Browns' Todd Monken Not Worried About Myles Garrett Skipping Voluntary Minicamp

(Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett skipping voluntary minicamp isn't fazing new head coach Todd Monken.

While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Monken explained why he's not worried about Garrett's absence.

“It’s fine. It’s just voluntary [this week]. We’re making a big deal out of this, we really are … 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.”

After the Browns modified language in Garrett's contract, people around the NFL thought the future Hall of Famer would get traded this offseason.

However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that is not the case while speaking to reporters in Phoenix at the annual NFL meetings.

"Myles is a career Brown," Berry said. "He is one of the faces of our organization. I think we've been very clear both past and present in terms of our feelings. I understand all the questions. I'll be honest, I don't really want to waste a ton more breath on the topic."

In the amended terms that were first reported by ESPN's Field Yates, the date for option bonuses to be exercised in Garrett's contract was pushed back from the 15th day of each league year to seven days before the regular season each year. The payment of those bonuses was also modified in a way that benefits Garrett.

The change would make a trade after June 1, in which the dead cap hit could be split into the 2026 and 2027 seasons, more palatable for Cleveland.

Garrett requested a trade from the Browns last February. One month later, Cleveland signed the defensive end to a four-year extension averaging $40 million per year and including $123 million in guaranteed money.

Garrett was named Defensive Player of the Year last month after setting the NFL's single-season sack record with 23 last season. He also won the award in 2023, when he led the NFL with 33 tackles for loss. He is the ninth player to win multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards since it was first issued in 1971 and the only active player to do so.

The Browns went 5-12 last season despite Garrett breaking the single-season sack record. Garrett had 23.0 sacks, 43 solo tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 39 QB hits, proving he is undoubtedly the best defender in the NFL.