Jared Verse admitted Wednesday that he initially found the blockbuster trade that sent him from the Los Angeles Rams to the Cleveland Browns on Monday “upsetting,” but after speaking to a pair of former teammates, the Pro Bowl edge rusher felt it was “time to work.”
Verse, 25, the 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons, was acquired in exchange for superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and reigning single-season sack holder.
The Browns also acquired a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2029 third-round pick. If Garrett is dealt to another AFC North team, the 2029 pick will become a first-round pick, per an ESPN report.
“I’m not here to fill (Garrett’s) shoes,” Verse said after his first practice with the Browns. “I’m here to bring my own. … I’m here to work, and I’m here to be the best version of me. And the best version of me is going to be the best defensive player in the league. And the best defensive player in the league is going to play for the best defense in the league.”
What also helped Verse come to grips with the trade was how Cleveland made it clear that he had to be included in the deal.
“They’re not going to get a half-finished product or something you got to work on,” said Verse, who was the No. 19 overall pick of the Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft. “This is going to be the best version of me. Everything I’ve done this offseason, it’s going to be great.”
Verse was on the practice field on Wednesday afternoon in his No. 8 jersey, having arrived late Tuesday afternoon. The native of Dayton, Ohio, only took part in individual drills, but drew high praise from new Browns coach Todd Monken.
“He’s going to fit us like a glove,” Monken said. “… Just be yourself. There’s only one of you. Myles is already taken. And he’s an elite football player. We all know that. Jared, just be you. I see his track ascending. I see a world of upside by the way he’s wired. We’re jacked to have him.”
Verse, who posted 12 sacks, 71 tackles and five forced fumbles over 34 games (22 starts) with the Rams, is under contract for at least the next two seasons. He has a $4.1 million cap hit this year and is eligible for a fifth-year option in 2028.
