Myles Garrett’s Future in Cleveland Faces New Questions After Jim Schwartz Resignation
Less than a day after being crowned the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett’s name is already swirling in trade chatter. That’s not a reflection of his performance-far from it.
Garrett just wrapped up a monster season, one that solidified his status as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the league. But with major changes underway in Cleveland, the Browns’ defensive cornerstone suddenly finds himself at the center of some very real uncertainty.
Let’s start with the facts: Garrett was a wrecking ball in 2025. He posted 60 tackles, 39 quarterback hits, 23 sacks, and forced three fumbles-numbers that don’t just pop off the stat sheet, they scream dominance.
And he did it all under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, whose aggressive, attacking scheme unlocked the best version of Garrett we’ve seen yet. The two made a formidable duo, and it’s no coincidence Garrett hit another level with Schwartz calling the shots.
But now, Schwartz is out.
According to reports, Schwartz has informed the Browns he’s stepping down. The timing is notable-just days after Cleveland hired Todd Monken as their new head coach.
There had been quiet rumblings that Schwartz might not stick around, especially if he felt he was passed over for the top job. Whether that played into his decision or not, the result is the same: Cleveland’s defense just lost its architect.
And that’s where the ripple effects begin.
Garrett, along with other key defensive leaders like Denzel Ward, reportedly had a strong bond with Schwartz. Players bought into his system, and more importantly, they thrived in it.
Losing a coordinator like that isn’t just a schematic shift-it’s an emotional one. According to reports, Garrett genuinely enjoyed playing under Schwartz, and there’s a growing concern that the departure could cause friction within the locker room.
As one local reporter put it, “I don’t know that people understand how bad it could get for the Browns if Schwartz leaves, and on bad terms.” That’s not hyperbole. When elite players feel blindsided by coaching changes, especially when they’ve built trust and success under a specific coordinator, it can lead to real tension.
And the fan reaction? Predictably, it’s already at a boil.
Social media lit up with speculation about Garrett’s future. Some fans are bracing for a trade request.
Others are simply worried that the locker room could start to unravel. While there’s no credible indication from the Browns that they’re even considering moving on from Garrett-he’s under contract through 2030, after all-the optics aren’t ideal.
Head coach Todd Monken addressed the situation during his introductory press conference, making it clear that he intends to keep the current defensive system in place. “We’re gonna keep the same system,” Monken said.
“I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz.
I was chipping Myles Garrett.”
That last line says a lot. Monken knows exactly who the centerpiece of this defense is, and he’s not shy about it.
Garrett isn’t just a star-he’s the star. If Monken wants to hit the ground running in Cleveland, keeping Garrett engaged and bought in will be one of his top priorities.
Still, it’s fair to wonder how Garrett will respond to all this behind closed doors. He’s a competitor.
He’s a leader. And he just delivered a season worthy of Canton consideration.
Losing a coordinator who helped elevate his game to new heights? That’s not something a player like Garrett shrugs off.
For now, the Browns are standing firm. Garrett remains the face of their defense and a foundational piece of their future. But with Schwartz gone and a new era beginning under Monken, all eyes are on how Cleveland’s defensive anchor handles the shake-up.
One thing’s for sure: this storyline isn’t going away anytime soon.