The time to vacation and catch a break has come to an end as the Cleveland Browns began their first training camp. Myles Garrett, the star defensive end, skipped the voluntary program altogether. But head coach Todd Monken has dismissed his absence.

In a media session on 8 April, Monken shared his stance on Garrett’s absence, who has been skipping the voluntary programs for some years now.

“First of all, as I’ve said this before, this is voluntary for our players to be here,” Monken told reporters. “I wouldn’t miss it because that’s me, that’s how I’m wired. Myles will be ready. I’m not worried about Myles.”

When asked if he was happy with the turnout, Monken reiterated the program’s nature.

“We understand that it is voluntary. But I was fired up at the guys that were here. It was a great start,” the head coach said.

Garrett’s absence from the program was brought under the spotlight recently after he made a quick stop in Cleveland for a basketball game.

The 30-year-old holds a minority stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers. And his team played Game 1 of the first-round NBA Playoff series against the Toronto Raptors.

He was seen cheering for the Cavaliers from courtside.

While Monken has a public statement about Garrett’s absence, it appears that Garrett has made one, too.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Garrett’s absence is bound to cost him $1 million. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year’s contract includes a $1 million workout bonus for 2026. 

To earn it, he has to attend at least 84.375% of offseason sessions, all minicamps, all OTA days, and be punctual in training camp.

Garrett’s absence has become even more concerning since the increased trade rumors. 

Is Myles Garrett Leaving the Browns?

Ever since Garrett put in a trade request last year’s offseason, the Browns have been making moves to retain him.

Before signing the four-year extension worth $160 million, Garrett wrote an open letter stating his desire to trade for his “ultimate goal:” a Super Bowl Championship.

This year, the Browns restructured the contract in a way that opens the door for a trade post June 1, with the dead cap hit decreasing significantly then.

The Cleveland Browns have made their stance clear after restructuring Myles Garrett’s deal, there is no intention of moving their star pass rusher.

More importantly, the new structure effectively locks him in through the 2029–30 window.

But so far, no major changes. Garrett is still a Browns player and one of the most celebrated ones, too. He is coming off an absolute run in the last season with 23 sacks, the new NFL record for most by a player in a season. 

As for training, the minicamp is scheduled for June, and Garrett is obligated to join it.

What are your thoughts on Garrett’s moves? Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote