How the Browns can keep Jim Schwartz: Haslam’s 1 emergency move

The Cleveland Browns are teetering on the edge of a defensive identity crisis, and owner Jimmy Haslam is the only one who can step in to stop it.

Following the hire of Todd Monken as head coach, reports erupted that DC Jim Schwartz was "incensed" at being passed over, packing his bags and saying goodbyes.

However, Haslam can fix this right now with a single, aggressive stroke of a pen.

According to ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi, there is one clear path forward…make Jim Schwartz the highest-paid defensive coordinator in NFL history. 

This could be what it takes for Browns to keep Jim Schwartz. https://t.co/sF6EuzJrr4

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To keep the mastermind behind one of the league’s top units, Haslam needs to give Schwartz at least 6.5 million reasons to stay–surpassing Brian Flores’ current market-setting salary.

Monken himself knows exactly what is on the line. During his introductory presser, the new sideline boss didn't mince words when he admitted, “It’s been a b**ch to go against (Schwartz’s defense) with these players”. Monken has already gone on record saying the Browns intend to keep this defensive system intact. 

Would it be the same though if Schwartz left and an assistant was elevated? Stars like Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett openly campaigned for the veteran DC to stay. The group's success going forward may not be as easy as just plugging in someone new and calling the same plays.

If Haslam wants to keep the architect of the NFL's most feared pass rush from walking out the door, he has to open the vault. It’s time to pay up or prepare for the possibility of a weakening of the Browns' biggest strength.

More Browns News:

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• The secret to Todd Monken's new Browns offense (it's not Shedeur Sanders!)
• ‘We need him’: Denzel Ward sends clear message to Browns on Jim Schwartz’s future