The Cleveland Browns acquired defensive end Jared Verse in a deal with the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Myles Garrett. Verse’s arrival in Cleveland has already made headlines as he took part in the OTAs in Berea on June 2. However, the latest attention stems from something unrelated to football.

Lou Landers of the BigLead reported that Verse showed up to the OTAs wearing a No.8 jersey, the number he played with during his two years with the Rams. But this time, the Browns already have a No.8 on the team, and that belongs to quarterback Dillon Gabriel. 

In the NFL, when a veteran player joins a new team and has a request for a specific jersey number, discussions take place behind the scenes. The usual outcome of these discussions is that either the player currently holding the number is compensated or agrees to give it up voluntarily.

Landers added that Verse, wearing No.8, similar to Gabriel, has generated discussions among fans who are waiting to see if it was a misunderstanding, a temporary arrangement, or another Browns strategy. 

Verse, however, appeared to be confident about obtaining jersey No. 8.

“Hahah, I don’t think I’ll have to pay for it, I should have it soon enough,” Verse said, via Football Crave.

Per Bruno Milano of Bolavip, teams have some freedom to use the same jersey number for two players on a 90-man roster. However, when the team cuts down to the 53-man roster, only one will be allowed to wear the No.8. 

Meanwhile, Gabriel revealed that he had been prepared to part with the jersey once Verse arrived.

“Yeah, I was kind of hoping he would pay me for my number,” the quarterback told reporters. “But then he just started wearing it in practice.”

Situations like these are common in the NFL. Beckham built much of his NFL identity around No. 13 with the New York Giants and later continued wearing it with the Browns. Upon joining the Rams, however, he switched to No. 3 because No. 13 was already assigned to backup quarterback John Wolford.

Now that the Browns find themselves in a jersey dilemma again, the incident doesn’t state or confirm a conflict between Gabriel and Verse. However, it has played on the league’s perception about Verse, who has stepped into the role that the former Browns’ star Garrett has held on to for nine years. 

Browns Find New Defensive Voice in Jared Verse

Per Landers, Verse was aware of the challenging situation he landed in following the Myles Garrett trade, who was the face of the franchise and the record holder for the highest sacks in one season at 23 sacks. However, Verse is unfazed by the pressure on him to replace Garrett.

“I’m not here to fill anyone’s shoes, I’m here to bring my own,” said Verse during his introductory conference on June 2. “I’m here to be the best version of me. And the best version of me is going to be the best defensive player in the league.”

Nick Pedone of the Cleveland Browns on SI shared that Garrett’s leadership on and off the field never materialized for the team. In comparison, Verse was known for being a vocal leader during his time at the Rams.

While Verse works towards proving himself in Cleveland, what do you think about him donning Gabriel's jersey number? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Cleveland Browns Community.

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar