance could the franchise in the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

Oyefusi further emphasized his elite historical standing by comparing his data to Garrett and Micah Parsons. “Only Micah Parsons (119) and Myles Garrett (109) have more over that span, per ESPN Research,” the report detailed, adding that Verse turns 26 in November and is eligible for a contract extension after the 2026 season.

Verse can change things for the Cleveland defense

An examination of his early NFL stats demonstrates exactly why he is viewed as a game-changing asset for his new squad. During his magnificent 2024 debut season, the star edge rusher racked up 66 total tackles and 4.5 sacks on his way to earning Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Last year with the Los Angeles Rams, the dynamic defender took another massive leap forward by recording a career-high 7.5 sacks, 58 tackles, and forcing three fumbles. These stellar campaigns allowed him to be named a Pro Bowler two years in a row, representing his first two and only years in the NFL so far.

The young star could drastically help the Browns build a status of an stronger defensive unit. His high-energy playing style and elite ability to generate quick pressures ensure that the defensive line will continue to dictate the pace of games.

The trade was first reported on X by ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. “Myles Garrett is the rare player who had a no-trade clause in his contract,” the insider wrote regarding the unique contractual landscape. “He is waiving it to be traded to Los Angeles, per sources, and he will keep the same clause in his Rams’ contract.”

In a league where front offices can normally move contracts at a moment’s notice, this specific provision prevents the franchise from shipping him to an undesirable destination without his explicit consent. For a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, it guarantees that he remains the ultimate decision-maker regarding where he plays.

Elite NFL stars who secured no-trade clauses

Legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers famously negotiated a similar safety net during his final extension with the Green Bay Packers to ensure control over his career’s twilight years. Likewise, superstar signal-caller Russell Wilson utilized his contractual veto power with the Seattle Seahawks to dictate his eventual departure to the Denver Broncos.

All-Time great quarterback Tom Brady made sure to include a firm no-trade provision when he signed his historic free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Similarly, legendary pass rusher J.J. Watt commanded a identical level of respect and protection during his dominant defensive tenure with the Houston Texans.

Ultimately, these unique contractual protections are reserved strictly for franchise-altering talents who possess immense power at the negotiating table. Teams are notoriously reluctant to surrender this type of roster flexibility, making it a badge of honor for the league’s absolute elite.

After the trade terms of Myles Garrett were undisclosed, the Browns have a lot of new draft capital coming from the Rams. This opened the door on questions over the Browns rumored interest in Brendan Sorsby. HC Todd Monken immediately discarded him.

Monken said the following on that topic, “I don’t think we’re in a position to want to go down that road. That’s my option, not Andrew’s. I like the quarterbacks that we have. I think that’s a slippery slope, when you go down that [path].“

What’s the latest on Brendan Sorsby?

Sorsby’s legal team is seeking an injunction to allow him to play in 2026 while his case proceeds about the bets he placed during his College Football career. Not only that, but he could also declare for the NFL Draft.

Sorsby has stated he is a compulsive gambler and entered a rehab program in April. Now, his legal team is asking for a ruling no later than June 16. However, as Monken said, he already has a lot of quarterbacks who are actually engaged in a QB battle right now.

Browns updated QB depth chart

Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green are the ones that the Browns can rely on right now. Out of those, the fact is only two of them are fighting for the starting spot.

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are the ones that are in the middle of the QB1 battle. Watson is coming off of brutal seasons between offseason shenanigans, heavy injuries, and bad level of play. Shedeur is coming off of a rollercoaster of a rookie deal with more turnovers than touchdowns.

Monken didn’t have a happy demeanor, but he was clear on his words. “I wasn’t assured that [Myles Garrett would stay] when I took the job,” Monken said to 92.3 The Fan. “I was never assured of anything when I took the job, other than once I signed my contract, whatever my contract said — that’s what I was assured.”

The Browns did get a lot as the terms of the blockbuster trade indicate. However, not having Myles Garrett is quite a big blow. The team was trying to base its success around the defense, and Garrett was at the forefront of that.

