Defensive Veterans Anchor Hopes for Revival of the Cleveland Browns

In the Cleveland Browns’ quest to end their playoff drought and rebuild into a competitive force, one group has emerged as the steady backbone of the team: their defensive veterans. While the offense has faced ups and downs with young quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the likes of Myles Garrett, Maliek Collins, and Anthony Walker Jr. have provided consistency, leadership, and game-changing plays that keep the Browns in contention even during tough stretches. These veterans aren’t just statistical standouts—they’re mentors to young teammates, vocal leaders in the locker room, and symbols of resilience for a fanbase hungry for success. As the Browns look to turn the corner in 2026, the experience and grit of these defensive stalwarts are shaping the team’s identity and fueling hopes of a long-awaited revival. Defensive Veterans Anchor Hopes for Revival of the Cleveland Browns explores how each of these veterans contributes to the team’s resurgence, their impact on and off the field, and why they’re irreplaceable to the Browns’ future.

Defensive Veterans Anchor Hopes for Revival of the Cleveland Browns begins with the face of the Browns’ defense: Myles Garrett. Entering his eighth NFL season, Garrett has solidified himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers, notching 12 sacks and 18 quarterback hits in 2025—numbers that would be even higher if opponents didn’t consistently double-team him. But his impact goes beyond stats: Garrett’s ability to draw extra attention creates opportunities for teammates, like defensive end Alex Wright, who career-high 9 sacks this season largely because of Garrett’s presence. Off the field, Garrett has embraced a leadership role, hosting weekly film sessions with the defensive line and pushing younger players to match his work ethic. “Myles sets the standard for what it means to be a Brown,” said defensive line coach Chris Kiffin. “He doesn’t just show up to play—he shows up to win, and he holds everyone around him accountable.” Whether it’s a game-sealing sack in the fourth quarter or a pre-practice pep talk, Garrett’s influence is the glue that holds the Browns’ defense together, making him the cornerstone of the team’s revival hopes.

Defensive Veterans Anchor Hopes for Revival of the Cleveland Browns delves into the quiet impact of defensive tackle Maliek Collins, whose consistency in the trenches has stabilized the Browns’ run defense. After missing six games in 2025 with a quad strain, Collins returned in Week 11 and immediately made his presence felt, recording 3 sacks and 10 tackles in the final six games and helping the Browns improve from 15th to 8th in the NFL in run defense. What makes Collins invaluable is his ability to clog lanes and draw double teams, freeing up linebackers to make tackles and disrupt plays. But his leadership is just as crucial: Collins, a 10-year veteran, spends hours after practice working with young defensive tackles like Tommy Togiai, teaching them how to read offensive linemen and adjust their technique on the fly. “Maliek is the kind of veteran every young player needs,” Togiai said. “He doesn’t just tell you what to do—he shows you, and he stays with you until you get it right.” For the Browns, Collins’ combination of on-field production and off-field mentorship has turned a potential weakness (interior defensive line depth) into a strength, a key step in the team’s revival.

Defensive Veterans Anchor Hopes for Revival of the Cleveland Browns examines how linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. has become the “quarterback of the defense” for the Cleveland Browns, using his experience to keep the unit organized and focused. Walker, who signed a three-year deal with the Browns in 2024, has struggled with injuries in the past, but 2025 was a breakout season: he recorded 112 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles, and his pre-snap adjustments helped the Browns limit opposing offenses to just 2.8 yards per rush in the red zone (7th best in the NFL). What sets Walker apart is his football IQ—he studies film for hours each week, identifying opposing teams’ tendencies and relaying that information to his teammates during games. “Anthony is like having another coach on the field,” said defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “He sees things before they happen, and he makes sure everyone else is on the same page.” For the Cleveland Browns, Walker’s leadership is especially important as the defense integrates young players like rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. His ability to calm the unit during high-pressure moments—like a fourth-and-1 stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14—has been critical to the Browns’ ability to win close games, a hallmark of playoff-caliber teams.

Defensive Veterans Anchor Hopes for Revival of the Cleveland Browns explores how safety John Johnson III has become a steadying force in the secondary for the Cleveland Browns, a unit that has long been a weakness for the team. Johnson, who joined the Browns in 2025 as a free agent, brought 8 years of NFL experience to a secondary that ranked 26th in the league in passing yards allowed in 2024. This season, with Johnson leading the way, the unit improved to 18th, and they allowed just 7 touchdown passes in the final 8 games. Johnson’s strength is his versatility—he can play both free and strong safety, and he’s equally effective in run support and pass coverage. But his biggest contribution has been mentoring young cornerbacks like Greg Newsome II, who saw his interception total double from 2 to 4 this season. “John taught me how to read quarterbacks’ eyes and anticipate routes,” Newsome said. “He’s not just a teammate—he’s a teacher.” For the Cleveland Browns, Johnson’s arrival has turned the secondary from a liability into a reliable part of the defense, a necessary step if the team wants to compete with high-powered passing offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.

Defensive Veterans Anchor Hopes for Revival of the Cleveland Browns wraps up with why these defensive veterans are more than just players—they’re the foundation of the Cleveland Browns’ revival. Together, Garrett, Collins, Walker, and Johnson bring over 30 years of NFL experience to the team, and their collective leadership has created a culture of accountability and excellence that was missing in years past. Younger players are following their example: Wright’s work ethic mirrors Garrett’s, Togiai’s technique has improved thanks to Collins, and Newsome’s confidence has grown under Johnson’s guidance. This mix of veteran leadership and young talent is exactly what the Browns need to end their playoff drought. “You can’t build a winning team without veterans who know how to win,” said general manager Andrew Berry. “These guys have been there, and they’re showing our young players what it takes to be successful in this league.” For the Browns’ fanbase, these veterans represent hope—a belief that the team is finally on the right track. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on this defensive core to lead the way, proving that with the right anchors, the Cleveland Browns’ long-awaited revival is not just a dream, but a realistic goal.