Just when the dust finally settles after Myles Garrett signed a ginormous extension last month with the Cleveland Browns, owner Jimmy Haslam had to issue a personal challenge to Garrett to become a better leader.
Haslam laid out his expectations for Garrett, as if they world does not already know what they are. He is a former Defensive Player of the Year. One would think he knows what to do on the field.
The boss wants new $160 million man Garrett to do his job on the field and also step up off the field and be a bigger leader.
“What we’ve challenged Myles on is, by his practice habits, by his actions, etc., to become a real leader of the team,” Haslam said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “And he has said he’d do that and we’re hopeful that he will be.”
Garrett has clearly been the leader of the Browns’ defense. He does not need more money to show his leadership skills. The Browns just need better players. Perhaps drafting Abdul Carter from Penn State with the second overall selection will help add more leadership and talent to a defense which seems devoid of both.
But, Haslam cannot blame Garrett for the lack of talent. That is an GM Andrew Berry problem, not a Garrett problem.
But, Haslam cannot blame Garrett for the lack of talent. That is an GM Andrew Berry problem, not a Garrett problem.
Garrett must practice well, because how you practice, in many instances, equates to how well you show out in the games. The message sent to Garrett perhaps was misdirected. … or maybe, while the message sounds brutal, the owner is speaking generally and to the team at large.
Garrett had a fine 2024 on a defense where he was clearly the inspirational leader. He amassed 47 tackles with a whopping 14 sacks and three forced fumbles. He was selected to his sixth Pro Bowl appearance and was an Associated Press First-Team All-Pro Selection.
This was done on a team where the defense was on the field most of the time due to an even more benign offense. The Browns were 3-14 in 2024.
Haslam better be talking to more people than Garrett as he cannot carry the team by himself. … not even for $160 million.
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