Browns DC may have added more fuel to Myles Garrett trade rumors

The future of Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett has generated conversations throughout the spring as he has remained away from the team during voluntary workouts. 

On Wednesday, first-year Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg was asked if he has had any interactions with Garrett this offseason. Rutenberg's comments likely won't silence the Garrett-related trade rumors. 

Browns coaches have had "some" interaction with Myles Garrett this offseason?

"I knew that would be a question," Rutenberg responded, per the Browns' website. "I’m going to leave a lot of that interaction between me and Myles."  

When asked a follow-up, Rutenberg insisted that "there has been some" interaction between him and Garrett. 

Rutenberg was asked the questions after first-year Browns head coach Todd Monken revealed he has not yet spoken in person with Garrett since being hired by the club this past winter. A recent report revealed that Garrett "has been mostly traveling in Asia" during the Browns' OTAs, and the two-time Defensive Player of the Year shared some pictures from his journeys via Instagram on Wednesday. 

Browns "respecting" Myles Garrett's process during voluntary workouts

According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Garrett "will be" in attendance for the club's mandatory minicamp that is scheduled to begin on June 9. On Wednesday, Rutenberg suggested he isn't losing sleep over Garrett's whereabouts. 

"It is voluntary, and we respect the voluntary aspect of it," Rutenberg said about Garrett skipping this portion of the offseason program. "Whatever team you’re on, your team, my daughter’s softball team, I’d love everybody to be around, but I also understand people have different things. I’ve had great communication, and I’m excited for when everyone’s here to put it together." 

While Garrett signed a four-year, $160M contract extension that included $123.5M guaranteed to stay with the Browns last offseason, he also hasn't hidden that he wants to play for a championship contender and compete for a Super Bowl ring. The fact that Garrett has not yet publicly addressed the latest trade rumors hovering over his status has led some to believe he wants to receive a fresh start. 

For some Cleveland media personalities, Rutenberg did little to silence such chatter.