Jared Verse arrived in Cleveland on Tuesday and suited up for his first Browns practice Wednesday, making clear he isn’t there to replace Myles Garrett. The 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year said, “I’m here to bring my own… be the best defensive player in the league.” His confidence lifts teammates.

The deal gave Cleveland a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second‑rounder and a conditional 2029 third‑rounder that escalates to a first‑round choice if Garrett lands with another AFC North club. Verse, the No. 19 overall pick in 2024, described the news as “upsetting” until former Rams teammates visited his house, prompting him to focus on work. He vows to prove his worth quickly.

Coach Todd Monken praised Verse’s fit, saying the 25‑year‑old will “fit like a glove” and that the Browns are not after a half‑finished product. With Garrett’s departure, Cleveland’s defense now leans on Verse’s upside and his two Pro Bowl selections. Fans anticipate his impact immediately. The move reshapes the AFC North’s defensive balance as the Browns chase the league’s top defense.