NFL
NFL Executives Reading Between the Lines on Myles Garrett’s Offseason Silence
Miami Dolphins v Cleveland Browns by Jason Miller | Getty Images
A year ago, the Browns placated future Hall of Fame pass rusher Myles Garrett with a monster new contract in the face of ongoing trade demands. Now, executives around the NFL are interpreting his absence from the team’s spring practices as a sign of some remorse.
Garrett has spent most of his career on bad or rebuilding teams. His beloved former defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, left the organization when he wasn’t named the head coach, and with Cleveland installing new operations and with a first-time NFL head coach taking over in Todd Monken, chatter is intensifying about whether or not he will complete his contract with the Browns.
Garrett’s frustration has been palpable in the past, and if the Browns hoped that the recent new contract would get them some buy-in from their best player as they embark on offseason practices with a new staff, that won’t be the case. Garrett has stayed away from these activities in the past, and could also opt to forfeit more money by skipping a mandatory mini-camp next month.
Monken has made it clear has really hasn’t had the opportunity to communicate with the superstar yet. The Browns' defence has been by far their best unit, but that side of the ball is going through a real change for the first time in a long time, and Garrett’s absence speaks volumes. Ownership is behind the re-emergence of oft-injured and largely ineffective quarterback Deshaun Watson back atop the depth chart and in line to start because of his ridiculous contract, and Garrett has not been shy about making his feelings felt in the past.
Buyer’s Remorse?
“We know why he’s still there,” one GM said.
“They put so much money in front of him that he withdrew the (trade) demand. He sets the (single-season sack) record (in 2025), and they still can’t win... Not everybody is (Hall of Fame left tackle) Joe Thomas.”
Thomas played his entire career with the Browns despite their futility. We doubt Garrett does the same.
There is a long time between now and the midseason trade deadline.
Perhaps the Browns are a surprise team. But for now, during one of the few dormant times in the NFL schedule, Garrett is making a statement by staying away.
Editor's Insight
At this point, it still feels more likely that Myles Garrett starts the season in Cleveland, but the long-term fit is far from secure. If the Browns don’t contend early, the trade noise will only grow louder and could quickly turn into real deadline pressure.
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La Canfora has covered over 20 Super Bowls and League Meetings and NFL drafts, building a wide network of sources throughout all aspects of the game. He was an award winning print journalist as well, working at The Detroit Free Press and The Baltimore Sun prior to his first stint at The Washington Post. He has covered sporting events around the world, including two Winter Olympics and all of the 2006 World Cup. He attended his first NFL game in 1978, and would soon kindle what has become a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport. La Canfora is also a professional handicapper, specializing in the NFL, creating a daily sports wagering game show - "Wanna Bet?" He also hosts nationally broadcast NFL radio shows in the US, as well as a daily sports radio show in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.