Cleveland Browns Denzel Ward
Denzel Ward Says Jared Verse Has Already Brought 'Juice' and Energy to Browns 1
Denzel Ward has played both with Myles Garrett and Jared Verse, giving the Cleveland Browns cornerback a close look at what each star pass rusher brings to the defense.
Garrett remains one of the league’s most dominant defensive players; however, Verse has already made his presence felt in Cleveland in a different way. According to Ward, the biggest difference has little to do with talent and everything to do with how the young edge rusher carries himself around the team.
Denzel Ward Details Jared Verse’s Impact on Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns, Denzel Ward, Cleveland Guardians
May 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward stands on the mound during a ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Mets at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Ward recently explained Verse’s influence during an appearance on the PFF NFL Show on October 7. The Browns’ cornerback said Verse immediately brought a different level of energy after arriving in the Browns.
“Definitely brought a lot of juice and just mentality as well. Myles is a heck of a player, great player, but I think Jared, he’s more vocal, though. More of a vocal player, a vocal leader. Since the first day he stepped in the building, really just yelling, screaming, and making his mark out there in meetings and on the practice field, rallying guys.”
Denzel Ward praised Jared Verse for bringing energy, a vocal leadership style and a strong presence to the Browns from his first day with the team.
"Definitely brought a lot of juice and just mentality as well. Myles is a heck of a player, great player, but I think Jared, he's… pic.twitter.com/i5Znp8rJc5
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) October 7, 2026
That distinction matters for the Browns, especially after the organization made such a massive change along its defensive front this offseason. The Browns traded Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams and received Verse in return. Garrett had established himself as the face of the Browns’ defense and was coming off a 23-sack season, so replacing his production was always going to be a difficult task.
Verse was never expected to simply become Garrett overnight; however, Cleveland still needs the 25-year-old to develop into a major part of its defense, and Ward’s comments suggest he has already taken ownership of the locker room side of that responsibility. The vocal element is particularly noticeable because Ward has experienced both personalities firsthand. Garrett has been a veteran presence and a respected leader; however, Verse appears to bring a much louder approach. Since his first days with the Browns, he has reportedly been vocal in meetings and practice and around his teammates.
That energy can matter even when it does not appear on the stat sheet. The numbers, however, are still something Verse needs to improve. Through four games, he has yet to record a sack and has seven pressures, according to the information cited by A to Z Sports. For a player acquired in a blockbuster deal involving Garrett, those numbers leave plenty of room for improvement.
The Browns will eventually need Verse’s production to match the intensity Ward sees from him every day. However, for now, the Browns are getting something they clearly value from their new edge rusher. Verse has not tried to quietly settle into his new surroundings. He has been vocal, energetic, and willing to push his teammates from the moment he arrived.