The Cleveland Browns made headlines earlier this week when they acquired defensive end Jared Verse from the LA Rams in exchange for DE Myles Garrett. 

Soon after, Verse topped headlines again when he showed up at the Browns’ camp wearing his No. 8 jersey, only to find quarterback Dillon Gabriel shared the same number. The latter is now changing his jersey number, while Verse retains his, per NFL insider Mike Garafolo.

“Jared Verse will be wearing No.8 for the Browns and Dillon Gabriel will be changing his number, per @MikeGarafolo,” posted ESPN Cleveland on X. 

Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Verse is placed higher than the backup quarterback in the Browns pecking order. Therefore, Gabriel will have to let go of the number.

Last season, Gabriel played in 10 games, starting six, with a record of 1-5. He completed 110 of 185 passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions, and 19 sacks.

According to Julia Stumbaugh of Bleacher Report, Gabriel wore No. 11 at UCF before switching to No. 8 at Oklahoma and Oregon. He later changed from No. 5 to No. 8 with the Browns, while Verse wore No. 8 throughout his two seasons with the Rams.

Garafolo reported on Friday that the Browns are awaiting the NFL’s approval to change Gabriel’s designated No.8. While he wasn’t sure of the reason behind the NFL’s delayed approval, he considered the printed Gabriel merchandise a reason for this delay. 

According to PFT, during the process of getting a jersey number switch approved, the player has to purchase all the old merch out there with the previous number. 

In the midst of this, Verse will get to wear his number as he figures out the dynamic in his new team. Meanwhile, Gabriel waits for the approval from the NFL for the switch.

NFL fans flocked to social media to call out QB Dillon Gabriel during the jersey number controversy. 

Fans Criticize QB Dillon Gabriel Over No.8 Jersey Issue

On ESPN Cleveland's post, fans gave all kinds of reactions, but most criticized.

One fan was particularly annoyed by how the situation played out.

Ok can Dillon just be gone already? Nothing against the kid, but they gave away his number without even knowing if there’s another number to replace it with. What are we doing here?"

The reaction questioned why the Browns moved forward with the switch before Gabriel's replacement number was finalized.

Another fan chose to have some fun with the situation.

"Verse will wear 8, and Gabriel will wear ⅛."

The joke poked fun at Gabriel for losing the battle for No. 8.

A few fans also saw a bigger message in the decision.

"That should tell you who's gonna be the starter at QB for the browns."

The comment suggested the move said plenty about Gabriel's standing within the organization.

Another user felt Gabriel was losing more than just a jersey number.

"Gabriel got debod for his number and his quarter back spot. Yikes."

The fan implied that Gabriel was also losing ground in the Browns' quarterback competition.

One fan summed up the entire situation in a single line.

"Some guys take numbers, and some guys get their numbers took."

The remark pointed to the belief that Verse had enough clout to keep No. 8, while Gabriel was left searching for a new one.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Rudra Dubey