The Cleveland Browns said goodbye to their best player on Monday. Cleveland traded Myles Garrett to Los Angeles, ending his nine year run with the team. Trade rumors have surrounded Garrett and the Browns for years, but it never seemed like a real possibility. But one Browns executive explained what was different this time around.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that the inclusion of edge rusher Jared Verse made him reconsider not trading Garrett, per Browns reporter Scott Petrak.
Berry also declared that Verse should be a perfect fit in Cleveland’s defensive scheme.
“I think the blurring of outside linebacker and defensive end, that’s really what you’re seeing in today’s game,” Berry told reporters on Tuesday, per Chris Easterling. “He’s a perfect fit as an edge rusher for our defense.”
Verse played outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme for the Rams, but the Browns will play him as a defensive end in their 4-3 defense. As Berry explained, those positions have essentially become the same in the modern NFL.
There is a lot to like about Verse as a player. He is a two-time Pro Bowler who has a knack for making big plays. Verse logged 124 total tackles, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries during his two years in Los Angeles.
Berry has to be excited about Verse’s contract situation. The third-year edge rusher has a $2.17 million cap hit in 2026 and is under contract through 2027. Verse’s contract also features a fifth-year option since he is a former first-round pick.
Verse should be a key piece of Cleveland’s defensive line for many years to come. If he continues to play like a Pro Bowler, it could remove some of the sting of losing Garrett.
The Cleveland Browns said goodbye to their best player on Monday. Cleveland traded Myles Garrett to Los Angeles, ending his nine year run with the team. Trade rumors have surrounded Garrett and the Browns for years, but it never seemed like a real possibility. But one Browns executive explained what was different this time around.
