Browns’ offseason signing has set lofty expectations for himself that he has never reached in the NFL

One of the key pieces to the Cleveland Browns offensive line believes he can do something in 2024 with the team that he has never done in his career.

Cleveland signed defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson to be another guy who can bring pressure from the interior and be a part of their rotation at the position. The veteran defender has plans to rack up the sacks.

"I want to be a 10-sack guy," Jefferson said on Tuesday. "And this is the defensive scheme to do it. [Jim] Schwartz, he loves defensive linemen, always puts us in position to make plays. We always have an aggressive mindset. So, using my skillset – which is my athleticism – I'm excited for the opportunity."

Jefferson had a career-high six sacks last season in 14 games with the New York Jets. A fully healthy season would have given him a chance to at least have a crack at 10 sacks. Now, Jefferson believes that he can do it with a defensive line that will start Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Since joining the Browns as a free agent, Jefferson has been a veteran shoulder for the younger guys to lead on. The 31-year-old defensive tackle has the exact approach you want from someone that has been around.

"I try to stay engaged, kind of keep going, try to keep that same hunger," Jefferson said. "And again I had older guys who taught me a lot and I try to just each one teach one, how can I not when I had guys take the time to show me stuff? So, I try to do the same thing. Hopefully, they catch on when they're a little older and they do the same thing. It's a family. When you are a D-line, it's a family. It's a unit and you try to connect with guys because it helps you when you're out there to dig a little deeper and play a little harder. I'm just trying to help the best I can."

Expect Jefferson to trickle into the rotation with guys like Shelby Harris, Mike Hall Jr., and Maurice Hurst this season. His snap usage is an unknown plan but he believes he is going to have a big impact when he is out there.

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