Chase Winovich explains why trade to Cleveland 'could be the best thing that ever happened to me'

Former Michigan Wolverines star edge rusher Chase Winovich is excited to get his first season with the Cleveland Browns underway after being traded from the New England Patriots this offseason. Winovich, who has always been outspoken, addressed why the trade has the potential to turn his career around for the better entering his fourth year in the league.

“In life, we’re very quick to assign things as good or bad, success or failure, this or that,” Winovich said in an interview with Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. “But I think ultimately that removes any possibility, and the possibility is that it could be the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Winovich revealed that he’s gained 10 to 15 pounds over the course of the past five months to help himself transition more smoothly into Cleveland’s defensive schemes.

“It’s the heaviest I’ve weighed in probably three years, the strongest I’ve probably ever been,” Winovich said, “so I have a lot to be optimistic about, and I’m really looking forward to it … I’m just very thankful that the Cleveland Browns believe in me, and I certainly have been putting in the work and effort to make sure that I’m prepared come season. I’m just really fired up to be here.”

Despite being a bit lighter during his time in New England, Winovich was a major part of the Patriots defense in 2020, recording 48 total tackles to go along with six sacks. A hamstring injury limited his time on the field last season, and the former third-round draft choice was subsequently traded to the Browns in March.

After compiling five and a half sacks during his first two years and leading the league in quarterback hurries (24) in 2020 while in the Patriots’ scheme, Winovich had zero in 2021.

Now, Winovich believes the sacks will take care of themselves in Cleveland thanks to offensive coordinators game-planning with teammate Myles Garrett, giving Winovich the opportunity to make plays when no one is looking.

Since joining the Browns’ organization this spring, Winovich, who grew up in the Pittsburgh-area, sees striking similarities between the two cities (don’t tell the two fanbases that). Now, he couldn’t be happier to begin his fourth season in the NFL with the Browns.

“Cleveland’s a great spot right in the middle for me,” Winovich said. “The vibe is extremely familiar to me between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. You have the attitude of hard-working, loving people that love football. I’m really happy to be here. It feels just like home.”