Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett Skips Voluntary Minicamp: Todd Monken Updates on Star Edge Rusher's Status

Myles Garrett attended the Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday but did not attend the Cleveland Browns' voluntary minicamp on Tuesday.

Head coach Todd Monken revealed he has not spoken directly with the star edge rusher since becoming the Browns' head coach on January 30. The two have communicated exclusively via text messages.

"It hasn't been a lot. It’s fine. This is voluntary. We're making a big deal out of this. We really are. It's voluntary. We have other guys besides Myles that aren't here. I wish they were here. They'll be ready. We expect them to be ready, and we'll be fired up when they're here."
"And really all the players have informed us. They've been unbelievable with their communication. So, has Myles. They've communicated. Doesn't mean I like the communication, but it's voluntary. I wish they were all here. I've said that plenty of times. But every one of them is a Brown, and we're excited that they are."

Defensive backs Denzel Ward and Jerry Jeudy were also absent from the minicamp.

Garrett stands to lose a $1 million workout bonus for 2026, as his contract requires participation in 84.375% of offseason sessions and all minicamps and OTA days. Since Tuesday marked the start of a minicamp, Garrett has presumably forfeited the bonus.

Monken declined to comment on whether defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg has communicated with Garrett.

Garrett requested a trade a year ago before signing a four-year, $160 million contract with the Browns in March 2025. Following the Browns' 5-12 season last year, the Defensive Player of the Year again expressed dissatisfaction with the team's losing record.

The Browns and Garrett agreed to modified language in the All-Pro’s contract this offseason, making it easier for the team to trade him. However, General Manager Andrew Berry reiterated last month that the organization intends to make Garrett "a career Brown."