Browns' young DE duo must take huge step without Myles Garrett in 2026

After a shocking trade that saw star defensive end Myles Garrett get sent to the Los Angeles Rams earlier this week, the Cleveland Browns will now have to find a way to replace his production on the defensive line in 2026 and beyond.

However, general manager Andrew Berry did not leave the team’s newest defensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg, with no resources within the front four unit, as the struggling organization did acquire 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse in the massive trade. Still, despite the 26-year-old showing plenty of promise throughout his first two years in the NFL, it’s clear that Verse will need assistance heading into the 2026 season.

Luckily for Rutenberg and the rest of the defense, the Browns‘ roster includes two underrated pass rushers in 2022 third-round pick Alex Wright and 2023 fourth-round pick Isaiah McGuire. But, in order to have a successful front-four unit in 2026, the young duo must take the next steps in their development track without the likes of Garrett.

Throughout the course of their time in Cleveland, both Wright and McGuire have been underwhelming pieces of the defensive line due to the presence of Garrett. The pass rush duo has combined for a total of 19.5 sacks over the last four seasons, with both playmakers coming off their best seasons in 2025. And with the front office and Wright agreeing to a three-year, $33 million extension during the middle of the 2025 season, it’s clear that the organization views the two mid-round defensive ends as key role players on defense in 2026 and beyond.

While Wright and McGuire have made great strides in their development as pass rushers throughout their time with the organization, the 2026 season will be a pivotal point in each of their respective careers, especially for McGuire, who is set to become a free agent after this season.

One of the most important ways that the young pass rushers could make an impact in 2026 is by taking advantage of the opportunities Verse presents on defense. The two-time Pro Bowler has done an excellent job of getting after the quarterback in his first two seasons, as he ranks third amongst all defensive ends in total pressures since entering the league in 2024. With Verse’s ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, this will likely create more opportunities for Wright and MuGuire to record sacks.

In addition to playing second fiddle to Verse, both Wright and McGuire must be anchors on the outside against the run, which is an area that Verse has struggled with in his first two NFL seasons. McGuire continues to improve as a run defender with the Browns, as he finished with a PFF run defense grade of 86.1 and 75.5 in his last two seasons in Cleveland.

It’s clear that the Browns will not be able to replicate the production of Garrett, who broke the single-season sack record in 2025. But if the trio of Verse, Wright, and McGuire continue to grow as pass rushers, there’s a chance that the unit could once again be the catalyst for the Browns defense in 2026.