Almost a month ago, the Cleveland Browns’ new head coach, Todd Monken, revealed that he had yet to meet Myles Garrett.

While Garrett’s absence in the voluntary training camp surprised no one, the continued silence from the defensive end’s side is concerning.

In a press conference live-streamed on May 21, reporters asked if Garrett had visited him yet. To which Monken replied, “Myles? No.”

Garrett, who set a new record by racking up 23.5 sacks in the 2025 season, was never the one to attend voluntary sessions. He, however, had a chance to meet his new coach when he flew to Ohio in April. 

The 30-year-old missed out on the minicamp but attended Game 1 of the first-round NBA Playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers, in which he holds a minority stake, and the Toronto Raptors.

Garrett’s passivity towards Monken, 60, is curious since the edge rusher was vocal regarding Jim Schwartz, the Browns’ former defensive coordinator. 

According to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Garrett had once said, “I love Jim, and I love playing for him.” 

Well, why wouldn’t he? After all, Schwartz contributed so much to Garrett and the defense’s success. Garrett is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year who led one of the league's strongest secondaries. 

The Browns ended with a 5-12 record last season, but their defense had the fourth-fewest total yards per game (283.6).

So, when the time came to pick a new HC and the Browns chose Monken over Schwartz, he packed his bags and walked out. 

Schwartz, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, told some staffers that “he's not coming back.”

Fast forward to the day the Browns announced Monken’s hiring, and Garrett shared an Instagram story of a disappointed person with their head down.

Garrett’s message had many talking about the coaching staff churn in the Browns’ office and raised concerns over plausible friction. Monken, however, was unbothered then and still is. 

On 21 April, he reiterated that the minicamp was voluntary and that they had “communicated by text.” While Monken focuses on the offense, an analyst has a suggestion for improving Garrett's season.

A Pro Bowler Pitched To Fill In The Cleveland Browns' Missing Pass Rusher

On May 19, Ben Arthur opined that the Cleveland Browns would benefit by bringing in edge defender Joey Bosa, who can act as a situational pass-rusher.

“While Myles Garrett broke the NFL’s single-season sack record last season (23.0), the Browns didn’t have another edge-rusher who reached six,” the FOX Sports reporter wrote.

The 30-year-old has played in the Pro Bowl five times with the Los Angeles Chargers, the third-most by a Chargers defensive player in history. He had five sacks and a league-high five forced fumbles with the Buffalo Bills in 2025.

Bosa would certainly make a good addition to the team.

The stakes are high for the Browns, who have to improve the pick the offense and maintain the defense at its best.

Can they do it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar