Myles Garrett’s Cryptic Post Fuels Concerns Over Jim Schwartz’s Uncertain Future in Cleveland
Myles Garrett doesn’t say much unless it matters-and on Thursday, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year made waves with a single Instagram story. The image?
A meme of a Popeyes worker slumped in exhaustion, a familiar visual from the viral chicken sandwich craze of 2019. No caption.
No context. Just a tired expression that said more than words could.
If you’ve been following the situation in Cleveland, the timing of Garrett’s post was hard to ignore.
Earlier that day, reports surfaced that the Browns' defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, might be on his way out. And according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the potential fallout could be far-reaching. Speaking on ESPN Cleveland, Fowler said some coaches and players may not want to stick around if Schwartz departs-a sentiment that seems to be gaining traction inside the building.
“I think the Browns are going to try to repair it,” Fowler noted, referring to the team’s relationship with Schwartz. “There’s no guarantee that he comes back-not entirely because of him, but also because assistant coaches might want to leave now. They were under the impression they’d be coaching under Schwartz again.”
That’s not just smoke. That’s a signal flare.
Fowler also mentioned that Schwartz could consider retirement or simply walk away from the job altogether. On the flip side, Cleveland may try to smooth things over with a new, more lucrative contract. There’s even some internal belief that Schwartz could work well with Todd Monken, the team’s newly hired offensive coordinator, given their reportedly similar personalities.
But here’s where things get dicey: Schwartz is said to have taken issue with the Monken hire, and there’s talk that he already bid farewell to some inside the organization. According to reports, he could “make things ugly” if the situation isn’t resolved-an ominous phrase that doesn’t sit well for a team hoping to build on a strong 2023 campaign.
And that brings us back to Garrett.
When a player of his stature-arguably the heart and soul of the Browns' defense-posts something cryptic during a moment of organizational uncertainty, it’s not just a coincidence. It’s a message. Garrett has been vocal in the past about his admiration for Schwartz, and he’s not alone.
Cornerback Denzel Ward recently praised Schwartz, even going so far as to endorse him for a head coaching job.
“I have so much love and respect for Coach Schwartz,” Ward said. “I would highly recommend him for a head coaching job.”
That level of public support doesn’t happen by accident. Schwartz didn’t just install a scheme-he built a culture. And in a league where defensive continuity is rare and often undervalued, that kind of leadership matters.
Browns reporter Ashley Bastock didn’t mince words, warning that if Schwartz leaves-and especially if it’s on bad terms-the ripple effect could be massive.
“I don’t know that people understand how bad it could get for the Browns if Schwartz leaves,” Bastock said. “Players on that defense, including Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, love playing for Jim. The impact of the ripple effect could be incomprehensible.”
The Browns already have plenty on their plate this offseason. But this situation with Schwartz?
It’s not just another item on the checklist. It’s a potential turning point.
If Cleveland wants to keep its elite defense intact-and keep its stars happy-they’ll need to move quickly and decisively.
Because when your Defensive Player of the Year is posting memes that scream fatigue and frustration, it’s not just about social media. It’s about the future of a franchise teetering between momentum and meltdown.