Myles Garrett Trade Pushes Browns to Rely on New Cornerback Breakout

**Myles Garrett** was shipped to the Los Angeles Rams in the middle of the 2025 campaign, ending a decade of dominance on Cleveland’s front line. The move left the Browns scrambling for a new defensive identity, and ESPN analyst Ben Solak now points to cornerback Tyson Campbell as the most likely breakout candidate to fill the void in 2026.

Campbell arrived in Cleveland after a $76.5 million extension with Jacksonville in 2024, then was flipped to the Browns at the 2025 trade deadline. In his first 12 games with Cleveland he logged 53 tackles, 12 passes defended and an interception, showing he can produce against NFL competition.

Solak argues that Campbell feels more at home when playing closer to the line of scrimmage, a role the Browns emphasized after losing Garrett. The cornerback’s PFF grade of 69.1 placed him 29th out of 114 corners, while his 77.5 run‑defense rating ranked 16th, suggesting he can contribute in both coverage and run support.

Garrett’s sack totals and pressure rates have been unmatched in Cleveland’s recent history. Replacing that production with a single player is unrealistic, but Campbell’s development could help the Browns keep their defense among the league’s elite. Paired with No. 2 corner Denzel Ward, the duo could become one of the top secondary units in the AFC.

If Campbell continues his upward trajectory, the Browns may avoid a full‑scale rebuild and instead pivot to a more versatile, perimeter‑focused scheme. The 2026 season will be the first full year without Garrett, and all eyes will be on how Campbell’s performance shapes Cleveland’s defensive rankings.

The mid‑season trade freed up cap space that allowed Cleveland to retain key pieces like Ward and invest in depth across the secondary. It also signaled a shift toward younger, contract‑friendly talent, a strategy that could keep the Browns competitive without splurging on marquee free agents.

Campbell enters 2026 with a clear target: prove he can thrive as a top‑tier corner in a league that still tests his man‑coverage skills. His next few games will determine whether he earns a Pro Bowl nod or remains a solid, but unspectacular, starter.

The Browns’ defensive future now hinges on whether Campbell can translate his raw numbers into consistent, high‑impact play. The 2026 season will be the true test of his breakout potential.