A Cleveland Browns podcast

Browns series: Top 10 best players since ’99; No. 3 Myles Garrett

The Cleveland Browns returned to the playing field in 1999 after a brief three-year window when their original organization was moved to Baltimore after the conclusion of the 1995 season.

Since that move was made much of the current conversations revolve around what’s happened since 1999. The new Cleveland organization has had its problems over the last two decades with numerous coaching changes and over 30 quarterbacks trying their hand at leading the team.

While there have been issues, they’ve still put together some squads over the years that have played tough and even gotten into the postseason a time or two. Along the way, there have been numerous players that have shown true grit and dedication to being the very best.

We want to recognize those players in this series. Qualifying for being in the top 10 included playing for the Browns for three seasons or more. Several high-profile players have come through town over the years, but not many of them did much in their time with the Browns.

So, if you’re expecting to see Odell Beckham Jr. on this list you won’t. This list does include a couple of current players as well so we can point out their outstanding accomplishments already.

No. 3 all-time Cleveland Browns player since 1999- Myles Garrett, DE
Myles Garrett will now be entering his eighth season with the Browns and he’s doing things on defense that most before him have never been able to do. He has already broken the franchise record for most sacks in one season with 16 which he did in both 2021 and 2022.

In total, Garrett has recorded 88.5 sacks to date which is also a franchise record. You add in the fact that he’s registered 305 tackles, had 172 quarterback hits, 94 tackles for losses, 16 pass deflections, and forced 17 fumbles then you see why he’s the best defensive lineman in Browns’ history.

Garrett was drafted No. 1 overall by Cleveland back in 2017 and has had a lot of pressure to produce and be a transformative leader on the field. He’s had his high moments and low moments that have made him a controversial figure.

His most notable mistake was made back in 2019 when he unexpectedly started swinging a football helmet at the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. The action got Garrett suspended indefinitely by the NFL. However, Garrett was able to return to start the 2020 season and has maintained his composure since.

The Texas A&M product has been under a microscope for much of his career and that has made his mistakes a lot easier to criticize but, in the end, when Cleveland fans look back at their best players ever, Garrett’s name will be there. He’s not a free agent for a couple more years and I suspect he will continue to put an exclamation point on his record-breaking career.

Category: Cleveland Browns

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