The Los Angeles Rams are not the only winners emerging from the blockbuster Myles Garrett trade. The defensive end’s departure from the Cleveland Browns has proven to be advantageous for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who no longer have to worry about the DE’s presence.

“For the Jaguars, this means a Week 1 matchup that already looked a bit lopsided on the edge of the offensive/defensive lines looks significantly less daunting -- even with the addition of Verse,” John Shipley of Sports Illustrated wrote on May 1.

The Jaguars are set to face the Browns on September 13 at EverBank Stadium. With Garrett, the two-time and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, gone from the opposing team, the Jaguars are enjoying increased chances of victory.

While the Jaguars rank 11th overall in terms of total defense by giving up 303.6 total yards per game, they excelled offensively. The AFC South team posted 27.9 points per game and were sixth overall in scoring offense.

The Browns still secured significant value in the exchange. They gained 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse alongside a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick in return for Garrett. 

However, Verse is no match for Garrett. The latter is a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. With 23 sacks, Garrett set the new record for most sacks by a player in a season in 2025. 

“Verse has generated a ton of pressure in his career, but Garrett is ... well, Garrett. He is one-of-one,” Shipley wrote. 

The 25-year-old has big shoes to fill as Garrett’s replacement, and questions remain regarding his ability to produce at an elite level.

Jared Verse’s NFL Career So Far

Picked 19th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, Jared Verse is a Florida State alumnus who served as a linebacker for two seasons.

Since 2024, he has appeared in every game, bringing his total career appearances to 34. Out of the 124 total tackles, Verse racked up 71 solo tackles.

He recorded 12 sacks and five forced fumbles. According to PFF, in 2025, Verse ranked No. 6 with a total pressure of 80 and was second in 20 QB hits. 

However, Browns’ expert Daniel Oyefusi reported that he had 99 pressures since entering the league in 2024. Only Micah Parsons (119) and Myles Garrett (109) have more over that span, according to ESPN Research. 

The Jaguars are set to face Verse, and the Browns undergoing a major haul. How will this game pan out? Are you excited for their Week 1 matchup?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar