The Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, is officially resigning from his duties after the team decided to hire former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Reportedly, it rubbed Schwartz the wrong way, and to no one’s surprise, the Browns’ defense has been one of the more dominant over the past few years because of Schwartz. Now, the former Lions head coach is expected to sit out for the 2026 season, but there is still a chance for a job next year if there is interest. However, this means a lot can change, but it could come at the expense of Myles Garrett, who could request a trade if frustrations continue.
While the Browns have no intention of trading Garrett, the Defensive Player of the Year could sit out until the team deals him elsewhere.
Latest Browns Jim Schwartz Resigning Could Lead to Massive Myles Garrett Trade
Because of Schwartz, Garrett has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. The NFL sack leader has had his fair share of frustrations with the Browns over the past offseason. Despite agreeing to a new four-year contract, it wouldn’t be surprising if the seven-time Pro Bowler wants out again.
Garrett doesn’t have his coach anymore, and if the new defensive scheme doesn’t fit with the defensive player’s style, the Browns would have no choice but to trade him either way. Monken claims that the Browns will keep the same system, but for how long? Garrett is only getting older, and that means time is running out for him to win a Super Bowl before he runs out of gas. Don’t be surprised if these three teams try to push for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Potential Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
With Jesse Minter gone, it wouldn’t be a shocker to see the Chargers become aggressive in improving the defense. They signed Teair Tart to a new contract, but they risk losing long-time veteran Khalil Mack to retirement. Last offseason, the Chargers barely made any drastic moves to strengthen the defense other than getting Da’Shawn Hand, so it might be time to get aggressive. The good news is that Los Angeles fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman, which sets up Justin Herbert with a better system under Mike McDaniel.
However, he must get all of the time in the world on the field to get the best out of his new offense. This means the defense will need to step up in a huge way. With the possibility of the Chargers trading for Garrett, it should get them back in the AFC Championship Game.
Washington Commanders
This landing spot is interesting for Garrett. The Washington Commanders are officially rebuilding after firing coordinators on both sides of the ball, including Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt. Despite that, the Commanders still have quarterback Jayden Daniels on a rookie contract for two more seasons, with a chance to grant him a fifth-year option. The team must hurry to put Daniels in the best spot to reach the Super Bowl.
They were close during the 2024 regular season, so they could return to the biggest game if they acquire Garrett via a trade. With Bobby Wagner and Von Miller slated to leave, this trade makes perfect sense, especially for the new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones.
Philadelphia Eagles
Before the trade deadline last season, the Eagles reportedly pushed hard for Garrett. Instead, the Eagles traded for Jaelan Phillips, which paid off remarkably. Even though the Browns don’t want to trade him to Philadelphia, the Eagles could raise the stakes during the offseason.
Philadelphia may have lost Christian Parker to their rival, the Dallas Cowboys, but the Eagles should be over the top on the same level as the Patriots, Texans and Rams next season if the team pulls off a trade for Garrett. Many should expect Howie Roseman to get aggressive once again.