CLEVELAND, Ohio — Can an elite defense get even better after losing its architect? The Browns are about to find out.
While conventional wisdom might suggest the Browns’ defense is due for a step back following Jim Schwartz’s sudden departure, insiders on Orange and Brown Talk are making a bold claim: this unit might actually improve in 2026.
Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot firmly rejected the notion that Cleveland’s defense will regress next season, instead pointing to the continued development of young stars as a catalyst for potential improvement.
“I am going to disagree with that because I think they will probably even add another guy or two. And I think Carson (Schwesinger) should be even a little bit better in his second year. Mason (Graham) should be better in his second year. I don’t see any drop off in Myles whatsoever,” Cabot declared on the podcast. “I don’t think they’re going to have a setback. I actually think they have an opportunity to be even better.”
This optimism isn’t just hopeful thinking — it’s based on tangible evidence of growth potential among the unit’s young stars. Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger and defensive tackle Mason Graham showed flashes of brilliance in 2025, but both have clear paths to becoming even more disruptive forces.
“It’s not just that they still have the talent, it’s that they can count on some of this talent, like a Mason Graham getting better,” explained host Dan Labbe. “I think it’s obvious, we can see he was good this year, but we can see the areas where he can get even better and he’d be even more impactful.”
The continued ascension of these young players would complement established stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, creating a potentially suffocating defense. Add in a full season of cornerback Tyson Campbell, who was acquired mid-season in 2025, and the secondary could reach new heights as well.
Beyond internal development, the podcast highlighted general manager Andrew Berry’s philosophy of aggressively reinforcing positions of strength — suggesting the front office won’t simply stand pat with what they have.
“Especially because knowing Andrew Berry the way that we know him, there’s no way he’s going to be able to resist taking a really impactful defensive player somewhere in that draft,” Cabot emphasized. “You have to keep the pedal to the metal and you have to keep adding guys. That’s what the Ravens have always done. That’s what the Steelers have always done. And you can’t stand pat.”
This approach of consistently building on strengths rather than merely addressing weaknesses has been a hallmark of successful AFC North defenses for decades. By following this blueprint, the Browns could sustain elite defensive performance even amid coaching changes.
The conversation also touched on specific areas where the defense can improve, particularly in generating more interceptions and finding a complementary pass rusher to pair with Myles Garrett. If the Browns can address these specific areas — either through internal development or external additions — they could field an even more complete defense in 2026.
Curious about how the Browns’ defense can take another step forward despite losing Jim Schwartz? Listen to the full episode of Orange and Brown Talk for a detailed breakdown of the unit’s potential, the young players expected to make significant leaps, and how Andrew Berry might approach reinforcing what was already one of the NFL’s top defenses in 2025.
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