The Cleveland Browns, underway with their OTAs, are facing the absence of their star defensive end, Myles Garrett. The 30-year-old has drawn a lot of attention up until now, and an ESPN expert has weighed in on the Browns’ dynamics.

“At its best, it’s an awkward situation,” Daniel Oyefusi said. “Myles Garrett is completely in his right to not attend these voluntary practices. But at the same time, the normal practice is that when you are a leader, you set the tone, meet the new coach, and converse with them.” 

The Browns’ writer made his stance known in his most recent appearance on 92.3 The Fan. Garrett, the 30-year-old edge rusher, is enjoying a well-earned break. He won his second Defensive Player of the Year award in 2025 for surpassing the record for most sacks in a season with 23. 

Since then, he has opted out of practicing in the voluntary minicamp. He has done so in the past, and Garrett’s stats are a testament that the Browns can count on him.

However, the franchise is facing a major overhaul with its coaches, and his absence has attracted a lot of speculation. 

Garrett has not met new head coach Todd Monken yet. His silence in the offseason follows after he sent a cryptic message, widely believed to be aimed at Monken’s hiring.

He had uploaded an Instagram story of a disappointed person after the Browns announced they had picked Monken over their former, widely successful defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. 

“I love Jim, and I love playing for him,” Oyefusi has reported Garrett saying. 

Garrett is a veteran with the Browns and one of their most successful players. His absence, in addition to trade rumors, creates uncertainty regarding his long-term future in Cleveland.

Former Cleveland Browns Players Suggest Trade Deal For Myles Garrett

In the 2025 preseason, seven-time Pro Bowler Myles Garrett put in a trade request. 

“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl. While I've loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent,” he addressed the Browns in an open letter. 

His restructured contract has paved the way for trade rumors once again.

Joe Haden, a former cornerback, has pitched a three-way deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots.

The Patriots would give up first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. The Eagles would give up their 2028 first-rounder. The Patriots would get Brown, the Eagles would get Garrett, and the Browns would get three first-rounders. 

“Myles Garrett is happy, AJ Brown is happy, the Patriots are happy. The Browns get three first-round picks. The Browns are happy. I like that,” he said on the Joe and Deebo podcast. 

The organization and its fanbase now await Garrett’s next move as the preseason approaches. What are your thoughts? 

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community! 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar