​The Cleveland Browns swung a deal a year ago to acquire cornerback Tyson Campbell from the Jacksonville Jaguars, sending former first-round pick Greg Newsome II to Jacksonville in return. The exchange has paid off beyond on-field performance, thanks in large part to Campbell’s cost-controlled contract, which has become a notable success story for general manager Andrew Berry. Now entering his first full season with Cleveland, Campbell is expected to elevate his contributions even further, especially in light of Myles Garrett’s departure, which leaves a leadership void on the defense. Campbell has already earned the backing of national observers, with ESPN’s Benjamin Solak calling him the Browns’ breakout candidate for the 2026 season.
Solak recently highlighted Campbell’s fit beside Denzel Ward as a key factor in the Browns’ defense, emphasizing that Campbell appeared more comfortable in Cleveland, where he has been stationed closer to the line of scrimmage and offered a more straightforward menu of coverages. While he can still be targeted at times, particularly when matched up against vertical routes, Campbell possesses a high ceiling as Ward’s complement. Solak noted that if the Browns want to sustain their elite status without Garrett, the cornerback duo needs to rank among the league’s best, making Campbell a pivotal piece.
Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, the secondary will shoulder significant responsibility. Fortunately for Cleveland, veterans populate every position in the back end, providing a depth chart that can support a steady, reliable level of play from Campbell—an element the team struggled to secure from Newsome in recent seasons. If Campbell can deliver consistent performances game after game, the Browns’ defense could maintain its formidable standards even without Garrett’s prodigious impact.
This assessment aligns with Cleveland’s broader strategic approach: building a durable, cost-efficient defense anchored by seasoned veterans who can execute the scheme with minimal friction while the younger talents, like Campbell, continue to grow into more prominent roles. The expectation is for Campbell to not only meet but exceed the initial optimism surrounding his trade, leveraging his familiarity with the system and the Browns’ defensive philosophy to contribute meaningfully to a unit that aims to remain among the league’s best.
The article from Browns Wire underscores this storyline, noting Campbell’s emergence as a breakout candidate in his first full season with the Browns and the importance of his performance for the team’s long-term defensive identity. As the Browns navigate the post-Garrett era, the partner duo of Campbell and Ward could be central to maintaining elite status, provided Campbell continues to develop and deliver the consistent, steady play that the organization hopes to see.