Rams sign first round draft pick Jared Verse, rookie contract details revealed
The Los Angeles Rams signed first-round draft pick Jared Verse to his rookie contract and the former Florida State EDGE is now officially with the team.
Verse signed a four-year deal worth $15.134 million with a signing bonus worth $7.826 million. He’s locked in through the 2028 season if the team picks up his fifth-year option. They’ll make that decision after his third season in the league.
As an underrated prospect, Verse spent the first two seasons of his college career at FCS Albany. Where in 15 games he recorded 74 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and one pass breakup. Named a First-Team All-Conference selection and FCS Freshman All-American before transferring to Florida State.
In his first season with the Seminoles he received more All-ACC votes than any other defensive player in the conference to earn First-Team status. Also named an All-American after recording 48 tackles, 17.0 for loss, 9.0 sacks, three quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and one blocked field goal.
Instead of declaring for the draft, he returned for another season with the Seminoles, earning All-ACC and All-American status yet again after ending his senior year with 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. As the 6-foot-4, 254-pounder who started at the FCS level has now found himself at the NFL level just a few years later.
Bill Belichick raves about Jared Verse
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was a big fan of Verse coming out of Florida State.
He joined the Pat McAfee Show for the draft. There, he praised Jared Verse and explained everything there is to like about him.
“This kid, of course, transferred down to Florida State and he really had an impact on the team,” Belichick said. “He can, sort of like [Laiatu] Latu, he can play outside, inside. Powerful. Explosive. There’s so much to like about this guy.
“Power rush. Very explosive guy. Can handle the running game in the C-gap, off-tackle areas. Here he is again shedding a block, snatching that tackle and shedding inside. he gets off blocks well. He attacks the pocket well and he’s got a lot of power.”
Now, with future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald retiring, the Rams do need help on the defensive line. Luckily, as Belichick explained, Verse is a player who can stop the run and rush the passer.