Verse’s addition changed the landscape for Berry, the GM acknowledged Tuesday.
“One of the things that’s unique about this deal compared to maybe other superstar non-QB deals that come out is that we traded players and picks,” Berry explained. “Normally when you make these trades, you’re completely trading the present for the future. To get a player like Jared in the deal, where the defense continues to be great, that was very attractive to us.”
In Verse, the Browns are getting more than a first-round pick with unknown potential. Although he is only entering his third year, Verse is a proven product who would likely be selected higher in the 2024 re-draft class.
For starters, the numbers are strong. In 39 career games, Verse has recorded 15 sacks, 137 tackles, five forced fumbles and two Pro Bowl nods. After finishing fourth in QB pressures in his first season with the Rams, Verse took home the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. He is tied for fifth in QB pressures (143) since 2024 and is also just one of five players with 40-plus QB hits and five-plus forced fumbles, including 2 2024 2024 group, including 2 houses.
Berry’s Browns aren’t getting a Garrett clone back in the deal because such a backup doesn’t (and probably never will) exist. But in the history of such important trades, it’s rare for a team to find a comparable replacement who is younger, cost-controlled and better suited to the club’s long-term timeline.
“I always told myself that if we were ever in a position to trade Myles, three things had to be true,” Berry said. “Number one, it would have to have short-term and long-term benefits. Number two, as part of the trade, a young, cost-controlled star in a premium position would have to be included. And the third part is there would have to be premium capital. And there’s a very small set of contracts that satisfy those limitations. So when it came to the point where we actually had our negotiations, when everything was comfortable with us. step back and really think about the decision.
“Jared Verse, he’s a big part of this comeback for us. Jared is an outstanding football player. Former Defensive Rookie of the Year, two-time Pro Bowler and he’s a perfect DNA match for our offense. He’s really a terror at both levels as a running back and pass rusher. And we’re really excited to improve on our high level of our defense. The past few seasons and we’re excited to welcome him into the organization. So we’re excited about the trade and it wasn’t something we expected coming in this year or this spring or coming out of the draft.”
Dealing with a franchise icon and historic great is never easy, both internally and for the marketing department. But in the business of pro football, personnel managers often have to choose between emotion and cold calculation. When a deal becomes too attractive to ignore and the timing is as good as it’s ever going to be, executives must take a big swing to maximize returns.