Jared Verse is a premium replacement

While no one will put Jared Verse on Myles Garrett’s level, the fact is that he is one of the best young edges in the NFL. Garrett is a future Hall of Famer, and Verse is just starting his career with that same goal in sight.

Verse has played two seasons in the NFL. Verse has five forced fumbles and 12 sacks in his career. He’s got plenty of potential at just 25 years old. The Browns can still have a great defense with him instead of Garrett. After all, the Rams did rate Verse very highly.

Monken must not be happy

While he didn’t share much nor did he share much of his emotions, deep inside Monken should be angry. While Verse and the picks are good returns for Myles Garrett, losing a player like that is never a good set of news.

“Nothing is final at this point,” Browns GM Berry admitted, via Mary Kay Cabot on X. “We are in discussions of a potential transaction including [Garrett]. I’ll have a lot more to say once it’s final, if it does become final.

“I will discuss the details at that point. We’re in negotiations and we’re hopeful that we close something here on the next several hours. I’ll have an update maybe as soon as tomorrow when there’s resolution.”

Browns could reverse course

Berry’s statement raises concerns about the potential deal between the Browns and Rams. A blockbuster trade involving an elite pass rusher falling through certainly rings alarm bells for NFL fans after the offseason drama involving Maxx Crosby and his vetoed move to the Baltimore Ravens.

It seems unlikely that injury concerns will be the factor that could derail Garrett’s move to LA, but who knows? Until the trade becomes official, anything can emerge and disrupt the process.

Based on Berry’s message and tone, it certainly appears Cleveland is willing to make a deal work. However, as the Rams and Browns negotiate the terms of the trade, even the slightest disagreement could cause the deal to fall apart.

Coming off record-breaking year

Despite Cleveland’s struggles all year long, Garrett set the NFL record for most sacks on a season in 2025. The star defensive end out of Texas A&M was a force to be reckoned with, and one that no offensive line had answers for. He recorded 23 sacks, breaking the record held by T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan at 22.5 sacks.

Needless to say, his potential arrival in the City of Angels would make the sky the limit for the Rams, who would pair the reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford, with the Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett.

Up to this point, reports suggest former Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a first-round pick in 2027, and more would be headed to The Land. However, as Berry confessed, negotiations are still ongoing. Perhaps Garrett may not be headed to La La Land by the end of the day after all.

As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, and Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, “The Browns are trading Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Rams for star edge Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round, a 2028 2nd round, and a 2029 3rd.” A heavy toll but Garrett is a one-of-one player in the NFL.

While not great that they are giving away one of their best young prospects, the Rams know Myles Garrett is a difference-maker in the middle of his prime. The Rams were already seen as a Super Bowl contender, now with Garrett, they are arguably the overwhelming favorites.

Myles Garrett is coming off a historic season

Not only did Garrett win his second Defensive Player of the Year last season, but the 30-year-old just broke the record for the most sacks in a single NFL season with 23 last year. Garrett is a game-wrecker and the Rams know how to win Super Bowls with someone like that. After all, they did it in 2021 with Aaron Donald.

Garrett, just as Donald, are players that produce pressures and sacks at a very high rate. But, they also bring double and triple coverage, allowing teammates to pressure as well. It’s a rare kind of unicorns that appear once every generation.

It’s the second offseason in a row that a star pass-rusher gets traded

Garrett getting traded is surprising but not really shocking. Garrett flirted with the idea of leaving the Browns a couple of times. He stated that he wanted to compete for a Super Bowl. Hence, the Rams took that and went all in for him.

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys did shockingly trade Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. That move that set the Cowboys back years in their rebuild. Still, Parsons is arguably just second to Garrett in terms of the best pass rushers in the NFL, so it was quite a shock to see the trade happen at the time.

“I mean, my whole life since high school, I haven’t really had a stable quarterback,” Boston said on The Insiders. “So I’m used to having different quarterbacks throwing to me each and every year. So, you know, it doesn’t affect me too much.“

Although Todd Monken recently stated that “nothing’s changed” regarding the idea of alternating snaps between both players, sooner or later he will have to make a decision. Meanwhile, Boston is prepared to play with either of them.

