Over a week later, after two Cleveland Browns players were spotted in the No.8 jersey during OTAs, new defensive end Jared Verse has finally ended up wearing it on his back. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who wore it first, is sporting a new jersey number. 

“One has budged and changed to a new number — and it wasn't two-time Pro-Bowl defensive end Jared Verse, who the Browns traded for along with a haul for superstar Myles Garrett,” Central Oregon Daily wrote on June 9.  

According to the Browns’ social media posts, Gabriel is wearing No.6 instead of No. 8, which was associated with him for a long time. The 25-year-old donned a No. 8 jersey as an Oregon Ducks quarterback, in his time with the Oklahoma Sooners, and in his rookie season with the Browns in 2025.

Gabriel started six games last year and racked up seven passing touchdowns for 937 passing yards. He was sidelined with a concussion in Week 10, giving an opportunity to fellow QB Shedeur Sanders to take over. 

He was involved in a starting QB race with Sanders last season, and the latter is vying for the spot against veteran Deshaun Watson this time around. According to the Central Oregon Daily report, Gabriel is competing not just for a roster spot but also his jersey number against Verse.

The 25-year-old DE came to the Browns as part of the blockbuster trade involving Myles Garrett with the Los Angeles Rams. They picked the Florida State alumnus 19th overall in 2024, and he has appeared in every Rams game.

Verse recorded 124 total tackles and has one Pro Bowl and postseason game to his name already. His arrival created an awkward situation when both he and Gabriel played in No.6 jerseys in the OTAs. Now that this confusion has been cleared, questions arise about how it happened.  

Dillon Gabriel Is Wearing Another Teammate’s Jersey Number

On June 9, Sports Illustrated revealed how their jersey no. debacle reached a solution.

It came down to Jeremiah Owusu-Koromah, the injured linebacker, who originally owned the No.6 jersey. He is set to miss the season entirely, reserve/PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list for the second consecutive year.

“According to the NFL’s rules, quarterbacks must be assigned numbers from the 0-19 range,” SI reported. “However, recent rule changes have opened up those 20 numbers for other positions, including edge rushing linebackers, which is why Verse can also wear No. 8.”

Gabriel’s place on the team does not look optimistic. He has been sidelined from the starting QB race and has been a recurring name in trade talks. 

“They’ve both played well enough to earn the right to compete to start,” head coach Todd Monken said of Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson.  

How do you think his sophomore year in the pro league will be like? Tell us in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar