Myles Garrett was notably absent as the Cleveland Browns broke ground on their future home.
The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was nowhere to be found as owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, head coach Todd Monken, general manager Andrew Berry, cornerback Denzel Ward, and linebacker Carson Schwesinger took the stage for the official groundbreaking of the Browns’ new $2.6 billion enclosed stadium in Brook Park.
Garrett appears to be vacationing with his girlfriend, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, per his Instagram.
“Shout out, Myles Garrett. Still pouting about his boy Jim (Schwartz) being picked over,” one fan said. “Highest paid guy on the team. Supposed team leader and guy who wants to win yet can’t even be present ever for his team.”
“Carson and Denzel are at the stadium groundbreaking ceremony, but Myles isn’t. Not saying anything, just noticing,” another added.
The groundbreaking is the latest in a string of Browns events Garrett has skipped this offseason. He also missed the start of the team’s voluntary workouts when they kicked off in early April, a pattern that is not new for the 30-year-old pass rusher. Garrett was expected to skip the voluntary program again, as he has done consistently in recent years.
Myles Garrett Not Stepping Up as Leader for Browns
This offseason carries more weight than most for Garrett. He’s navigating a regime change under Monken but hasn’t put much effort into relationship-building. Monken said the two have yet to meet face-to-face, an unusual dynamic given Garrett’s stature within the organization.
There are also lingering trade rumors and speculation that Garrett is unhappy with the team’s direction. Garrett requested a trade before ultimately agreeing to a four-year, $160 million extension last offseason. He responded with a historic campaign, winning his second Defensive Player of the Year and setting the NFL single-season sack record with 23.
The Browns added another wrinkle this offseason, restructuring Garrett’s deal by shifting his option bonus from March to just seven days before the start of each regular season. On paper, it makes Garrett easier to trade if the team decides to go down that road.
Browns Not Worried by Myles Garrett’s Absence
The Browns have worked to downplay what they view as a minor issue rather than a major concern. Monken addressed Garrett’s absence from voluntary workouts, pushing back on what he characterized as an overreaction.
“Myles will be ready. I’m not worried about Myles,” Monken said. “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.”
Berry has also reiterated that Garrett is not going anywhere.
“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 goals.”
The Browns will hold mandatory minicamp in early June. It will be the first time Garrett is required to report.
Browns Star Myles Garrett Ripped for Latest Notable Absence