Malik Jackson knew exactly what he was signing up for when he signed a new contract with the Browns on March 23.
He knew he'd be joining a team that established itself as one of the best in the AFC in 2020. He knew he'd be one of several new pieces added as part of a free-agency overhaul to the defense. He knew he'd be one of the most experienced players on the team.
Not everything, though, is known for Jackson, a nine-year defensive tackle veteran. He's not sure if he'll be a Week 1 starter or if he'll serve as a rotational piece to a defensive line already full of other veterans. That question is usually an important one to know for a player of Jackson's caliber, but he's content with finding the answer closer to the start of the season.
He's just happy he's with a team full of talent.
"They're a Super Bowl contender," Jackson said. "That's what I was looking for. I didn't want to go anywhere that was trying to rebuild. I wanted to go somewhere with a consistent team where I didn't have to be 'the guy.' (I wanted to go somewhere) where I could have a supporting role and have opportunities to fight for jobs and start on third downs. That's all I can ask for."
The Browns were the most viable suitor for Jackson, who's 31 and entering the final part of a successful NFL career. His best seasons were built from 2015-2017 as a core interior lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he recorded 18 sacks in three seasons and established his skills as a defensive tackle capable of reaching the quarterback.
The last two years haven't been as smooth. His 2019 season with the Philadelphia Eagles lasted just one game after he suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury. He returned in 2020 and registered 2.5 sacks, his lowest in a season since his rookie year when he barely saw the field and didn't record a single sack.
The Browns believe Jackson is primed to return to his best level of play in 2021. Jackson said he's feeling no lingering issues with the Lisfranc injury — he cited how he was able to play through cold weather games last season without feeling any pain — and is capable of meeting those expectations.
"(The injury) was tough early, but it got better," he said. "I think I'm (back to full health). You just have to build confidence in yourself. When I got hurt, people said 'Oh, it's going to take forever to come back. You're not going to come back.' Even though you're working your butt off, those things creep in your mind. I'm good now. All those 'what-ifs' are out the window."
Regardless of how much he's on the field, Jackson always will have a significant role with the Browns defense. His Super Bowl-winning pedigree as a 2015 champion with the Denver Broncos makes him a bonafide leader with any team, and he'll have several young defensive players around him at all levels of the field who could benefit from working with a player who won the sport's biggest game.
But that Super Bowl connection also allured Jackson to reunite with a former coach: Joe Woods, Browns defensive coordinator. He was the cornerbacks coach with the Broncos that season, and even though Jackson played at a different position, he built a strong relationship with Woods that played a factor in his decision to sign with Cleveland.
"He knows what he's talking about," Jackson said. "For me, being with someone that won the Super Bowl, they understand who I was. They can see me play and understand who I am now. I know Joe Woods is going to give me an opportunity to fight and try to earn things."
That opportunity was all Jackson was looking for in his new team. His focus hasn't been about how many snaps he'll receive each week or where he'll pencil in on the depth chart.
Jackson is confident he can earn those roles when team reps begin. As a free agent, he just cared about joining a team with winning potential. That would provide Jackson all the comfort he needed for his 10th NFL season.
He's found his comfort in Cleveland.
"I am just a little bit of a push to help them go even farther," Jackson said. "I'm coming here to be a team player."
Check out photos of defensive lineman Malik Jackson
FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2018, file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Jacksonville, Fla. Jackson is no longer a starter and his playing time is dwindling, clear signs his tenure in Jacksonville is nearing an end. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee defensive lineman Malik Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Philadelphia, Friday, July 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson reacts before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Philadelphia Eagles' Malik Jackson (97) reacts after tackling Washington Football Team's Alex Smith during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2018, file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson speaks with reporters after NFL football practice in Jacksonville, Fla. The Associated Press surveyed 56 of the 59 black players at last weekend's Pro Bowl game, asking them whether they or someone they knew have ever experienced racial profiling. "You can probably ask any black man out here and the answer is yes," said Jackson. "It's not like this is just starting today or a new thing. It's gone on for a long time." (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) tackles New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) is dragged down by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Philadelphia Eagles' Malik Jackson during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Philadelphia, Friday, July 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Denver Broncos' Malik Jackson (97) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) poses for a portrait, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Tennessee defensive lineman Malik Jackson (97) pressures Middle Tennessee quarterback Jeff Murphy (12) in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 24-0. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws as Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson on stage during an NFL fan rally on Regent Street, in London, Saturday Oct. 1, 2016. The Indianapolis Colts will play the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game at London's Wembley stadium on Sunday. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Florida offensive lineman Jon Halapio (67) prepares to block Tennessee's Malik Jackson during an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson celebrates a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson poses for a portrait in the NFL Studio in Culver City, Calif., on April 6, 2016. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
