The Cleveland Browns went 3–14 last season and likely won’t be much better in 2025. Finding positives from last year’s team was difficult, but one constant bright spot remains: defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett once again proved to be a dominant pass rusher in 2024. Despite the defense taking a step back from its elite 2023 form, he still played at an All-Pro level.
Now under contract through 2030 with a new deal worth $40 million per season, expectations for Garrett are higher than ever. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is pushing him to raise the bar even further.
“I really think Myles is going to have the best season of his career—and he has to, right?” Schwartz said last week. “I’ve told him before… what’s that Spider-Man quote? ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’ right? That comes with the big contract, the notoriety that comes with it, and the process that got him to this point.
There’s always pressure in this league, but probably even more so now. And I think that pressure brings out the best in players—I know it will with Myles.”
Garrett has recorded at least 14 sacks in each of the last four seasons and at least 12 sacks in five straight. Since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2017, he has totaled 102.5 career sacks. When Garrett is off the field, the Browns’ defense noticeably suffers. No other player on the team commands as many double teams or is as heavily game-planned against.
As the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, Garrett will be expected not just to maintain his elite level of play, but to elevate it in 2025 following the massive extension Cleveland gave him.
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