As DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka stood in the equipment room at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on his first official day with the Browns, he had an unexpected guest stop in to pay him a visit.
DE Myles Garrett walked in to introduce himself to the newest member of the defensive line and fellow edge rusher. Tryon-Shoyinka's face lit up as the two shook hands and discussed cleat options.
"Man, it was special. That's the best defensive player in football right now, so having him in the building next to you and on the line of scrimmage, being able to pick his mind day-to-day. He was super welcoming and welcomed any questions that I had," Tryon-Shoyinka said. "Whatever I can learn from Myles, I'm going to be implementing that into my game."
Tryon-Shoyinka, who hit free agency when the new league year began on March 12, saw an opportunity to take the next step in his career with the Browns. As he weighed his options for where that next step could take place, Cleveland came on the radar because of the scheme and the chance to play in the attack-style defense under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
He officially agreed to terms on a deal with the Browns on March 12.
"I knew I could just end up in a place where I would be able to just be myself and be free," Tryon-Shoyinka said. "Schwartz's defense is perfect for that and I'm super excited. We have expectations for me and for this defense. And it was a super enticing free agency marketplace and to play with a talent like Myles Garrett, who could say no to that?"
Tryon-Shoyinka spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Buccaneers after they drafted him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During those four seasons, Tryon-Shoyinka played as both a linebacker and outside linebacker in their 3-4 system. While in Tampa, Tryon-Shoyinka recorded 138 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 35 quarterback hits, 15 sacks eight passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He started 45 of the 66 games he played with the Buccaneers.
"I had a great experience in Tampa," he said. "I wouldn't trade it for anything. Things happen for a reason, and I ended up in a great (place) like Cleveland. And I'm sure that with this scheme and everything that we have set in place, and I'm supposed to be here, and I know this is the place where I want to be. So, I'm definitely blessed."