Clarity has come about regarding Cleveland Browns’ jersey number situation with Jared Verse and Dillon Gabriel
The Cleveland Browns currently have both Jared Verse and Dillon Gabriel wearing the same jersey number. There’s been conspiracies to why, but it’s pretty simple.
The Cleveland Browns are excited about what’s ahead for them with the biggest piece they received in the Myles Garrett trade, Jared Verse.
Verse made his practice debut with the Browns this week during voluntary OTAs and immediately there was one thing that popped to attention. Both Verse and QB Dillon Gabriel were both wearing the same jersey numbers. There’s been plenty of conspiracies out there on why, but it’s really simple.
NFL insider clears the air on Jared Verse’s jersey number situation
Cleveland will indeed not have two players wearing No. 8 this season because it’s against the rules. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Browns are still waiting on league approval for Gabriel’s jersey number change.
“My understanding is they’re waiting on the NFL’s approval,” Garafalo stated. “The Browns are waiting for Dylan Gabriel to change his number. I don’t know what could take so long. I mean, is there a committee that you submit this kind of thing to? But they’re in the process of that happening.”
I don’t know the details of the exchange, what Verse gave Gabriel, or any of that stuff. But it sounds like Verse is going to have number eight and Gabriel will make the switch once he gets approved. There is something with regard to, you know, all the apparel that’s out there. It’s totally pre-printed for Gabriel. And sometimes a player has to buy it or whatnot, but I don’t know all the details. I just know that is expected to be what you’re going to see for Jared Verse’s Browns career.”
At this time, it’s unknown what jersey number Gabriel will be making the switch to. Oftentimes we see players pay off other players to get certain jersey numbers, and that very well could have been what happened here. Verse wore No. 8 with the Los Angeles Rams and will be keeping the number. Gabriel will have a new number in his second NFL season.
The jersey number may eventually open for Jared Verse either way
The other part of this is that Verse was likely going to get the chance to take the number anyway. Gabriel is looked at as the odd man out in what Cleveland’s quarterback room will be in 2026, and it would be a surprise if he’s on the 53-man roster.
There’s still a process the league just goes through with the No. 8 jerseys already printed for Gabriel and getting his New Jerseys out for purchase for the time he’s with the Browns. Cleveland doesn’t have a jersey number controversy after all.