The Cleveland Browns are heading into the offseason with more questions than answers-and now, one of those questions might concern the future of their franchise cornerstone, Myles Garrett.
On Wednesday, the Browns made a bold move by hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach. Monken, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for creative play-calling. But his arrival may already be stirring up internal friction-especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Shortly after the Monken hire was announced, reports surfaced that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, a widely respected voice in the Browns’ locker room, had left the team’s facility and informed people inside the organization that he wouldn’t be returning. That’s a potentially seismic shift for a Browns defense that’s been among the league’s elite under Schwartz’s leadership.
Enter Myles Garrett.
Garrett, who has been vocal in his support of Schwartz in the past, posted a cryptic Instagram story in the wake of the news. While the post didn’t include any direct statements, it didn’t need to.
The timing-and the emotional tone-spoke volumes. Garrett and Schwartz have built a strong bond over the past few seasons, and it’s no secret that Schwartz played a pivotal role in helping Garrett elevate his game to new heights.
And Garrett’s game has, indeed, reached elite territory. He just wrapped up a monster season, racking up 23 sacks to set a new single-season franchise record.
Over his first nine years in the NFL, he’s totaled 125.5 sacks and 23 forced fumbles-numbers that put him firmly in the conversation among the league’s most dominant pass rushers. Under Schwartz, Garrett didn’t just produce; he thrived in a scheme tailored to unleash his full potential.
So if Schwartz is truly on his way out, it’s understandable that Garrett would be frustrated. This isn’t just about X’s and O’s-it’s about trust, continuity, and a defensive identity that’s helped Cleveland become one of the most feared units in football. The Browns' defense was a top-tier group in both 2023 and 2025, and Schwartz’s fingerprints were all over that success.
Let’s not forget: Garrett had previously requested a trade before eventually agreeing to a four-year, $160 million extension. That situation was smoothed over, but if the organization loses a figure as impactful as Schwartz, it could reopen old wounds.
Garrett is not just a superstar-he’s the emotional and competitive heartbeat of this team. If he’s unsettled, the ripple effects could be significant.
Now, the pressure shifts to Monken, the front office, and ownership. This is their first major test as a new regime.
Keeping Garrett engaged and bought in has to be a top priority. That means clear communication, a cohesive vision, and, potentially, finding a way to keep Schwartz in the building-or at least ensuring the next defensive coordinator can maintain the same level of respect and performance.
The Browns have spent years building a roster that can contend. But without Garrett anchoring the defense, that vision becomes a whole lot murkier.
This isn’t just about one coach or one player-it’s about the culture and direction of the franchise. And right now, Cleveland is standing at a crossroads.