Dawgs By Nature
Taking a look at some of the top pass rushers available in the 2025 FA class
The Cleveland Browns were dealt a huge blow on Monday when the team’s star defensive end and reigning DPOY Myles Garrett officially requested a trade.
Though nobody wants Garrett to leave Cleveland, there are quite a few layers to this in terms of available options for both parties. Instead of getting into the details of that side of it, we’re going to look at some of the players who could potentially soften the blow from an on-field point of view.
Five players who make the most sense for the Browns to target in the event of a Myles Garrett trade are:
2024 Stats: 16 starts - 39 tackles, 6 TFL, 6 sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR, 9 pass deflections, Pro Bowl
Mack has been a force in the NFL for over a decade now, and he continues to be effective in multiple phases of the game despite being 33 years old. According to projections, Mack would also only cost about half of what Myles Garrett is currently making salary-wise in 2024.
Mack would be an intriguing option for Cleveland to acquire on a 1 to 2-year deal.
Projected Valuation: $11,640,000
2024 Stats: 31 tackles, 8 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF, 3 pass deflections
Young has had an up-and-down career so far in the league but he’s been fairly productive when he plays over 50% of snaps in a season, which he’s only done three times so far.
He needs to improve in the run-stopping department but he’s been an efficient pass rusher for New Orleans in 2024.
Projected Valuation: $11,127,000
2024 Stats: 15 starts - 41 tackles, 9 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 pass deflections
Sweat began his career as more of a DPR (designated pass rusher), only playing in certain sub-packages with the Eagles but he’s developed into a full-time player over the past four seasons.
Like Chase Young, Sweat might be one of the better long-term options for Cleveland in this year’s free agency cycle due to the age/production factor.
Projected Valuation: $9,646,000
2024 Stats: 15 starts - 41 tackles, 7 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 5 pass deflections, 1 INT
Judon has experienced a drop-off in production lately but he’s still an effective pass rusher when given the opportunity to “pin his ears back” and get after the quarterback, which is exactly what he would be able to do for the Browns.
Judon could be another candidate for a short-term contract in 2025.
Projected Valuation: $3,681,000
2024 Stats: 14 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 pass deflection
Reddick held out for a good portion of the season in 2024 because he wanted to rework his contract in New York, but it still sounds like that won’t be happening anytime...
