Returning from injury to a revamped defensive line, veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins isn't satisfied with a productive 2025 campaign that was cut short.
For much of training camp, Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Andrew Berry has been scouring the free agent market for a veteran pass rusher.
Depth is a real issue for Cleveland in a number of areas across the roster. The defensive line is no different. And so, seeing veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins back on the practice field this week after spending most of camp on the PUP list was an encouraging sight.
Collins has been working his way back from a quad injury that cost him the final five games of the season. The ailment derailed what was statistically trending towards being best year of Collins' career. Don't tell him that, though.
"It's probably the most production I've had. I don't think it's as well as I've played, but it's probably the most productive for sure," Collins said. "I think I've had better film. I think I was super productive, but I think I've had better film for sure. I think my rush tape in San Fran was better than last year, but obviously I had more sacks last year."
With a little over two weeks to go until the regular season kicks off, Collins is setting the bar high for himself, even on the heels of a season-ending injury. Things look a lot different, though.
While Collins was on the mend, the team traded its best player, Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for a package of picks and young edge rusher Jared Verse. Collins lined up next to Garrett quite a bit last season, which would make anyone's life easier.
"that's just part of the business," Collins said of Garrett being traded. "But I mean playing next to Jared has been great. I mean, I haven't got to play next to him, but interaction- seeing him how he does team stuff, how he is in our room, I think it's been great."
Garrett may be gone, but Collins isn't lowering the standard. Those high expectations Collins has for himself apply to the whole defensive front. 2025, No. 5 overall pick Mason Graham will serve as Collins running mate at defensive tackle. Graham had a solid season as a rookie, but Collins is demanding more.
"I got high expectations from Mason," the 31-year-old said. "I expect him to be super productive this year and can't wait to play with him."
On the other side of Graham was supposed to be Alex Wright, but he left Cleveland's joint practice with the Buffalo Bills with an Achilles tear and will now miss the entire 2026 campaign. Coming off an extended absence due to injury, Collins understands the road ahead for Wright as well as anyone.
"I think it's important that us as a team, we all rally around him and make sure that he comes back and puts his best foot forward when he gets back," said Collins. "Like I said, man, injuries are a part of it. My heart goes out to Alex because I know the work he put in. It's just unfortunate."
Wright's replacement, 10-year veteran Derek Barnett, who has some history with Collins.
"Man, I was so happy when we signed DB because I played with him in Houston," Collins explained. "I think DB is going to be a big contributing factor to this defense, to this team."
Between Collins and Barnett, reinforcements are on the way, just in the nick of time.
