Jared Verse has gone from processing a difficult trade to lighting up the Cleveland Browns’ practice field with the kind of energy that has already caught the attention of his new defensive coordinator.
More than a month after the June 1 blockbuster that sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, Verse is turning heads inside the building for reasons that stretch beyond his pass-rush production. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg shared his early impressions this week during an appearance with Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.
One Practice Moment Said It All
Rutenberg described his first real taste of Verse on the field. The coach wanted to get close because the newcomer looked genuinely excited. Then a voice cut through the noise.
“I wish all the fans can see my first taste on him. All I wanted to do was just get around him because he was too genuinely excited. But we’re on the field and I hear this ‘That ain’t the standard!’ I turn back, and it’s Jared Verse,” Rutenberg said. “You can feel his energy and passion. All you have to do is turn on any Rams games and see how good he is.”
— Mike Rutenberg, via The 33rd Team
Rutenberg added that the combination of that energy and early leadership already stands out. “To feel his energy and to already witness his leadership, it’s going to be awesome for our defense,” he said.
From Hurt Feelings to Full Buy-In
Verse did not hide his initial reaction to the trade. He loved the Rams organization, the city, and the people around him. The move caught him off guard and left him upset for a stretch. Then he made a choice that has defined his first weeks in Cleveland.
I asked #Browns DC Mike Rutenberg for his elevator pitch on Jared Verse…
If you’re a Browns fan, you’ll love everything about this ⤵️ https://t.co/fP2mhlRMOZ pic.twitter.com/F5slfxjE1i
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 8, 2026
He could have stayed in his head. Instead he flipped the switch and went to work. That mindset shift has shown up in how he carries himself around teammates and coaches. At 25 and entering his third NFL season, Verse is not walking into the building looking to copy anyone else’s path.
He Is Not Here to Replace Myles Garrett
Garrett, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, built a reputation as both a dominant player and a steadying presence for years in Cleveland. Verse has been clear he is not trying to step into those exact shoes.
He wants to become the best version of Jared Verse. That distinction matters. The Browns lost a generational talent and the face of their defense. What they gained is a younger, high-motor edge rusher who has already shown he will hold the standard on the field and speak up when he sees something off.
“Myles (Garrett) is a great player…. I’m not here to fill his shoes” #Browns pic.twitter.com/HemzkwItJe
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) June 3, 2026
Rutenberg’s defense now has a player who brings fresh legs and fresh voice at the same time. In a room still adjusting after the Garrett era, that combination can accelerate the transition more than talent alone.
Why This Early Signal Matters
Trades like the one that brought Verse to Cleveland often create quiet tension inside a building. Veterans wonder how the new pieces will fit. Younger players watch to see who will lead. When a player who just arrived starts setting tone on the practice field, it sends a message that the culture is still alive and evolving.
Verse’s background with the Rams gave him a front-row seat to high-level defensive football. He arrives with proven production as a pass rusher and run defender. The fact that he is already using his voice to push teammates suggests he sees the opportunity in front of him and plans to grab it.
For Rutenberg, who is building his own identity as the new coordinator, having a player this engaged this early is a practical advantage. It lets the coaching staff focus on scheme and technique while a respected voice inside the group reinforces the details that win games.
The Browns defense will look different without Garrett. How quickly it finds its new identity may depend on players like Verse who refuse to treat the moment as someone else’s problem. Right now, the early returns on that front look promising.
