Myles Garrett is not even 24 hours removed from being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and yet, his name is being mentioned in trade rumors.
Although the Cleveland Browns only went 5-12, Garrett turned in a season for the ages. The future Hall of Famer racked up 60 tackles, 39 QB hits, 23 sacks and three forced fumbles. Suffice to say, he thrived under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Unfortunately for Garrett, he won't have the same defensive play-caller next season. According to NFL Network, the Browns have been informed that Schwartz is resigning. There were rumblings that he was done with the Browns after they hired Todd Monken as the head coach. He most likely thought he was a better candidate for the job.
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Before this news was announced, Ashley Bastock of Cleveland.com pointed out that Garrett really enjoyed playing for Schwartz.
“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.”
Well, all the speculation surrounding Garrett's future is about to be dialed up to eleven.
"Myles Garrett leaving next," one fan said in response to Schwartz's resignation.
"Well, I expect Myles Garrett to be extremely angry over this," a second fan commented.
"Myles Garrett is about to request a trade like yesterday," another fan wrote.
Will the Browns trade away Garrett?
The Browns have Garrett under contract through the 2030 season. As of this Friday, they haven't given any indication they're willing to part ways with their best player.
Besides, Monken plans on keeping the same defensive system in place for the Browns.
"We’re gonna keep the same system," Monken told reporters at his introductory press conference. "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."
Make no mistake though, it'll be interesting to see how Garrett responds to Schwartz's departure.