After a disappointing 2025 season, the Cleveland Browns have reshaped their coaching staff and roster. They have parted ways with defensive cornerstone Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade with the Rams. With this, Jared Verse comes with promise, but this transition is challenging.

The Browns have hired Mike Rutenberg as defensive coordinator. The first-year coordinator must develop a scheme that is capable of being disruptive even without Garrett. The question is whether Cleveland's defense can maintain its reputation without Garrett.

"Mike Rutenberg takes over for the highly successful Jim Schwartz, and the 44-year-old former Atlanta Falcons assistant draws the tall task of constructing an imposing defense without the most dominant defensive player in Browns history," wrote Mike Jones of The Athletic on July 16. "Gone is Myles Garrett, and in his place is Jared Verse, a 25-year-old former Rams pass rusher who came over in that trade with Los Angeles."

Mike Jones of The Athletic talks about the expectations regarding Cleveland's defense. Garrett dictated offensive game plans through his passing ability to create opportunities for teammates.

Verse has shown great potential as he joined the Browns, but expecting any younger defender to replace Garrett's production and leadership is unreal. The coaching staff must build a more balanced approach.

Rutenberg carries a strong resume, having served as Atlanta's defensive game coordinator and coached with franchises like the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since most of his background is in coaching defensive backs, the Browns could rely more on pass coverage this season.

While replacing Garrett's 23 sacks won't be easy, Verse has already proven he can make an impact with 12 sacks, 124 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in his first two NFL seasons.

Verse recorded 12 sacks in the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, 52.2% of Myles Garrett's 23-sack pace.

While Cleveland prepares for training camp without Garrett, Jared Verse is wasting no time marking the mentality he wants Cleveland's defense to adopt.

Jared Verse outlines his vision for Browns' defense

Jared Verse appeared on the Good Morning Football and gave a strong message when asked about what he is bringing to the defense.

"I’m here to get in your face," Verse said on Good Morning Football on July 15. "I’m here to be a little bit more aggressive. I’m here to just have that statement: that’s Jared Verse defense. That old school defense where you gotta get nitty gritty and you gonna have to really earn every yard, every play, everything you get."

The 25-year-old brings confidence and intensity that the Browns hope will define their defense. He acknowledged the trade was difficult, but he quickly embraced the Browns' vision after meeting the coaching staff and new teammates.

Replacing Garrett is not the motto; Verse is more focused on creating his own legacy.

What are your views on building the unit with Myles Garrett gone to Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community.

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar