Steelers rival turns Myles Garrett loss into scary new claim

July 1, 2026 - 17:32

The Cleveland Browns have found a way to spin the departure of superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett into a rallying cry, and it could spell serious trouble for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After trading Garrett to a contender, many assumed the Browns would enter a full rebuild, handing the AFC North to the Steelers and Bengals. Instead, Cleveland is using the loss as motivation, and rookie defensive end Jared Verse is emerging as the centerpiece of that new identity.

Verse, who has drawn comparisons to Garrett for his explosive first step and relentless motor, has reportedly taken on a leadership role in the Browns locker room. Teammates say he is channeling the "no respect" narrative into his preparation, vowing to make the Steelers pay every time they face Cleveland. For Pittsburgh, this is a nightmare scenario. The Steelers offensive line has struggled with elite edge rushers, and Verse's combination of speed and power could exploit those weaknesses twice a year.

What makes this claim scary is not just Verse's talent, but the attitude shift in Cleveland. Instead of folding after losing their franchise player, the Browns are building a defense around young, hungry players who want to prove the doubters wrong. If Verse develops into even half the player Garrett was, Pittsburgh could find itself in a divisional dogfight for years to come. The Steelers may have thought the path to the AFC North title just got easier, but the Browns are making it clear they are not going away quietly.