The Cleveland Browns ultimately accepted a trade package from the Los Angeles Rams for Myles Garrett, but their initial ambitions stretched far beyond that deal. The Browns engaged in discussions with the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, with a specific target in mind: defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Philadelphia Refused to Part with Carter
The Eagles were unwilling to include Carter in any trade offer. Instead, they proposed outside linebackers Nolan Smith or Jalyx Hunt, but Cleveland declined both. Eventually, the Browns settled for defensive end Jared Verse, along with a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and a third-round selection from the Rams.
Why Cleveland Preferred Carter over Verse
Carter and Verse represent different positions on the defensive line. Carter plays interior defensive line, a position the Browns were not replacing in this trade, while Verse is an edge rusher—the direct positional successor to Garrett. Both players are 25 years old, both were first-round picks on legitimate NFC contenders, and both are two-time Pro Bowlers. However, Carter carries a second-team All-Pro nod that Verse does not yet have.
Contractually, Carter is entering the final year of his $21.8 million rookie deal at $7 million, with his fifth-year option for 2027 already exercised at $27.1 million. Verse has two years remaining on a $15.1 million rookie deal, and Cleveland will decide on his fifth-year option after this season ends—an option that will almost certainly be picked up.
According to Pro Football Focus, Verse ranked 11th among edge defenders last season out of 115 qualifying players. By comparison, Garrett ranked first, recording a record 23 sacks and leading the league with 33 tackles for loss. While these are different conversations entirely, Verse, at 25, has room to grow into something close to Garrett's level.
Concerns Surrounding Jalen Carter
Carter's talent has never been in question, but his availability and judgment have raised red flags. In January 2023, police charged Carter with street racing and reckless driving following a two-vehicle incident that killed Georgia staffer Chandler LeCroy and player Devin Willock, who were in a separate vehicle racing alongside him. Carter pleaded no contest and received one year of probation, 80 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine.
Additionally, the NFL suspended Carter for one game and fined him more than $57,000 after he spit in the face of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before their 2025 season opener. Carter also missed six games last season, including multiple late-season contests due to shoulder surgeries on both sides.
Given this history, it is understandable why Philadelphia declined to include him in a trade offer. Equally, it is understandable why Cleveland was interested—Carter is genuinely elite when healthy. However, for a Browns team that needs reliability and a smooth transition after Garrett's departure, Verse may ultimately be the safer, more sensible fit.
About the Author
Prantik Prabal Roy is a passionate sports writer who eats, breathes, and lives the game. Since 2020, he has been in the content writing industry after completing his Master's degree in English literature. He has been covering the NFL since 2024 with sharp insights, while also diving into the NHL and MLB with equal enthusiasm. He loves crafting content that drives traffic without sacrificing quality, blending storytelling with analysis to keep readers hooked. When not writing, Prantik can be found cheering on the Buffalo Bills or diving into books that celebrate the world of sports.
