While fans of the Cleveland Browns often feel like the national media is against them or doesn’t want anything good for the team, the franchise has failed the fanbase so much that it is often hard for anyone to take the team seriously. That is why when the Myles Garrett contract news popped up, many were frustrated. In many ways, it does seem like the national media and the NFL in general would like to see the generational talent playing for a much better team.
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A year ago, Garrett himself had the same desire. Before signing a huge extension to stay in Cleveland, the pass rush king had issues with the lack of quarterback success and winning on the field. Even in the middle of the 2025 season, Garrett was left searching for answers that would never come.
At this point, sources with the team and the NFL have said that the Browns are not planning to trade Garrett, and the contract change was about flexibility and options. That doesn’t mean Cleveland’s star pass rusher is satisfied with losing. Garrett will turn 31 years old near the end of the 2026 season and has already logged a Hall of Fame career.
All that is left is winning (playoff contender), on the way to winning big (AFC Championship contender).
Given Cleveland’s current roster, salary cap, and draft capital, when is the earliest that Browns fans and Garrett can expect them to turn that corner? Would another quality draft class, even if a first-round quarterback isn’t added, be enough to make the team a playoff contender? Could Shedeur Sanders or a first-round quarterback in 2027 put Cleveland in contention for an AFC Title by 2028 or 2029?
Bringing back to Garrett, the Browns best player, his contract runs out in 2030 when he will be 35 years old and have played 13 years in the NFL. Competing for an AFC Championship by 2028 or 2029 would be near the end of his career.
For Cleveland fans, competing for an AFC Championship at any point in our lifetime would be great to see, but sustained success at that level is the ultimate goal.
So, what say you? When do you think the Browns could realistically push for a playoff spot? How many years away, and what major decisions, are they from being true contenders to at least make the AFC Championship game?
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