At the start of the season, the Cleveland Browns had high expectations of competing for a playoff spot and potentially challenging the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North title.
Instead, quarterback Deshaun Watson endured a rough season before being sidelined with an Achilles injury, leaving the Browns at the bottom of the division. They now head into their Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a disappointing 3-11 record.
For head coach Kevin Stefanski, “disappointing” doesn’t begin to describe the season, which has been difficult for the entire organization. Defensive end Myles Garrett has been a consistent bright spot, continuing to prove himself as one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. With 11.0 sacks this season and three games left to play, Garrett has posted double-digit sack totals in every season except his rookie year in 2017, when he finished with 7.0.
The 28-year-old star wants to stay with the Browns but only if the team can present a clear plan to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Garrett has made it clear he doesn’t want to endure another rebuild.
“Winning is my priority,” Garrett said. “I need the Browns to show they’re serious about putting us in a position to win. When the season ends, I expect to see a detailed plan.”
Garrett highlighted the importance of a balanced team with a strong defense, effective running game, and solid time-of-possession strategy. He believes this vision would reassure not only himself but also other players on the defensive line.
The Browns have reached the playoffs just twice during Garrett’s tenure, including last year when they finished second in the division with an 11-5 record. That season appeared to set the foundation for a successful 2024, but the team faltered early, losing six of their first seven games and failing to recover.
Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, is under contract through 2026 as part of a five-year, $125 million deal.
