Grant Delpit, currently a safety for the Cleveland Browns, was born on September 20, 1998, in New Orleans, Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina struck, his family moved to Houston, Texas, where he attended St. Thomas High School and Lamar High School. Later, he completed his high school career at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, finishing with an impressive senior year tally of 47 tackles and five interceptions. These formative years laid the foundation for his football journey as he aspired to reach the NFL.
Collegiate Achievements at LSU
Delpit’s commitment to Louisiana State University (LSU) marked the next phase of his career. Starting every game during his sophomore and junior seasons, he amassed 199 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 8 interceptions. His outstanding play earned him the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2019, recognizing him as the country’s top defensive back. Additionally, he garnered consensus All-American honors and played a key role in LSU’s College Football Playoff National Championship victory. Opting out of his senior year, Grant declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, entering the league with strong credentials and promising athleticism, evidenced by a sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash recorded at his pro day.
Navigating Early Professional Challenges and Growth
Grant Delpit’s NFL career started with adversity when a torn Achilles during the 2020 training camp sidelined him for his entire rookie season. Following surgery, he was placed on injured reserve, postponing his on-field debut. Returning healthy in 2021, he played in 15 games and started 7, contributing 66 tackles, one sack, an interception, and three pass deflections. This promising performance demonstrated his ability to compete at the professional level despite his initial setback.
Establishing Himself as a Defensive Force
The 2022 season marked Delpit’s true emergence as a top defender in the league. Starting all 17 games, he led the Browns with 105 total tackles and secured 4 interceptions. A highlight came in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders, where Delpit recorded two interceptions, two passes defended, one tackle for loss, and seven total tackles, showcasing his versatility and impact across multiple facets of the defense.
Consistency Amid Injuries and Continued Impact
In 2023, Delpit started 13 games before a groin injury cut his season short. Despite missing several games, he still managed 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception, maintaining his reputation as a reliable defender. He bounced back in 2024, achieving a career-high 111 tackles in 16 starts, reaffirming his presence on the Browns’ defense. Throughout the 2025 season, he remained a key contributor, demonstrating the growth that points toward his peak performance entering the 2026 campaign as he approaches 27 years old.
Forecast for the 2026 Season and Contract Implications
Building off his strong 2025 season, Delpit combines solid coverage skills, effective tackling near the line of scrimmage, and impressive sideline-to-sideline speed. The 2026 season represents an important contract year, making durability and sustained play critical for his career trajectory. Should Delpit continue avoiding injury and maintain his upward momentum, he could secure a lucrative contract extension in 2027, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense.
“He has shown he can be a dynamic presence anywhere on the field, and his consistency is what the team relies on.” ?Scott Galvin, Image Analyst
