RECORD DATE NOT STATED Carson Schwesinger arrives on the red carpet at the 2026 NFL, American Football Herren, USA Honors presented by Invisalign in the days leading up to Super Bowl LX in San Francisco on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The New England Patriots will play the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday, February 8, 2026. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUSA SBP20260205345 JOHNxANGELILLO

May 28, 2026, 2:39 AM CUT

Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger Gets Honest Over Working With New Teammate

Coming fresh off his Defensive Rookie of the Year season, the Browns’ linebacker, Carson Schwesinger, is focusing on how to make his second season with the Browns even better.

In an exclusive interview with Browns’ insider Nathan Zegura, Schwesinger spoke on working alongside his new teammate, recovering from injuries, becoming a leader, and winning Rookie of the Year.

“Oh, it’s been great. A lot of energy. A whole lot of personality,” replied Carson when asked about his experience working alongside his new teammate, Quincy Williams. “A whole lot of energy he’s gonna bring in every day. And that’s something you can count on.”

Per Ashley Bastock of cleveland.com, Schwesinger, who was the Browns' 33rd overall pick, was voted by the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) as the Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) in 2025.

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 21: Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger 49 takes the field prior to the National Football League game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 21 Bills at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251221114

In fact, the Browns' linebacker became the first player in franchise history to be selected by the PFWA as the DROY.

The honor came after Schwesinger surpassed all other rookies in the NFL with 156 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 10 special team tackles in 16 games as the starter. His tackles were the most made by a Browns’ rookie since the team’s return to the NFL in 1999.

Schwesinger also spoke about getting back in form after recovering from an ankle sprain that occurred last season.

When asked about when his ankle finally felt normal, the linebacker said, "I mean, in the offseason I would say, you know, that's but that's football."

Zegura further asked the linebacker about taking up a bigger leadership role this year and asked him about his leadership style.

“Yeah, I think as the mike linebacker, you’re the quarterback of the defense,” replied Schwesinger. “You just do what you have to do to get everyone in spots to make plays. I think at the end of the day, you have to lead by example. You gotta make sure there’s nothing that you’re telling other people to do that you’re not doing.”

The Browns’ DROY turned heads in his rookie year and he hopes to do the same in his second season under the careful watch of coaches Todd Monken and Mike Rutenberg.

Schwesinger’s Experience Working Alongside the Browns’ New Coaches

Zegura asked the linebacker about working with the Browns’ new head coach, Todd Monken, and what his personality is like.

“Monken’s just very real. He’ll say it how it is and that’s something that I think we need. And that’s great for us moving forward,” answered Carson about Monken.

Schwesinger also spoke about the new defensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg. He said they were getting used to Rutenberg's personality as a coordinator and called it a great experience so far.

Back in April at the start of the voluntary minicamp, Schwesinger had mentioned how excited he was to talk to and work closely with Mike Rutenberg.

With the linebacker responding positively about the coaches in Cleveland, the Browns appear confident about the chemistry between the players in the locker room as they head into the 2026 season.

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit