Cleveland Browns edge rusher Jared Verse says having rookie Carson Schwesinger behind him gives him the freedom to rush the passer after the Myles Garrett trade, suggesting a promising defensive duo for Cleveland.
Carson Schwesinger, a Browns linebacker and former UCLA walk-on, was named the 2025 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading all rookies with 146 tackles, adding 11 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He served as the defense’s green-dot signal caller and posted seven double-digit tackle games, including the longest streak of the NFL season, helping Cleveland's defense earn the award—making him the Browns’ second rookie to win the honor (Chip Banks, 1982).
Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named Defensive Rookie of the Year at NFL Honors, finishing with a team-high 146 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 9 QB hits, 2 interceptions and 3 passes defensed, while serving as the defensive signal caller (green dot). He became the first Browns DRoY winner since Chip Banks in 1982 and the fifth non-first-rounder in 40 seasons to win the award, beating out Nick Emmanwori, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts and Abdul Carter. Schwesinger led rookies in total tackles and TFLs, had seven double-digit tackle games, and a six-game streak, the longest in the NFL this season.
Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a UCLA walk-on turned star, was named the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year at NFL Honors after collecting 156 tackles (6th in the league), 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and playing 97% of Cleveland's defensive snaps; he and teammate Myles Garrett became the first Browns pair to win Rookie of the Year and DPOY in the same season since 2003 Ravens' Suggs and Lewis.
Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger is a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist, finishing his rookie season with 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and 11 tackles for loss, as he joins Xavier Watts, James Pearce, Abdul Carter and Nick Emmanwori as finalists.
Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan was named the PFWA 2025 Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading rookies with 1,014 receiving yards, 70 receptions on 122 targets, and 7 touchdowns. Cleveland Browns LB Carson Schwesinger claimed the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. The PFWA also announced the 2025 All-Rookie Team (27 players across offense, defense and special teams), with multiple teams placing two selections.
Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger had a breakout 2025 season, starting all 16 games, leading all rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, serving as the defense’s signal caller with the green dot, and earning finalist status for the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award; fan voting runs through Jan. 30.