Bengals players most impacted by the Myles Garrett trade are keeping it real about their new adversary
Myles Garrett is no longer a yearly problem for the Bengals, but starting offensive tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims are taking note of who’s replacing him in Cleveland.
The Cincinnati Bengals watched the Cleveland Browns trade away Myles Garrett on Monday. Garrett has long been a thorn in the Bengals’ side, and no players on the team should be happier he’s out of the division more than the offensive linemen who’ve tried to block him for eight quarters a season.
But the Browns aren’t exiting the deal without a replacement. Third-year DE Jared Verse is the new problem for Cincy’s line to deal with on a biannual basis.
Cincinnati’s tackle tandem knows the battles are still going to be tough.
Orlando Brown Jr., Amarius Mims already showing respect for Jared Verse
Verse is on his way to becoming a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL. The No. 19 pick in the 2024 draft won Defensive Rookie of the Year, and has 12 sacks and two Pro Bowls to his name in just two years. He turns 26 in November, and a month later will face off against Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. for the first time.
“(Verse) is a young player who is also a great player,” Brown told Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson following the trade. “Very talented. I have a lot of respect for his game.”
“It’s the hardest division anywhere, whether it’s Myles Garrett or Jared Verse,” Mims told Hobson. “Both great players. Both have been to the Pro Bowl. Verse has been every year he’s been in the league. We came in together. A great player. You’ve got to block both of them at the end of the day.”
Three additional months of on-field development will only enhance Brown’s respect. Verse has spent the majority of his time rushing the passer against the left side of line, but will have his reps against right tackle Amarius Mims from time-to-time as well. Mims was drafted one spot above Verse in 2024, and knows exactly what kind of career Verse began building out west.
Verse is no Garrett, but’s a name worth circling on the calendar if you’re an offensive tackle in a pass-happy offense. Brown and Mims won’t be underestimating him this season.