Browns' Garrett: We're 'closer than some may think' to contention

Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett believes the franchise isn't far from contention despite a 3-14 season.

"I've talked to (general manager Andrew Berry). How we gonna make the most of all the talent that is here? We're closer than some may think we are," Garrett said in Tuesday's episode of "Hard Knocks."

The 29-year-old recently told reporters he's "not trying to rebuild" and wants to be a part of a contending team.

"I'm trying to win right now. And I want that to be apparent when the season is over and we have those discussions," Garrett said in December. "I want them to be able to illuminate, illustrate that for me so that can be something I can see in the near future. Because that's all we want to do."

He added: "I want to stay loyal to a team that showed loyalty to me and faith in me by drafting me."

The Browns hold the second overall pick in the 2025 draft. However, they're currently $29 million over the salary cap, which is the second-smallest cap space in the NFL, according to Over The Cap.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to have a $72-million cap hit in 2025 after restructuring his deal and could miss the entire 2025 season after re-tearing his Achilles. Dorian-Thompson Robinson, who struggled in 2024, is the only signal-caller under contract for next season outside of Watson.

Garrett is under contract through the 2026 season after signing a five-year, $125-million extension in 2020. Players set to hit free agency in March include Nick Chubb, Elijah Moore, and Jedrick Wills.

"We share in this frustration," Berry said on Hard Knocks. "I didn't get the job done this year, quite plainly."

Berry added: "Everyone wants to know how we can get out of the rut that we're in and get back to winning games and making a run instead of making plans."