BEREA, Ohio — New Browns defensive end Jared Verse took the field Wednesday for his first practice with Cleveland wearing the No. 8 jersey he has worn during his first two NFL seasons. Verse was acquired by the Browns in Monday’s blockbuster trade that sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams.
Nearby on the practice field, quarterback Dillon Gabriel also wore No. 8. NFL rules permit two players to wear duplicate jersey numbers during the offseason workout program and training camp, when rosters consist of 90 players, but that arrangement will need to be resolved before the regular season.
Gabriel, a 2025 third-round pick, started six games as a rookie and has been taking practice reps behind Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson as those two compete to be the Browns’ starting quarterback. Sixth-round pick Taylen Green is also on the roster.
Verse’s jersey situation echoes a recent development in Los Angeles, where Garrett said he paid “more than a couple [of bucks]” to obtain the No. 95 jersey from defensive lineman Poona Ford after the trade.
With duplicate numbers allowed during the current roster period, the Browns will have time to determine who keeps No. 8 as roster decisions progress toward the regular season.
