BEREA, OH – Earlier in June, Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz dropped a famous “Spider-Man” line while discussing defensive end and $40 million man Myles Garrett.
With great power, comes great responsibility.
“So that would make him my Uncle Ben?” Garrett said with a smile Tuesday following the Browns’ first minicamp practice.
Schwartz charged his star player to have the best season of his career now that he’s the highest-paid defensive player in football (and the second-highest non-quarterback behind Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase). Production has never been lacking for Garrett, as he’s racked up 102.5 career sacks since the Browns drafted him first overall in 2017 (60 of those have come in the last four seasons).
Growing as a leader is the next step for the 29-year-old and is something the Browns have discussed from owner Jimmy Haslam to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“That’s what’s been laid out for me,” Garrett said.
Garrett’s appearance at minicamp came four months removed from his trade request and the assertion that, given his desire to win, moving on from the Browns and a 3-14 season was necessary.
“I’m back and it’s time to go,” said Garrett, who will play on a four-year, $160 million deal with $123 million guaranteed.
Garrett’s teammates understand football is a business. He loves his job and the Browns. But Garrett had to do what he felt was best for him.
“What’s best for me and what’s best for this team, eventually that aligned,” Garrett said. “Looking forward to the future of this team and how we can achieve the goals we want to.”
The urgency will have to increase another level to reach that point, said Garrett. Everything feels like it’s “really clicking” on the defensive side of the ball. He wants to set standards and show the heralded rookie class what it takes to win in the NFL. Asked to assess the roster, Garrett replied: “That’s what minicamp and training camp are for.”
But it wasn’t his best comeback of the day – by far. With Aaron Rodgers making his Pittsburgh Steelers practice debut Tuesday, Garrett had this to say about playing No. 8 (formerly No. 12) twice a year.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to put him in the graveyard,” Garrett said.
And to think he ever thought about leaving the AFC North.
