While the Cleveland Browns defense has had more success than the offense over the last several seasons, there are some new variables on defense this year that are creating some uncertainty. With all the changes to the coaching staff this season, the Browns hired a new defensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg, so if nothing else, the defensive scheme is sure to look different.
2026 will be the first season since 2017 without Myles Garrett as the anchor and leader of the defense. No matter what was happening,
you could always count on Garrett to disrupt games. Jared Verse is certainly a talented replacement, but there are still questions about what this group will look like without the dominance of Garrett. Carson Schwesinger is looking to build on his Defensive Rookie of the Year season. If there were a group that would have weaknesses, it could be the secondary beyond the top two corners and Grant Delpit; there are still questions.
The results of the defense will be heavily dependent on how the group adapts to Rutenberg’s scheme. Realistically, the defense will be around tenth by most metrics. Best-case scenario could even be top five. This group will continue to lead and anchor this team with lots of uncertainty on offense.
Let me know what you think in the comments – Where will the Browns defense rank in 2026?
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