“You know, I’m not really paying attention to what reps are with who, you know, I’ll just go out there and just try to produce for whoever pass me the ball,“ the WR also added. “You know, I think Dillon (Gabriel), I think Shedeur, and I also think, you know, Deshaun Watson have all put on a great show. And so far in OTAs, you know, that decision has nothing to do with me. I just go out there and ball, make plays for them.”

Sanders or Watson: The decision the HC must make

Todd Monken faces a massive, franchise-altering decision at quarterback, caught between a high-priced veteran and a highly capable sophomore. On one hand, Deshaun Watson is working his way back after a devastating re-ruptured Achilles tendon in early 2025 sidelined him for the entire season.

On the other hand, Shedeur Sanders flashed a high-upside potential across 8 games and 7 starts, throwing for 1,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and adding a rushing score. While his rookie year came with typical growing pains—including 10 interceptions and a 56.6% completion rate—his peak was undeniable.

Now, Monken must decide whether to hand the keys back to a heavily compensated Watson or trust the future of the offense to his young, dynamic playmaker.

The Browns still have time to make some tests

The Cleveland Browns are currently navigating their 2026 offseason schedule, holding their OTA workouts from May 19–21, May 26–28, and wrapping up on June 2–5, right before mandatory minicamp kicks off on June 9.

While the NFL has not yet announced the official start date for training camp, the team is slated to report to the Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea in mid-to-late July to officially begin their summer prep.

The former defensive made these comments during Monday’s episode of the Deebo and Joe podcast on May 25. “That’s something that’s not too crazy, the Browns [going to] the Super Bowl. Saying that this season, that would be crazy. But in the near future, I could see it, especially with the new stadium,” Haden noted.

Haden’s belief in the “near future” also stems from the team’s aggressive moves in the 2026 NFL Draft. “We’re getting talent. Just keep watching. Ever since we started this show, [the Browns] haven’t been doing nothing but getting better… Minimum eight [wins this year],“ he predicted.

Is Haden right about the Browns’ Super Bowl window?

The Browns are currently navigating a significant rebuilding strategy designed to maximize their competitive window. With Todd Monken entering his first full season as head coach, the team is banking on a more modern offensive approach to revitalize their scoring and support a defense led by Myles Garrett.

However, Cleveland’s history remains a heavy burden, as the last time the franchise played for a big NFL title was back in 1969, before the “Super Bowl” name was even fully established. Furthermore, the Browns have not reached an AFC Conference Championship game since 1989, a drought that has spanned several generations of frustrated fans.

“For all that we talk about Deshun Watson, what he hadn’t been, what he was was pretty special,” the former ProBowler said on ESPN’s Get Up. “Three-time Pro Bowler. At one point, people were making the argument, ‘Would he be better on Kansas City than Patrick Mahomes?’

“I know that’s laughable now, but the kid is only 30 years old. You can’t tell me that somebody’s career and football life is over at 30 when you talk about quarterbacks playing to 40.”

His serious injuries and off-the-field issues could be reasons why Watson may no longer be the player he once was. However, there are plenty of examples of players over 30 continuing to perform at an elite level, and in the Dawg Pound they believe he could become one of those cases.

Watson or Sanders: Monken’s biggest question mark

The quarterback battle for the Cleveland Browns leaves Head Coach Todd Monken with a complex dilemma heading into Week 1. On one hand, Shedeur Sanders is coming off an intriguing 2025 NFL season where he appeared in 8 games (7 starts), throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, resulting in a low passer rating of 68.1 and an 18.9 QBR while dealing with heavy defensive pressure.

On the other hand, Deshaun Watson brings veteran experience to the table, having recorded 1,148 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in his 7 appearances before his season ending injury.

Monken will have to weigh whether to prioritize Sanders’ long-term development and high ceiling despite his rookie struggles, or opt for the stability of a healthy Watson to command the offense from the very first snap.