In the final weeks of a dreary season for the Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett made it clear he does not want to be part of a rebuilding process.
Furthermore, he was looking for discussions with the Browns brass that would shed a light on what the plan was going forward.
It would appear those conversations were had and Garrett believes his Browns might not be that far away from playing the "meaningful" games he covets.
"I've talked to [general manager Andrew Berry]," Garrett said in Tuesday's episode of Hard Knocks: In Season With the AFC North. "How we gonna make the most of all the talent that is here? We're closer than some may think we are."
At 3-14, the Browns finished their season nowhere close to a postseason return after a playoff berth in 2023, ending the campaign on a six-game losing streak, dead last in the AFC North, tied for the worst record in the NFL and holding the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the biggest quandary looming at who will lead them into the next season at quarterback, the Browns have plenty more significant needs, such as edge help to complement Garrett, adding a wide receiver opposite Jerry Jeudy, replenishing the offensive line and figuring out the running back room.
Though it's difficult to surmise too much from the short clips of Berry and Garrett talking to Hard Knocks cameras, it seems as though the reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year is optimistic after talking to his GM.
"We share in this frustration," Berry said on Hard Knocks. "I didn't get the job done this year, quite plainly."
Speaking prior to a Week 15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Garrett spoke about wanting to end his career in Cleveland, but being just as adamant that he wasn't on board with a lengthy franchise restructure. After suffering through the worst Browns season since his 0-16 rookie campaign, Garrett is looking to play in important games.
In 2023, the Browns made the playoffs, but a year later were dreadful. He's hoping for another quick turn in the opposite direction.
"Everyone wants to know how we can get out of the rut that we're in and get back to winning games," he said on Hard Knocks, "and making a run instead of making plans."
Garrett's surpassed 100 career sacks and is now a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro.
For his part, Berry understands Garrett's light and is likewise committed to his star defensive end finishing his career in Cleveland and competing in big games sooner than later after a sub-standard season.
"Obviously, he's a huge part of our organization," Berry said to the cameras. "We envision him going from Cleveland to Canton."
