Move out of the way, Dillon Gabriel.
New Browns edge rusher Jared Verse wore No. 8 at his first practice with the team, awkwardly the same number as the second-year quarterback.
Verse joined the team on June 1 after the Rams traded him and three draft picks for Myles Garrett.
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Fans thought the edge rusher was trying to send a message to Gabriel that he isn’t willing to pay for No. 8 but would be wearing it next season.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse stands on the field during the NFL football team’s practice. AP Photo/David Richard
The NFL allows teams to keep repeat numbers during the 90-man roster portion of the preseason, but someone would have to budge come Week 1.
That’s if Gabriel makes the team.
In the end, Verse will be the sole No. 8 once the NFL approves the number switch.
“You can confidently buy your Jared Verse No. 8 Cleveland Brown jerseys because they’re waiting on the NFL’s approval, the Browns are, for Dillon Gabriel to change his number,” Mike Garafalo said on “Good Morning Football.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws during an NFL football practice. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
What Verse gave up for the number, if anything, hasn’t been announced.
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The number confusion is likely due to the fault of the Browns organization, which acquired the Dayton, Ohio, native Monday.
The Rams seemed to have no issue getting Garrett into his No. 95, despite defensive tackle Poona Ford holding the number.
Garrett said at his introductory press conference that the number cost him a conversation with defensive tackle Poona Ford and “more than a couple” bucks.
Verse joins the Browns after two seasons with the Rams, recording 124 tackles, 12 sacks, and five forced fumbles.
The former Florida State star has big shoes to fill, entering into a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year’s shoes.
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The trade made Garrett the first reigning Defensive Player of the Year to be traded in NFL history.
He had 60 tackles, 23 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2025.
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