Following the blockbuster trade, the Cleveland Browns' newest player, Jared Verse, already found himself in a tricky situation with the Browns' quarterback, Dillon Gabriel.

Jared Verse wore the No. 8 jersey, which rookie QB Dillon Gabriel wore in Cleveland. Verse explained on the Good Morning Football Show that the situation never turned into a dispute and both players handled the matter professionally.

"I was like, man, let me chill out," said Jared Verse on the Good Morning Football Show. "Nah, we had walked in the equipment room. We talked it out. We ended up calling each other, going back and forth. Found a little number that works for both of us. That's how our FAS handle the rest, but no, I ain't pull it off his back."

Jared Verse's comments on the Good Morning Football Show made it clear that fans and media exaggerated what was actually a normal conversation between two teammates.

Verse did not ask Gabriel to give up the jersey.

The controversy intensified because Verse wore No. 8 throughout his rookie season, making it a recognizable number among the Rams fans.

Meanwhile, Gabriel arrived in Cleveland after a productive collegiate career. As a rookie QB competing for a roster spot, his jersey selection became a talking point when fans noticed the same number.

Verse enters the 2026 season with high expectations after a dominant rookie year.

He earned the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 and recorded 7.5 sacks, 58 tackles, 27 QB hits, and zero forced fumbles last year while contributing at the Rams' defensive front.

Gabriel is looking forward to cementing himself in the NFL after throwing for more than 937 passing yards and 7 touchdowns last year.

The jersey controversy was less dramatic than many believed. Verse's statement showed the mutual respect between him and Gabriel. While the jersey number has faded, Verse believes the Browns' QB competition is worth watching.

Jared Verse gave remarks on the heated competition involving the Cleveland Browns' QBs

Speaking on Good Morning Football, Verse praised the level of play shown by both quarterbacks during the training camp.

"These are two great quarterbacks," said Jared Verse on Good Morning Football via NFL Network. "I'm honestly excited to see how it goes further in the preseason. But so far, I've just seen two elite  quarterbacks battling it and it out."

Verse's comments highlighted the competitive surroundings in the Browns' quarterback room.

Veteran Deshaun Watson is the established quarterback with a 37-36 record and a postseason record of 1-2.

Sanders has impressed coaches and teammates with his command during offseason practices. Gabriel is also a college QB using every preseason rep to prove that he belongs at the NFL level.

Watson is expected to regain his role as a starting QB1. Sanders' development also can't be overlooked. What are your views on Jared Verse's jersey controversy? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Kalp Thaker