• Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports new Browns HC Todd Monken attempted to persuade former DC Jim Schwartz to return after being passed over, but he declined.
• Cabot notes Schwartz has two years remaining on his contract, including a club option for 2027.
• According to Cabot, the Browns believed Monken and Schwartz had complementary styles that could mesh well due to both having old-school toughness and modern football philosophies.
• Cabot also mentions the Browns extended a more lucrative offer to Schwartz for his return. Since the Browns hold his rights, Schwartz cannot coach elsewhere until his contract ends in 2028 unless they decide otherwise, a scenario that seems unlikely.
• As for potential replacements, Cabot identified Texans defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin and Texans DBs coach Dino Vasso as viable candidates due to their previous experiences with Schwartz, although Vasso has already been reported to be returning to Houston for 2026.
• Additionally, the Browns might opt to promote someone from their existing coaching staff, such as LBs coach Jason Tarver or safeties coach Ephraim Banda.
• In terms of the offensive coaching staff, Cabot reports that former Browns TEs coach Christian Jones will remain in place but transition to WRs coach following the hiring of Jeff Blasko as the new TEs coach.

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler informs that Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers feels rejuvenated after his first season with Pittsburgh and has enjoyed mentoring Ohio State rookie QB Will Howard, whom the Steelers believe has potential for growth.