Cleveland, OH – March 14, 2025
In a major move to fortify their defensive front, the Cleveland Browns have secured veteran defensive lineman Maliek Collins with a three-year, $20 million contract. The signing is expected to provide a significant upgrade to a defense that has been steadily improving over the past few seasons and will add further strength alongside the ever-dominant Myles Garrett.
Collins, a 6-foot-2, 310-pound defensive lineman, has been a steady force throughout his career, known for his run-stopping ability, gap control, and occasional pass rush pressure. His reliability as an interior lineman has made him one of the more sought-after free agents on the market. With his proven ability to disrupt plays, Collins will now join the Browns’ defense to create a formidable duo alongside Garrett, who has been the centerpiece of Cleveland’s pass rush for years.
Collins Brings Stability to the Defensive Line
Since entering the league in 2016, Collins has played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, consistently racking up solid stats year in and year out. Last season with Houston, Collins recorded 44 tackles, 5 sacks, and 12 quarterback pressures, showing he can still make an impact in both the run game and the pass rush. His skill set will not only complement Garrett’s dynamic pass-rushing ability but also add more pressure up front, forcing offensive lines to account for multiple threats.
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry expressed enthusiasm over the acquisition, stating, “Maliek Collins is a proven performer who has shown his ability to consistently contribute to a defense. His versatility, strength in the trenches, and experience make him a perfect fit for what we’re building in Cleveland. We’re excited to see him pair up with Myles Garrett to create an even more dangerous defensive front.”
A Strong Defensive Front in Cleveland’s Pursuit of Championships
With Garrett already a top-tier edge rusher, the addition of Collins creates a more balanced and dynamic defensive line, making the Browns a more formidable team in the AFC North. The ability to generate pressure from multiple points on the defensive line is crucial in today’s pass-heavy NFL, and Collins will help create more opportunities for Garrett to thrive, while also maintaining a balanced rush defense.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski also emphasized the importance of depth along the defensive line, saying, “The NFL is a game won in the trenches, and we need to be able to rotate and keep fresh bodies on the field throughout the game. Maliek gives us that stability and depth. His leadership and experience are invaluable to our young defensive core, and we know his presence will be felt immediately.”
What This Means for the Browns’ 2025 Season
The Browns have been aggressively building a defense that can compete with the best in the league. The addition of Collins bolsters an already strong defensive front, which also includes talented players like defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and cornerback Denzel Ward. Cleveland’s defense, now more complete than ever, is poised to be one of the toughest in the NFL, with the hope of pushing them deeper into the playoffs.
With the AFC North becoming an increasingly competitive division, the Browns have made it clear that they are in win-now mode. Adding Collins is a move that signals the team’s commitment to addressing weaknesses and becoming a more complete squad.
“Is Maliek Collins Really the Key to the Browns’ Super Bowl Dreams?
-Fans Are Divided!”
“Is Maliek Collins Really the Key to the Browns’ Super Bowl Dreams? -Fans Are Divided!”
Looking Ahead
With the signing of Maliek Collins, the Cleveland Browns are making their intentions clear: they are building a team that can compete for a Super Bowl. The addition of Collins should not only provide a powerful upgrade to the defensive line but also add veteran leadership to a team that is hungry for success. As Cleveland continues to shape its roster for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how this revamped defense will complement the team’s already potent offense under quarterback Deshaun Watson.
As free agency continues, expect the Browns to make further moves aimed at strengthening both sides of the ball. However, with the acquisition of Collins, they have already made a statement that they are serious contenders in the AFC.
