What happened: Jared Verse has arrived in Cleveland and told reporters he plans to bring his own style of play rather than imitate the player he was traded for, Myles Garrett. Verse spoke with Cleveland media after his first set of OTAs, framing the move as a fresh start rather than a replacement act.

Why it matters: Verse is the centerpiece of the deal that sent Garrett out, so his transition carries the weight of a defense built around a perennial Pro Bowl edge rusher. How quickly he settles in sets the tone for the upcoming 2026 season and the front office's decision to pivot to a younger, cost-controlled cornerstone.

What to watch: Watch how Verse is deployed through the rest of OTAs and training camp, and whether his pass-rush role is built to match the production Cleveland gave up in the Garrett trade.