Myles Garrett, recently honored as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is already the subject of intense trade rumors just hours after receiving the accolade. These whispers arise amid significant changes within the Cleveland Browns’ coaching staff, as defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has resigned, shaking the team’s defensive foundation and creating uncertainty around Garrett’s future.
Despite the Browns finishing with a 5-12 record last season, Garrett’s individual performance was exceptional. The future Hall of Famer recorded 60 tackles, 39 quarterback hits, 23 sacks, and three forced fumbles, demonstrating his dominance under Schwartz’s defensive leadership. Schwartz’s departure, reportedly due to the recent hiring of Todd Monken as head coach and his own aspirations for that role, poses questions about how the dynamic will shift moving forward.
Impact of Jim Schwartz’s Exit on Team and Players
Garrett’s strong relationship with Schwartz was well-known within the Browns’ community. Ashley Bastock of Cleveland.com highlighted the potential fallout from Schwartz’s exit, emphasizing the destabilizing effect on the team.
“I don’t know that people understand how bad it could get for Browns if Schwartz leaves, and on bad terms,”
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.”
This shift has already intensified fan speculation, with many anticipating Garrett’s dissatisfaction and possible trade demand in response to Schwartz leaving.
“Well, I expect Myles Garrett to be extremely angry over this,”
one fan commented.
“Myles Garrett is about to request a trade like yesterday,”
another wrote.
Cleveland Browns’ Plans and Garrett’s Contract Status
Despite the rumors, the Browns hold Garrett under contract through the 2030 season, and there has been no official indication suggesting the team intends to trade their star defensive player. Todd Monken, the new head coach, affirmed plans to maintain the existing defensive system during his introduction, signaling continuity despite Schwartz’s departure.
“We’re gonna keep the same system,”
Monken told reporters.
“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.”
The situation remains tense as observers watch how Garrett will react to the coaching upheaval, potentially influencing the Browns’ defensive fortunes and roster stability in the upcoming seasons.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Garrett and the Browns
The resignation of a key defensive figure right after Garrett’s standout season puts the Browns at a critical crossroads. How Garrett responds could have significant implications for the team’s defensive identity and overall performance. With Monken aiming to sustain the defensive scheme, the next few months will reveal whether the Browns can maintain cohesion or face further disruption from the trade rumors surrounding their prized player.
I don’t know that people understand how bad it could get for #Browns if Schwartz leaves, and on bad terms. Players on that defense, including Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, love playing for Jim. The impact of the ripple effect could be incomprehensible.
— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) January 28, 2026
#Browns HC Todd Monken on his defense in his opening press conference:
"We’re gonna keep the same system. … 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." https://t.co/w8dJ4ilhYQ pic.twitter.com/sxrYTV6UU9
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2026
