The Cleveland Browns' defense is preparing for a season without its star EDGE, Myles Garrett, who left for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.
The departure of the former No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft will undoubtedly be felt, but veteran defensive end Alex Wright is confident in the team's ability to move forward without him. "Myles is Myles. The spotlight will be on Myles, but at the same time, we were top 3 in sacks," Wright stated on 92.3 The Fan. "There were other people producing also. That's the chip on our shoulder. Just because he's not here…he's just one person. [There's] 10 other people out there making plays and producing."
The Browns will now need to find a new anchor on its elite defensive unit. Luckily, the trade that sent Garrett to the Rams gave the Browns 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse in return. Verse's impressive stats, including 124 tackles, 21.5 stuffs, 12 sacks, and five forced fumbles in his first two seasons, will create more opportunities for the rest of the defensive line.
Verse's addition will force Cleveland's other pass rushers, such as Wright and Isaiah McGuire, to take the next step in their careers. Both defensive ends were terrific complementary pieces for Garrett, combining for 38 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season. But without the potential of Garrett recording a 20+ sack season for the Browns this year, it's clear that the veteran duo will take on a bigger role on defense.
The linebackers and defensive backs will play a significant role within the unit this year. Second-year star Carson Schwesinger is primed for another incredible season after being named the 2025 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, while the secondary unit features the likes of cornerback Denzel Ward and a lethal safety rotation of Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, and 2026 second-round pick Emmanuel McNeil Warren.
The Browns' defense will try to prove itself without Garrett on the field this season. With Verse and the rest of the defensive line looking to step up, the team is ready to face the challenge head-on. Wright's "chip on our shoulder" mentality will drive the team to make the most of this opportunity.
The 2026-27 season is set to be an exciting one for the Browns, with a revamped defensive line looking to make its mark. As the team takes to the field, fans will be eager to see how the defense performs without its star player. One thing is certain – the Browns are ready to put their best foot forward and make a statement.
Source: Yahoo Sports