The NFL is a league where star players often create legacies not only through their on-field performance but also through their personas and the narratives they help craft. One such player, Myles Garrett, has been a central figure for the Cleveland Browns for years, becoming one of the most feared defensive ends in the NFL. Known for his athleticism, size, and explosiveness, Garrett has consistently dominated opposing offensive lines and been a leader on the Browns’ defense.
However, recent developments indicate that the Cleveland Browns may be sending Garrett a subtle but significant challenge: it’s time to take his game to an even higher level. This challenge raises the question—could this be a message not only to Garrett but to another young defensive powerhouse in the NFL, Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys?
The Rise of Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and since then, he has lived up to the hype. His combination of size (6’4″, 272 pounds), speed, and strength makes him one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league. Over the years, Garrett has put up consistently impressive numbers. As of 2024, Garrett has recorded 75 sacks, multiple Pro Bowl appearances, and a First-Team All-Pro selection.
However, despite his individual success, Garrett has never been able to lead the Browns to sustained playoff contention. The Browns’ defense, while formidable at times, has not consistently been at the level of other elite teams in the AFC, and Garrett, as their most prominent star, has at times been criticized for not carrying his team to greater heights. The absence of a deep postseason run has led to questions about whether Garrett, despite his immense talent, has reached his full potential or whether there is another level he can attain.
The Cleveland Browns’ Challenge
The Cleveland Browns organization has made it clear that they are expecting Garrett to take that next step. In the past few seasons, the Browns have made moves to improve their overall defense, including adding complementary pieces to help take some of the pressure off Garrett. They’ve signed players like Jadeveon Clowney and drafted defensive backs to bolster the secondary and improve the overall defensive unit. However, the team’s performance has remained uneven, especially in critical moments during high-stakes games.
In recent comments, head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry have been open about the need for the defense to step up in the coming season. More specifically, they have challenged Garrett to continue his individual growth while helping elevate the play of his teammates. The implicit challenge here is clear: Garrett needs to be the difference-maker on defense that will push the Browns into playoff contention and beyond. It’s no longer enough for Garrett to rack up impressive individual statistics; the team wants—and needs—more in terms of leadership, consistency, and impact during big games.
This challenge could be interpreted as a subtle call for Garrett to raise his game to the level of some of the other defensive players in the NFL who have consistently dominated, like Aaron Donald, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons.
The Impact of Micah Parsons
The parallel between Garrett and Micah Parsons is particularly interesting. Parsons, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 as the 12th overall pick, has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying defensive players in the NFL. In just two seasons, Parsons has become a household name, largely due to his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether rushing the passer, playing in coverage, or setting the edge, Parsons brings versatility and energy that few defenders in the NFL can match.
His remarkable performance in his first two seasons, including a unanimous All-Pro selection in 2021 and a Pro Bowl nod in both years, has led to comparisons to some of the NFL’s best defensive players. What separates Parsons from Garrett and other players, however, is his ability to be a truly game-changing force. The Cowboys have relied on him not only as a pass rusher but also as a key element of their defensive strategy, often moving him around the field to create mismatches. Parsons has demonstrated the ability to alter the course of a game single-handedly, whether with a sack, a key tackle, or a game-changing pressure.
Parsons has also been praised for his mentality and his relentless pursuit of greatness. The 23-year-old linebacker has demonstrated maturity beyond his years in terms of leadership and focus. He quickly established himself as the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ defense, and his ability to elevate the players around him has made Dallas one of the top defensive units in the league.
While Garrett has had similar impact games in his career, Parsons has been able to put up these performances at a younger age, and the consistency with which he does so has garnered him widespread recognition. It has forced comparisons between the two, as both players are, in many ways, the focal points of their respective teams’ defenses.
Could the Challenge to Garrett Be a Message to Parsons?
In many ways, the Browns’ challenge to Garrett could be seen as part of a broader narrative in which Garrett is being asked to step into the same category as Parsons—a game-changing defender capable of carrying a team. While Garrett has long been one of the league’s premier pass rushers, the challenge may be to take on a more complete, all-around role that can influence a game the way Parsons does with the Cowboys.
Parsons’ rapid ascent to superstardom has set a new benchmark for elite defensive players in the NFL. His versatility, his ability to rush from anywhere on the field, and his knack for making plays in critical moments have turned him into a difference-maker every time he steps on the field. The Cowboys’ defense, led by Parsons, is widely regarded as one of the league’s top units, and a large part of that success can be attributed to his constant disruption.
For Garrett, the challenge may not just be about racking up sacks or generating pressure but about being a more consistent and dynamic player who can change the entire game, much like Parsons. While Garrett is already an excellent pass rusher, the comparison to Parsons presents a challenge for him to diversify his game, bring greater energy, and help elevate the Browns’ defense in the same way Parsons has for the Cowboys.
This challenge isn’t just about raw statistics; it’s about impact. Garrett, like Parsons, has the talent to be a player who can change the course of games, but the difference lies in how often he can do that and how he can elevate the players around him. With the Browns’ defense needing to take the next step in their rebuilding process, Garrett will be expected to carry a heavier load and lead with more consistency—just as Parsons has for the Cowboys.
Why the Browns Are Looking to Garrett
The Cleveland Browns are clearly trying to turn a corner in their own quest for playoff contention. After years of rebuilding, the team has several talented players, and their offense, led by Deshaun Watson, has the potential to score with anyone. However, their defense has often been inconsistent, and the hope is that Garrett can lead them to the next level.
Garrett has already proven that he can be a dominant player. However, the expectation now is that he must do more. The Browns want Garrett to be the driving force of their defense, and that will require not only playing at an elite level but also helping transform the unit into one that can dominate the league. This challenge may be a subtle nudge, not just to Garrett’s on-field performance but also to his leadership and ability to rally his teammates.
As much as this could be a challenge for Garrett, it could also be seen as a comparison to the likes of Parsons, who has set a high bar for defensive players in recent years. The Cowboys’ star has shown that it is possible for a defensive player to not only rack up stats but also to consistently change the game and lead his team to victory. For Garrett, this means taking the next step, becoming more than just a stat-sheet stuffer, and becoming a game-changer in the truest sense.