In one of the most surprising early-season developments in the NFL, Cleveland Browns defensive end Isaiah McGuire needs just one-half sack in the season opener to be ahead of Myles Garrett in the league rankings heading into Week 2. That would be an encouraging development no matter the result against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McGuire had to enter the Browns’ starting lineup after Alex Wright suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury during training camp. It is a lot to ask of a fourth-year pro with just 12 previous starts on his ledger.
Fortunately, Browns defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire said McGuire is primed for a breakout season after improving his physicality.
“I’ve been with Isaiah for 3 years. He’s changing his body. He’s gotten stronger. He understands the game now. He’s primed for a breakout season,” Cesaire said.
#Browns Jacques Cesaire on DE Isaiah McGuire: 'I've been with Isaiah for 3 yrs. He's changing his body. He's gotten stronger. He understands the game now. He's primed for a breakout season.'
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 11, 2026
McGuire and Cesaire each arrived in Cleveland three seasons ago. The player was a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the coach came over from the Houston Texans.
Cesaire worked with Will Anderson with the Texans and was on the Browns’ staff last year when Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record, so he knows talent when he sees it. McGuire was making a strong impression during training camp even before Wright suffered his injury in a joint practice against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 20.
Wright was coming off a career-high 5.5 sacks and was expected to form a talented duo with Jared Verse as they tried to replace the production of Garrett, who did not have a sack or a tackle in his debut with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Now, it will be up to McGuire to fill that void.
This was already seen as a make-or-break campaign for McGuire, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. As a rotational player who started eight games opposite Garrett last season, he had just 2.0 sacks in his 427 snaps.
In 37 career games, McGuire has 5.5 sacks, 72 combined tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits. He will likely rotate with newcomers Derek Barnett and Sam Williams, with Verse on the other side.
Hopefully, Cesaire is right about McGuire’s potential, and the Browns’ defensive line won’t miss a beat with him in an important role this season.
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