The Cleveland Browns made a huge decision when they hired new head coach Todd Monken in January, known for his offense-minded approach across the NFL. Now, former Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas sees the defense as Monken's biggest challenge.

During his interview on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima on Tuesday, Thomas spoke about the next challenge coach Monken has to face after the Myles Garrett trade. 

“It’s the defense. [Monken] lost the greatest defensive player in the history of football when Myles Garrett was traded,” said Thomas on June 30. "The defense, because they were so good the last several years, the expectations are higher. There’s gonna be a challenge to meet expectations of seasons past on defense.”

The Browns traded their star defensive end, Myles Garrett, to the LA Rams on June 1. The seven-time Pro Bowler was also the Defensive Player of the Year twice in 2023 and in 2025. In the 2025 season, he made NFL history with his record: 23 sacks in a single season. 

According to Browns insider Brandon Marcus of Browns Nation, the defensive line was strong enough when Monken was brought in. But after defensive coach Jim Schwartz walked away, new players were brought in, Garrett was traded, and the defense took a hit. 

However, Marcus added that the Browns’ defense appears to have recovered. The Rams' return package for the trade included the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jared Verse. The Browns also have the 2025 DROY linebacker Carson Schwesinger. 

Marcus concluded by saying that while the Browns' defense is a challenge for Monken, it’s also an opportunity for the first-time head coach.

With new DC Mike Rutenberg at the helm of the defense, Monken can make the necessary changes for the new roster.

But the former Browns OT agreed on one thing: letting Garrett go to the Rams was the right decision.

Joe Thomas backs Browns’ decision to trade Myles Garrett

According to Myles Simmons of NBC Sports, in another recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Thomas shared his perspective on the Browns trading Garrett and receiving Jared Verse as part of the package. 

“So it was really hard to hear that he was traded. It hurts everybody that Myles is not a Brown anymore,” said Thomas on June 22. “And when you look at the Myles trade, to be able to get a young player like Jared Verse, who’s a tremendous pass rusher and a great asset to that team. He’s on a friendly contract, saving money there."

The Browns are in a rebuilding phase. Thomas believes that the Garrett-Verse trade, which also includes three draft picks for seasons 2027 to 2029, places the franchise in a “much better position” for the next three to four years. 

Thomas concluded by saying that trading Garrett was the right decision, no matter how hurtful it may seem currently and that the Browns must continue trying to win Championships. 

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Written by

Naomi Grace