Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse joined the team this offseason with the impossible task of having to replace Myles Garrett, who logged an NFL record 23 sacks last season and made headlines this offseason when he was sent to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Verse and plenty of draft capital. It was the kind of blockbuster deal that immediately causes fans and analysts to start considering the Rams as Super Bowl favorites, but through six games, the Browns are the clear winners of this trade.
Verse has been a steadying force in Cleveland’s defense while Garrett has yet to suit up for the 2-4 Rams, who with each passing week have only made the first-round pick they owe to the Browns even more appetizing. Cleveland’s defense as a whole hasn’t missed a beat without Garrett, though Verse hasn’t gotten his first sack of the year just yet and is still working toward his official breakout performance as a Brown.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, new head coach Todd Monken revealed what he told his young pass rusher when he initially came to town. Verse found himself having to fill an impossibly large pair of shoes, but Monken stressed the importance of just being himself.
“You don’t have to try to be Myles Garrett. Just be you,” Monken said.
“You don’t have to try to be Myles Garrett. … Just be you” 🗣️
—Browns HC Todd Monken on how he approached Jared Verse after being traded.
(via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/6k0w24WzhL
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 23, 2026
Monken has been known to wear his heart on his sleeve and his emotional approach to running this team has turned a lot of doubters into believers already. He has been open about wanting to establish a sustainable winning culture, and with this whole organization starting to buy in, he is well on his way to doing just that.
Things like this may not seem like a big deal, but this is exactly how you make a new player feel welcome. Verse’s leadership and comfortability were on full display from his first practices in training camp and it’s only a matter of time before the numbers start to reflect the work.
Tennessee left tackle Dan Moore hasn’t exactly been a brick wall this season, so we’ll see if Verse can crack this goose egg and get his first sack on Sunday. He has the full belief of his staff and these fans behind him regardless, and it would be a fun subplot to see him get that first one out of the way.
NEXT: 4 Browns Players Are Questionable For Titans Game
