Just as the dust settled after Myles Garrett signed a massive contract extension with the Cleveland Browns last month, owner Jimmy Haslam issued a personal challenge to Garrett to become a better leader. Haslam set out his expectations for Garrett, as if the world didn’t already know what they are. He was a previous Defensive Player of the Year. One would believe he understands what to do on the field. The employer wants Garrett, the new $160 million guy, to fulfill his job on the field while simultaneously growing as a leader off the field.
“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.
Garrett must practice well, because how you practice often correlates with how well you perform in games. The communication delivered to Garrett may have been misdirected. Alternatively, while the message appears harsh, the owner is speaking broadly and to the entire squad. Garrett had a solid 2024 on defense, where he was unquestionably the inspiring leader.
He recorded 47 tackles, 14 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He made his sixth Pro Bowl appearance and was named First-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press.
This was accomplished on a squad where the defense was on the field the majority of the time due to a much more benign offense. The Browns finished 3-14 in 2024. Haslam should be talking to more individuals than Garrett because he cannot carry the franchise alone, not even for $160 million.
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