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Browns Trade Garrett, Acquire Defensive Rookie Jared Verse

6/5/2026

43 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Browns Trade Garrett

The Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on June 2, 2026, receiving Jared Verse and draft picks.
Manager Andrew Berry said Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year with 12 sacks and five forced fumbles in 34 games, meets team’s value, youth and draft-capital criteria.
Benton Whitley signed with the Browns, will wear No. 61, compete for a roster spot and face a pass-rush minicamp on June 9-11, 2026.

Summary

Verse Wears #8

Jared Verse wore No. 8 in his first Cleveland practice on June 2 2026, creating a duplicate number with quarterback Dillon Gabriel, which NFL rules allow in offseason workouts.
Verse posted 7.5 sacks and 80 pressures in 2025 and said he was upset about the trade for Myles Garrett but happy to join the Browns.
Coach Todd Monken said the Browns now have two starting-level quarterbacks, leaving Gabriel’s role uncertain.

Summary

Rams Acquire Garrett

Los Angeles Rams became the league’s Super Bowl favorite after acquiring two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
The 2029 conditional third-round pick will upgrade to a first-rounder if Garrett is later traded within the AFC North.
Cleveland’s defense, ranked fourth in total yards (4,822) and third in passing yards (2,843) in 2025, will have defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg work with head coach Todd Monken to develop Verse.

Summary

Verse Vows

Verse said his top priorities are family, faith and relentless work, focusing on lifting and running.
After arriving in Cleveland, Verse said the warm introductions felt like home despite still learning teammates’ names.
Veteran defensive end Alex Wright said the Garrett trade shocked him because he had used Garrett as a sponge.
Verse admitted his upset over the move and vowed never to quit, using it as motivation.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 owner Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, creating the Ravens and leaving Cleveland without an NFL team; lawsuits and a league promise restored a franchise for the 1999 season. The 2026 trade of Myles Garrett for Jared Verse echoes earlier Cleveland shifts—such as the 1945 Rams’ move and the Browns’ eight league titles (1946-1964)—aiming to revive fan support.

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Browns Trade Garrett

The Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on June 2, 2026, receiving Jared Verse and draft picks.
Manager Andrew Berry said Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year with 12 sacks and five forced fumbles in 34 games, meets team’s value, youth and draft-capital criteria.
Benton Whitley signed with the Browns, will wear No. 61, compete for a roster spot and face a pass-rush minicamp on June 9-11, 2026.

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