Andrew Berry believes the Cleveland Browns did not just receive draft capital in the Myles Garrett trade, they also landed a defender who fits their identity.
The Browns needed more than a symbolic replacement after moving a franchise cornerstone. They needed a player who could step into their front and keep the defense dangerous immediately.
That is why Berry’s description of the new arrival mattered. Cleveland is selling the move as a football fit, not only a future-focused reset.
Andrew Berry says Jared Verse fits Cleveland Browns attacking front perfectly
Speaking to AP News, Berry explained why the Browns viewed Verse as the right player to headline the Garrett return.
“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. He allows us to continue to play defense at a high level,” Berry said.
That explanation shows why Verse was so important to the trade package. Cleveland did not want only distant picks after losing Garrett, because that would have made the deal feel like a full defensive teardown.
Verse gives the Browns a young edge rusher who can play with force against the run and still bring pressure on passing downs.
That matters for a defense built around aggression. Berry’s point was that Verse fits the style Cleveland wants to keep, even after moving one of the NFL’s best defenders.
Andrew Berry says Jared Verse is ready for Cleveland Browns defensive scheme
Berry also revealed that Verse sounded eager to begin his next chapter after the trade from Los Angeles.
“He was very excited yesterday when we talked to him on the phone. He’s ready to go. I think he’s really excited to play in this scheme,” Berry added.
The Browns received Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick from the Rams for Garrett.
Verse brings immediate credibility to that return. He was the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, then followed with 7.5 sacks last season after producing 4.5 as a rookie.
Those numbers do not make him Garrett, but they explain why Cleveland saw him as more than a throw-in. He is young, cost-controlled, and already proven enough to handle a major role.
For Berry, that is the real logic. The Browns lost their defensive centerpiece, but Verse gives them a player who can help keep the front aggressive while the future picks reshape what comes next.
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