A part of the deal between the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams, a move that sent Myles Garrett to the West Coast and brought back 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse to Northeast Ohio, that has not been talked about is the salary cap implication. Garrett is on a massive deal, as one of the top-paid pass rushers in the NFL, while Verse is still on his rookie contract for the next two seasons before the Browns presumably pick up his fifth-year option.
The Browns now have $18.4 million in cap space as they enter the 2026 season, and now $44 million in cap space next year. This comes after carrying $21.4 million in dead cap space this season, and $25.6 million in dead cap space next year after the trade to Los Angeles.
Here is a look at Verse’s cap hit for the Browns as he continues to play out his rookie contract after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jared Verse cap hit in 2026 and beyond
For the Browns, they acquire an extremely cheap contract on the former Defensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler. This upcoming season, the Browns will have to pay Verse just $2.2 million to be their top edge rusher in the room after the departure of Garrett. Next year, Verse will carry a cap hit of just $2.9 million.
Verse is also eligible for a contract extension after this season, and still has the fifth-year option left for the Browns to decide on after the season. So, they’ve got Verse on a cheap contract for at least two more years, then if all goes as planned for Verse and Cleveland, he will be given a massive, massive contract extension.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns’ new pass rusher Jared Verse’s cap hit acquired from Rams
Reporting by Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
