Months ago, the Cleveland Browns nearly witnessed their worst fears as perennial pass rusher Myles Garrett requested a trade from the team. Following a lengthy standoff, he rescinded that trade request when the team gave him a monster four-year, $160 million contract extension.
With Garrett back in the building, he anchors a defense that includes Maliek Collins, Mason Graham, Alex Wright, and many more.
There are multiple questions regarding what kind of team the Browns will be in 2024, which is in large part due to the confusing quarterback situation, but the defense might not be the potential downfall of the team in 2025.
In fact, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has issued a huge warning to the NFL over the “much improved” defensive line.
Browns DC Jim Schwartz: “Our defensive line is much, much improved over last year. … Our ability to win inside is gonna go a long way … because the ball comes out so fast.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 4, 2025
When speaking to reporters about the defense, Schwartz let it be known that the goal for the defensive line is to win inside.
“Our defensive line is much, much improved over last year. … Our ability to win inside is gonna go a long way … because the ball comes out so fast.”
Schwartz believes that the defensive line the Browns possess will aid the defense in stopping quarterbacks from getting the ball out fast. To his credit, having Garrett on the team is a big indicator of that.
Garrett might ont be the only quarterback terrorizer on the team. Graham might be a rookie heading into the 2025 NFL season, but he is expected to make plenty of noise.
Graham picked up 3.5 sacks in 2024 as a member of the Michigan Wolverines. With Garrett on his side, he might be able to get better looks in terms of stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.
Also, Wright could have a breakout year, again benefiting from the other talent on the defensive line.
The Browns will need the defensive line to step up in a big way, especially to stop the upper-echelon passers in the division, such as Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. That’s also not to mention the star signal callers in the NFL that Cleveland will face.
If Schwartz’s warning to the NFL rings true, the Browns’ defense could be a big reason the team wins games in 2025.
More NFL:
Report: Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase is Abandoning Nike to Join Kevin Hart’s Brand
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Predicted to Lose MVP to Another AFC Rival
For more on the Browns and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
The post Browns DC Jim Schwartz Sends Powerful NFL Warning appeared first on Newsweek.
