Browns DC challenges Myles Garrett following signing of massive contract extension

Myles Garrett continued what's been quite the noteworthy offseason for the star pass-rusher when he elected to remain away from the Cleveland Browns during the voluntary organized team activities portion of the offseason program after he signed a four-year, $160M extension that included $123.5M guaranteed in March. 

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz made it known he has high expectations for Garrett after the 29-year-old received such a massive deal. 

"I really think Myles is going to have the best season of his career. And has to right?" Schwartz said, as shared by Nick Shook of the NFL's website. "I've told him before, what's that Spider-Man quote? 'With great power comes great responsibility.' With the big contract, with the notoriety that came along with that, with the process that took to get him to that point, there also comes ... there's always pressure in this league, but probably a little bit more so. But I think that brings out the best in players, and I know that will be the case with Myles also."

Roughly one month after the Browns finished the 2024 season with a record of 3-14, Garrett went public with a trade request that he said he made because he wanted "to compete for and win a Super Bowl." Garrett ultimately stayed with Cleveland, but a March report detailed how it's "well known within the Browns that Garrett is frequently late to the facility" and "has skipped mandatory team activities on multiple occasions" during his tenure with the organization. 

Earlier this spring, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said that the club had "challenged" Garrett "to become a real leader of the team." While some fans have criticized Garrett for seemingly responding to Haslam by skipping voluntary workouts, Schwartz indicated on Wednesday he's convinced the one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner will be just fine come September: