Andrew Berry hails Jared Verse as key defensive fit

Browns general manager Andrew Berry says Jared Verse’s inclusion turned the Rams-Browns trade into a real possibility, praising the edge rusher’s impact on both the run and the pass as Cleveland prepares to welcome him back to Ohio.

Monday’s blockbuster trade between the Rams and Browns had one headline namesake at the center: edge rusher Myles Garrett. But in Cleveland’s version of the story. the real make-or-break piece was Jared Verse—so much so that Browns general manager Andrew Berry framed Verse’s arrival as what took the deal from hypothetical to real.

On Tuesday. Berry spoke to reporters during his press conference and pointed to Verse as “a huge part of this return for us.” He described the 25-year-old as an “outstanding football player. ” saying Verse is an exact fit for what Cleveland wants from its attacking front. Berry called Verse a “perfect DNA match” for the Browns’ defense and emphasized what he expects to show up on Sunday—damage in both phases.

“Jared is an outstanding football player,” Berry said. “Former defensive rookie of the year. two-time original ballot Pro Bowler. he’s a perfect DNA match for our attacking front. He’s really a terror in both phases, both as a run defender and a pass rusher. And we are really, really excited to add him to our team.”.

Berry added that Verse gives the Browns a way to keep playing at a high level defensively, describing defense as their standard across recent seasons. Cleveland is looking at Verse not as a side piece, but as a player built to elevate a front that has been steady.

Verse’s production lines up with the confidence. Cleveland’s general manager cited the numbers from the edge rusher’s first two seasons: 12.0 sacks. 22 tackles for loss. and 45 quarterback hits. Berry also tied the move to what Cleveland liked about Verse from the start. saying he was an important prospect coming out and that the Browns weren’t in position to take him in the year he entered because he came out in 2024.

“Usually when you make these trades, you’re completely trading off present for future,” Berry added. “And to get a player like Jared in the deal where the defense still maintains its excellence, that was really attractive to us.”

The stakes weren’t just football. Verse is also an Ohio native, born in Dayton, and his new chapter means returning to the state. Berry said Verse sounded ready when the two spoke by phone.

“He was very excited yesterday when we talked to him on the phone,” Berry said. “He’s ready to go. I think he’s really excited to play in the scheme. Maybe some of you already know, he’s from Dayton, Ohio — his sister is still here and everything like that. He’s going to be fun. He has a ton of energy now. There’s going to be some colorful quotes for everybody in this room.”.

That enthusiasm is paired with an expectation of results. Berry said the Browns are looking to get a high-quality pass rusher who can swing games in the ways edge players are supposed to.

He also pushed back gently on any idea of setting limits on Verse’s future. Berry told reporters he wouldn’t “sit here and put a cap on any player’s ceiling,” and pointed instead to how rare it is for a player to match Verse’s early resume.

“The list of players that have been defensive rookie of the year and original-ballot Pro Bowler—s in their first two seasons is very small,” Berry said. “He’s a perfect fit as an edge rusher for our defense.”

For Cleveland, then, Verse’s role in the trade goes beyond a roster addition. Berry’s message to the team and to the building was clear: if the Browns are maintaining their standards on defense, Verse is built to help carry that load.

Andrew Berry Jared Verse Cleveland Browns Los Angeles Rams Myles Garrett edge rusher NFL trade sacks tackles for loss quarterback hits Dayton Ohio