
As the Browns navigate their first season without franchise legend Myles Garrett, they’ll be counting on some of their other defensive linemen to step up. That will include veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who is coming off a career season. However, the status of Collins is currently unknown.
After suffering a late-season quad injury that ended his campaign early, Collins did not participate in OTAs and minicamp. As ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi writes, it’s unclear if the defensive tackle will be healthy enough for the start of training camp.
Collins established himself as a starting-caliber DT during stints with the Cowboys, Raiders, Texans, and 49ers. During the 2025 offseason, he inked a two-year, $20MM contract with the Browns, and he proceeded to have one of the most productive showings of his career. Collins tallied a career-high 6.5 sacks to go along with 25 stops, seven TFLs, and 13 QB hits. Pro Football Focus ranked him 12th among 127 qualifying interior defenders, including the third-best grade for his pass-rush ability.
However, Collins suffered a quad injury in Week 13 that ended his 2025 season prematurely. While there’s been hope that he’ll be ready to go for the start of the 2026 campaign, a delayed start to training camp will surely put that prospect in doubt.
When Collins does return to the field, the defensive line will look a lot different. Garrett was shipped off to the Rams, and two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse will be soaking up many of the reps on the edge. The team is also counting on the likes of defensive ends Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire to contribute, and Oyefusi points to DT Mason Graham as a potential X-factor on the unit.
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