Myles Garrett sparked fresh concern in Cleveland on Thursday after sharing a cryptic social media post that appeared to reflect exhaustion, arriving at a moment when the Cleveland Browns are dealing with internal tension around their defensive leadership.
The Browns defensive star and reigning 2023 Defensive Player of the Year posted a familiar meme on his Instagram story showing a visibly worn-out Popeyes employee, an image widely used online to signal fatigue or frustration.
Garrett offered no caption or explanation, but the timing immediately stood out given the unresolved situation involving defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
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Earlier in the day, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler suggested that the Browns could be facing deeper instability if Schwartz does not return, with potential ripple effects throughout the coaching staff and locker room.
“I think the Browns are going to try to repair [the relationship with Schwartz],” Fowler said during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland. “There’s no guarantee that he comes back, in part not because of him, but also because of–assistant coaches wanna leave now, might not wanna be there, ’cause they were under the impression that they were gonna be playing under Jim Schwartz again.”
Schwartz uncertainty raises stakes for Cleveland
Fowler went on to outline several possible paths forward, none of them simple. He said Schwartz could choose to retire or step away from the role, while the Browns might attempt to keep him by offering a larger contract in an effort to mend the relationship.
Fowler also noted that some inside the organisation believe Schwartz could work effectively alongside newly hired head coach Todd Monken, pointing to similarities in personality and approach. That possibility, however, appears far from guaranteed.
Reports indicate Schwartz was unhappy with how recent decisions were handled and has already said goodbye to people within the franchise, a move that suggests the situation may already be strained. Fowler added that Schwartz could potentially “make things ugly” following Monken‘s hiring, hinting at a separation that might not be smooth or quiet.
For the Browns, the implications are significant. Schwartz has been central to shaping a defence that allowed Garrett to operate at an elite level, and any disruption risks undermining one of the team’s strongest units.
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