​Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse works alongside defensive end Logan Fano during the second day of minicamp on June 10, 2026, in Berea, Ohio. The Browns’ edge rusher group enters the season with a new look after the biggest roster-changing move of the offseason. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Our quick Cleveland Browns depth chart series wraps up with a look at the defensive end room, one of the most important position groups on the entire roster. We began the series on the offensive side of the ball, breaking down quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line. From there, we shifted to the defense, examining defensive tackle, linebacker, safety and cornerback. Now, we close things out with the edge rushers.
At first glance, the Browns’ defensive end group did not undergo a long list of changes. However, the one major change was the most significant move on the roster. Cleveland traded Myles Garrett and brought back Jared Verse, creating a fascinating one-for-one shift at the top of the depth chart, at least for the 2026 season. Garrett’s departure changes the identity of the Browns defense, while Verse’s arrival gives Cleveland a young, high-upside pass rusher to build around.
The current Cleveland Browns defensive end depth chart features Jared Verse, Isaiah McGuire, Alex Wright, Logan Fano, Julian Okwara, Tyreak Sapp, Khordae Sydnor and Benton Whitley. It is also worth noting that Cleveland’s official team website lists Adin Huntington as a defensive end, even though many other outlets classify him as a defensive tackle. That positional flexibility could matter when the Browns begin trimming the roster and setting their defensive line rotation.
The best-case scenario for the Browns defensive end room is fairly straightforward. Verse proves to be only a slight step below Garrett as the team’s primary edge rusher, while McGuire and Wright both take meaningful steps forward in their development. Cleveland does not necessarily need one player to fully replace Garrett’s production, but it does need the entire group to generate pressure consistently. If Verse becomes a high-end pass rusher and the supporting cast improves, the Browns can still field a dangerous defensive front.
New defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg will play a major role in determining how effective this group can be. Without Garrett commanding constant attention, Cleveland may need to create pressure through different fronts, stunts, blitz packages and creative pass-rush schemes. If Rutenberg can manufacture disruption and put his edge rushers in favorable situations, the Browns’ defensive line could remain a strength. Continued improvement from the interior defensive linemen would also help, as pressure up the middle can create more one-on-one opportunities for the defensive ends.
The worst-case scenario is that Garrett’s impact was even greater than expected. His presence made life easier for everyone around him. McGuire may have looked like a quality rotational pass rusher because offenses were focused on Garrett. Wright’s limitations as a bender around the edge may have been easier to hide because Garrett demanded extra protection attention on nearly every snap. If the Browns no longer have that kind of gravitational force on the defensive line, the entire pass rush could take a noticeable step backward.
Cleveland’s front office is making a major bet that Garrett was the best player on the defense, but not the only reason the unit worked. That is a risky position. If the defensive ends struggle to pressure opposing quarterbacks, the rest of the defense could suffer. Quarterbacks with clean pockets can attack the secondary, extend drives and neutralize Cleveland’s defensive strengths. If that happens, general manager Andrew Berry could face significant criticism for moving on from Garrett, especially if the Browns fail to remain competitive.
There is also considerable pressure on Verse. He is young, talented and capable of becoming a foundational piece for the Browns, but replacing a player of Garrett’s caliber is not easy. Even if Verse is excellent, the comparison will be unavoidable. Fans will naturally measure his production, impact and consistency against what Garrett provided for years. For Cleveland’s defense to avoid a major decline, Verse likely needs to take another step forward immediately.
When comparing the Browns defensive end group to the 2025 version, the answer is simple: the edge rusher room is worse without Myles Garrett. There is no real way around that. Garrett was one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, and losing him lowers the ceiling of the position group. The bigger question is how much worse the Browns are at defensive end. If Verse becomes a star and the depth develops, the drop-off may be manageable. If not, this could become one of the defining issues of Cleveland’s season.
The Browns still have intriguing pieces at defensive end, but the group carries more uncertainty than it did with Garrett leading the way. Verse gives Cleveland a legitimate top option, McGuire and Wright offer developmental upside, and the back end of the depth chart will be fighting for rotational snaps and roster spots. Whether the Browns need to add another veteran edge rusher could depend on how the group performs during training camp and the preseason.
As things stand, Cleveland’s defensive end room is talented but unproven in its new form. The Browns’ pass rush will be one of the biggest storylines to watch in 2026, and the performance of this group could go a long way toward determining the direction of the season.