The landscape of the Cleveland Browns roster underwent a seismic shift on June 1, 2026, when the team executed a blockbuster trade, sending franchise icon Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for star pass rusher Jared Verse. As the team gathered for recent practices, fans and analysts alike were treated to a peculiar sight on the field: two of the team's most prominent figures, Verse and second-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel, were both sporting the No. 8 jersey. While the duplicate numbers are a temporary byproduct of offseason roster rules, the visual serves as a stark reminder of the transition currently underway in Cleveland.
The Blockbuster Trade and the Arrival of Jared Verse
The acquisition of Jared Verse marks one of the most significant defensive personnel moves in recent NFL history. Verse arrives in Cleveland not as a newcomer to the league, but as an established superstar. A third-year veteran, Verse took the NFL by storm as the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and has already secured two Pro Bowl selections during his tenure with the Rams. By moving Myles Garrett, the Browns have signaled a new defensive era centered around Verse’s explosive edge-rushing capabilities.
Verse’s arrival has immediately impacted the Cleveland Browns roster dynamics. Stepping into a leadership role vacated by Garrett, Verse has opted to wear No. 8—the same number he wore during his dominant professional tenure in Los Angeles. However, that number was already claimed by a young signal-caller looking to make his own mark on the franchise, leading to the current jersey overlap seen during team activities.
Dillon Gabriel and the Second-Year Leap
While Verse is the high-profile veteran addition, Dillon Gabriel represents the future of the Browns' offensive depth. Drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Gabriel is currently entering his second professional season. Despite his status as a young player, Gabriel gained significant experience during his rookie campaign, stepping into the starting lineup for six games in 2025. These starts provided the coaching staff with a clear look at his potential as a long-term solution under center.
The dynamic between a two-time Pro Bowl veteran like Verse and a second-year player like Gabriel is a unique storyline for the summer. While Gabriel has seniority in terms of time spent on the Cleveland Browns roster, Verse carries the weight of a superstar trade acquisition. For now, the two are sharing the digit as they navigate the complexities of the NFL offseason program.
Understanding NFL Jersey Number Rules
The sight of two players wearing the same number might be confusing to casual observers, but it is a standard practice during this phase of the NFL calendar. Here is how the league handles jersey assignments before the regular season begins:
- The 90-Man Rule: During OTAs and training camp, NFL rosters expand to 90 players. With only 99 available numbers (0-99), and several numbers often retired or unofficially out of circulation, teams are permitted to double up.
- Positional Separation: To avoid confusion for officials and coaches, teams typically assign duplicate numbers to players on opposite sides of the ball. Because Verse is a defensive end and Gabriel is a quarterback, they are never on the field at the same time during 11-on-11 drills.
- The August Deadline: This flexibility ends in late August. Once the team is trimmed to the final 53 players for the regular season, every player must have a unique number.
Who Keeps the Number 8 on the Cleveland Browns Roster?
As the preseason progresses toward the final roster cut-down, the "Battle for No. 8" will eventually reach a resolution. In NFL culture, these situations are typically handled with a mix of veteran deference and personal negotiation. Given Verse’s status as a two-time Pro Bowler and the centerpiece of a massive trade, it is highly likely that he will retain the number he made famous in Los Angeles.
For Dillon Gabriel, a move to a new number would be a standard part of the life of a young player on a shifting Cleveland Browns roster. Whether Gabriel chooses to sell the number to Verse—a common practice often involving a donation to charity or a high-end gift—or simply switches to an available quarterback-eligible number, the resolution will be finalized before the Week 1 kickoff. Gabriel’s focus remains on building upon his six starts from last season rather than the digit on his chest.
A New Identity for the Cleveland Defense
Beyond the jersey numbers, the focus remains on how Verse will integrate into the Browns' defensive scheme. Replacing a player of Myles Garrett's caliber is a monumental task, but Verse’s track record suggests he is up to the challenge. His presence at practice, even while sharing a number with Gabriel, has already brought a high level of intensity to the facility. Unlike his college days where he wore No. 5 at Florida State and No. 15 at Albany, Verse has become synonymous with the No. 8 at the professional level.
The Browns are betting that Verse's veteran experience and proven production will keep the defense among the league's elite. As the Cleveland Browns roster continues to take shape through the summer, the resolution of the No. 8 jersey will be one of the final clerical steps in what has been a transformative offseason in Northeast Ohio.
Sources & Original Reporting