In a matter of seconds, Jared Verse went from playing for a Super Bowl contender in the Los Angeles Rams to a rebuilding team in the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns shocked the NFL world earlier this week by sending Myles Garrett to the Rams in exchange for Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick and 2029 third-round pick.
Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, racked up 124 tackles, 45 QB hits, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and five forced fumbles during his two-year stint with the Rams. Although he's sad to leave Los Angeles, he's excited to join the Browns.
"It caught me by surprise. I love L.A. I love the coaches, the organization, my teammates, the staff, the fans. I love the whole vibe of L.A. It was upsetting. I was upset for a good little bit of time, but when you’re an athlete you understand the nature of business," Verse said, via Pro Football Talk. "Everybody does what they think is best for their business and that’s the situation that I’m in. I’m happy to be a part of the Browns. I’m happy that they believe in me and that they were able to make that trade and bring me here."
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The Browns are happy to have Verse.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry told reporters the opportunity to trade Garrett to the Rams was "too great" to pass up.
A big reason why the Browns were willing to part ways with Garrett is because of Verse's potential.
"Jared is an outstanding football player, former Defensive Rookie of the Year, two-time original ballot Pro Bowler," Berry said. "He's a perfect DNA match for our attacking front. He's really a terror in both phases, both as a run defender and a pass rusher, and we are really, really excited to add him to our team. He allows us to continue to play defense as a high level, which has been our standard over the past several seasons."
The Browns have Verse under team control through the 2028 season. If he continues to produce at a high level, there's no question he'll receive a long-term deal from Cleveland.
