Cleveland Browns
· 2026-06-27
The Cleveland Browns traded Myles Garrett, a move that has raised questions about his leadership and the team's quarterback situation.
Garrett played nine seasons for the Browns, earning 125.5 sacks and seven Pro Bowl selections, but former NFL star James Harrison believes the team's lack of success took a toll on his motivation.
The Browns had a 5-12 record last season, despite Garrett's 23.0 sacks, and Harrison thinks this kind of instability can fatigue a player.
The Browns replaced Garrett with Jared Verse, who has had immense success with the Los Angeles Rams, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 and making his second straight Pro Bowl in 2025.
But Harrison warns that the Browns' quarterback shuffle could affect Verse's performance, citing the 16 quarterbacks who have lined up under center during Garrett's nine-year tenure.
The Browns are currently 7th in the National Football Conference with a 9-7-1 record, on a four-game losing streak, and are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13, 2026.
Joe Haden, who played seven seasons as a Browns cornerback, believes that numbers matter most, and that Garrett's production on the field should be the primary focus.
Haden thinks that leadership is about creating plays and being a true leader by example, rather than just vocal talk.
The Browns' next game will be a test of their new lineup, and fans will be watching to see how Verse performs in his new role.
As the team prepares to face the Jaguars, they will need to address their quarterback instability and find a way to motivate their players.
The Browns' standing in the National Football Conference will depend on their ability to win games and stabilize their offense.