Browns’ Defense Shines Bright at NFL Honors Despite Tough Season
The Cleveland Browns didn’t have the season they hoped for in 2025. A struggling offense, a coaching change, and a disappointing record left fans with more questions than answers. But in a year where the offense sputtered, the defense stood tall-and on Thursday night at the 15th annual NFL Honors, that dominance was officially recognized.
Two of Cleveland’s defensive stars took home the league’s highest individual honors on that side of the ball: rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, and defensive end Myles Garrett earned his second career AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
Carson Schwesinger: Rookie Season to Remember
Schwesinger, the Browns’ second-round pick at No. 33 overall, wasted no time making an impact. He played in 16 games and filled up the stat sheet in just about every category that matters: 146 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hits, 2 interceptions, and 3 passes defended. And if that wasn’t enough, he added 10 special teams tackles-proof that he brought the same intensity no matter the phase of the game.
What stood out about Schwesinger’s rookie campaign wasn’t just the volume of his production-it was the consistency. Week in and week out, he looked like a player who belonged.
He wasn’t just reacting; he was diagnosing plays like a veteran and flying to the ball with purpose. For a defense that already had star power, Schwesinger added a new layer of energy and versatility.
Myles Garrett: Back on the Throne
Then there’s Myles Garrett, who reminded everyone exactly why he’s one of the most feared defenders in football. After winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, Garrett reclaimed the title in 2025-and this time, he did it with authority.
Garrett put together a monster season: 60 tackles, a staggering 23 sacks (a new single-season record), 33 tackles for loss, 39 quarterback hits, 1 pass defended, and 3 forced fumbles. He was a walking nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, commanding double teams and still finding ways to wreck games.
What makes Garrett’s season even more impressive is the context. He was the focal point of every offensive game plan.
Teams built their protections around him. And yet, he still found ways to dominate.
That kind of production, with that kind of attention, is rare.
Garrett received all 50 first-place votes for the award-a unanimous selection that speaks volumes about the respect he commands across the league. When he accepted the award, he credited his teammates, coaches, friends, and family for helping him reach this level.
Around the NFL Honors: Other Notable Winners
While Cleveland’s defense stole the spotlight, the night featured plenty of other standout performances from across the league.
- Offensive Rookie of the Year went to Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who earned 41 first-place votes. He edged out a strong field that included Saints QB Tyler Shough, Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson, Giants QB Jaxson Dart, and Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka.
- Comeback Player of the Year was awarded to 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who received 31 first-place votes. He beat out a group that included Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, and Patriots WR Stefon Diggs. Notably, Colts QB Philip Rivers even picked up a first-place vote.
- Coach of the Year went to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who made a remarkable leap from being a Browns assistant in 2024 to leading New England to a turnaround season. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen came in second, followed by the Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald, Bears’ Ben Johnson, and 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan.
- Assistant Coach of the Year was awarded to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who received 17 first-place votes. Last year’s winner, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, didn’t receive any first-place votes this time around-a reminder of how team success often drives recognition for coaches.
- Defensive Rookie of the Year voting saw Schwesinger take 40 of 50 first-place votes, with Seahawks DB Nick Emmanwori, Falcons DE James Pearce, Falcons S Xavier Watts, and Giants DE Abdul Carter also receiving consideration.
- Offensive Player of the Year was Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who earned 14 first-place votes. Other names in the mix included McCaffrey, Rams WR Puka Nacua, Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, Patriots QB Drake Maye, Rams QB Matthew Stafford, Bills QB Josh Allen, and Cardinals TE Trey McBride.
- Most Valuable Player honors went to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who narrowly edged out Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye. Stafford earned 24 first-place votes to Maye’s 23, winning by just five total points (366 to 361). Bills QB Josh Allen, McCaffrey, and Trevor Lawrence also received votes.
A Night to Celebrate Individual Greatness
While the Browns as a team didn’t get where they wanted to go in 2025, Thursday night was a reminder that elite talent still lives in Cleveland-especially on the defensive side of the ball. Carson Schwesinger looks like a future cornerstone, and Myles Garrett continues to build a Hall of Fame resume.
In a league where momentum can swing quickly, the Browns now have a foundation on defense that any new coaching staff would be thrilled to inherit. And if the offense can find its footing in 2026, Cleveland might just turn those individual accolades into team success.
For now, though, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate what Garrett and Schwesinger accomplished. In a season full of frustration, they gave Browns fans something to cheer about-and a reason to believe in what’s next.