The Cleveland Browns are entering a new era with a fresh coaching staff for the 2026 season, but one key player isn't anticipating a dramatic shift in the team's defensive strategy. Despite the departure of defensive mastermind Jim Schwartz, linebacker Carson Schwesinger believes the Browns' defense will largely remain unchanged.
Schwesinger, who won the defensive rookie of the year award in 2025 under Schwartz's guidance, spoke to NFL Network about his expectations for the upcoming season. He emphasized the team's desire to maintain consistency in their defensive scheme, stating, "One of the big things for us is we wanted to keep a lot of the scheme the same."
With Mike Rutenberg now at the helm of the defense, Schwesinger expressed confidence in the continuity of the team's approach. "I don't expect there to be a lot of changes," he said. "I'm ready to build upon what we achieved last year and keep the defense rolling."
But here's where it gets controversial: While the defense excelled under Schwartz, allowing the fourth-fewest yards in the league, the Browns still finished with a disappointing 5-12 record in 2025. This has led many to question whether a simple scheme retention is enough to propel the team forward.
And this is the part most people miss: The Browns' struggles last season were largely attributed to their inconsistent offense. With a new head coach, Todd Monken, at the helm, the focus this offseason seems to be on improving the offensive side of the ball.
So, will the Browns' decision to retain much of their defensive scheme pay off? Or should they have made more drastic changes to shake things up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Do you think the Browns are making the right moves, or is this a recipe for another disappointing season?
