The Cleveland Browns made waves this week by naming Todd Monken their next head coach, but the reception hasn’t exactly been warm - especially from one of the franchise’s most important voices: Myles Garrett.
Garrett, the All-Pro pass rusher and face of the Browns' defense, didn’t need a press conference or a quote to get his point across. A single, wordless Instagram post the night Monken’s hiring was announced said plenty. And while it didn’t include a caption, the message felt loud and clear: disappointment.
For a team trying to turn the page and build momentum after a rollercoaster season, that’s not the kind of reaction you want from your cornerstone player. Naturally, fans started asking questions: Did the Browns go against Garrett’s input?
Is there friction between Garrett and Monken? Could this signal deeper issues between the locker room and the front office?
Let’s pump the brakes on the panic - at least for now.
Myles Garrett Isn’t Going Anywhere
According to longtime Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, who spoke recently on 92.3 The Fan, there’s little reason to believe Garrett is looking for a way out. In fact, quite the opposite.
“I highly doubt [the Browns are] going to trade [Garrett],” Cabot said. “He has said numerous times he wants to be here.
That Instagram post sends a message, but I don't think it's going to lead to a trade demand. If it did, the Browns would say no.”
That’s a key point. Garrett has been vocal in the past about his commitment to Cleveland, and nothing so far suggests that’s changed.
The Instagram post may have raised eyebrows, but it doesn’t appear to be a precursor to a trade request. The Browns understand Garrett’s value - not just as a generational talent on the field, but as a leader in the locker room and a face of the franchise.
The Real Issue Might Be Closer to Home
So if Garrett isn’t unhappy with the team itself, what’s behind the cryptic post?
The frustration, it seems, may have more to do with the uncertainty surrounding defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz than with Monken himself. Garrett is reportedly among a group of players with a deep respect and appreciation for Schwartz’s leadership. That’s not surprising - under Schwartz, Cleveland’s defense turned into one of the league’s most aggressive and effective units, with Garrett thriving as the centerpiece.
If there’s any tension, it could stem from a perceived disconnect between the front office and the players when it comes to Schwartz’s future or influence. Garrett has never been one to hold back when it comes to voicing his opinion, especially on matters that affect the team’s performance. And when a player of his stature speaks - even silently - it resonates.
Monken Era Begins with a Hurdle
Let’s be clear: this isn’t an indictment of Todd Monken. By all accounts, the Browns made a calculated decision in hiring him, banking on his offensive acumen and leadership experience.
But the optics of your star player appearing lukewarm - or worse - on the hire? That’s a tough way to kick things off.
Still, this is the NFL. Relationships evolve, and winning cures a lot of early doubts. If Monken can bring balance to the offense and build trust with his players - Garrett included - this rocky start could quickly become a footnote.
But for now, the Browns have some internal bridges to build. Garrett’s message, however subtle, is a reminder that in Cleveland, the locker room voice carries weight. And if the front office wants this next chapter to succeed, they’ll need to make sure their stars are not just heard - but aligned.