Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett claimed the title of the NFL’s best player in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), following a record-breaking season. Garrett’s achievement centers on his unprecedented 23.0 sacks, surpassing his previous high of 16.0, while also leading the league with 33 tackles for loss and earning his second Defensive Player of the Year award. This recognition further solidifies Garrett’s status as the best NFL player, a title he nearly held in seasons past.
Additionally, Garrett’s teammate linebacker Devin Bush earned a spot on the PFF 101 list at No. 43, marking him as another standout performer on the Browns roster during a breakout season that puts him in focus ahead of his upcoming free agency.
Garrett’s Consistent Dominance in NFL Player Rankings
Garrett’s accomplishment in reaching No. 1 on the PFF 101 in 2025 marks a return to the top for the Browns star, who has been among the very best in the league for several years. PFF noted that throughout the last three years, Garrett was either first or second in their player rankings, emphasizing his consistent elite performance.
Garrett reclaims his title as the best player in the NFL after finishing second to Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson a year ago. He set the single-season sack record and led all defensive linemen with a 93.3 PFF pass-rush grade, putting together one of the NFL’s most prolific seasons for a defensive player.
— Pro Football Focus
Notably, Garrett excels not only as a pass-rusher but also as a run defender, a combination rarely seen at his position. Alongside an impressive 93.3 pass-rush grade, Garrett posted an 82.5 run-stopping grade, ranking third in the NFL among defensive linemen. His ability to dominate in both aspects of defense has been vital to his overall impact on the Browns’ defensive success.
Record Contract Reflects Browns’ Investment in Garrett
The Browns’ commitment to Garrett was underscored last year when they awarded him a four-year, $160 million contract, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This landmark deal followed Garrett’s request for a trade, driven by frustration over the team’s direction, signaling the Browns’ intention to build the franchise around his talents.
Despite this significant investment, the Browns recently decided not to retain defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who had been a critical figure in Garrett’s development and effectiveness. The Browns instead promoted Todd Monken to head coach, a decision that led Schwartz to leave the team, even forfeiting the final two years of his contract.
Myles Garrett Credits Jim Schwartz for His Success and Future Prospects
Garrett spoke highly of his former defensive coordinator, emphasizing Schwartz’s role in shaping his ability and maximizing his potential within the Browns’ defensive scheme. Although the Browns hired Mike Rutenberg from Atlanta as the new defensive coordinator, Garrett’s full endorsement of this transition remains uncertain.
I don’t think I get two DPOYs without Jim. He helped mold my potential as a player to put me into a scheme and a system that fit me well and enabled me to do what I do best—pin my ears back, rush the passer,
Garrett said.
And for us as edge rushers, that’s the easiest way to play. Once you make us start going lateral, that’s what the offense wants. They want to be able to mess with our eyes, have different options. You slow our feet down, you’re taking away one of our advantages. We’re smaller than the guys we’re going against. So, do we get there? I mean, it’s about the guys we’ve got in the building. So, we’ve all got to be pointed in the right direction. We’ve got to all understand the mission and take it with urgency.
— Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns defensive end
Garrett’s remarks highlight his belief in a focused and unified team approach, emphasizing the importance of coordination among the Browns’ defensive players to maintain their competitive edge. His appreciation for Schwartz’s system also suggests that Garrett sees continuity in coaching philosophy as critical to sustaining his high level of play.
Implications for the Browns’ Defense and Future Outlook
Myles Garrett’s top ranking by Pro Football Focus confirms his position as a premier force in the NFL, demonstrating elite pass-rushing ability combined with outstanding run defense. His record-setting sack total and overall defensive grades mark him as one of the most impactful players in recent NFL history.
As the Browns prepare to navigate the 2025 season without Jim Schwartz’s leadership on defense, the effectiveness of the new coordinator Mike Rutenberg will be closely watched, particularly by Garrett and fans alike. The team’s defensive success may hinge on maintaining the high standards and system that Garrett credits for his extraordinary performance.
Garrett’s status as the highest paid non-quarterback and his recognition as the best NFL player underscore the Browns’ reliance on his talent as a foundation for future success. The decisions made in the coaching staff and team cohesion in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Garrett and the Browns can continue to build on this historic momentum.
