The Browns thought they were getting a long-term answer when they brought in Jared Verse as part of the Myles Garrett trade. Now they’re staring at a much trickier question than anyone expected: is Verse still worth a fifth-year option that could cost about $28 million?
Cleveland’s move on Monday, June 1, sent Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in a deal that brought back a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, a 2029 third-round pick, and Verse, the 25-year-old edge rusher who arrived with real buzz. Browns GM Andrew Berry didn’t hide the enthusiasm at the time, saying, “He’s a perfect DNA match for our attacking front.”
That confidence made sense on paper. Verse had already won AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 and had piled up 12 sacks over his first two seasons. By the time the 2026 season rolled around, he looked like a player on the rise.
Verse also came in sounding like he fit the mood Cleveland wanted to project. In his introductory press conference, he said, “that’s not a losing team out there”
But the production has not followed the promise. Through the 2026 season, Verse has not recorded a sack and has only 13 total pressures, according to PFF. That’s a steep drop from his 80-pressure season in 2025 and it puts the Browns in a tough spot as they weigh the future.
The issue is the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. For first-round picks, that option extends the deal by one season, with the salary set by league rules that factor in position, playing time, and Pro Bowl honors. Teams usually make that call after a player’s third season, and once they pick it up, the salary becomes fully guaranteed.
For Verse, the number is projected to land around $28 million for the 2028 season, according to Over the Cap, thanks to his two original-ballot Pro Bowl selections.
Cleveland won’t have to make that decision until spring 2027, and Verse is still under contract for 2027 even if the Browns pass on the option. A strong finish could change the conversation in a hurry. For now, he has nine regular-season games left to prove he belongs in the Browns’ long-term plans.
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