Browns GM Andrew Berry gives big Myles Garrett update amid trade rumors, workout absences

The fact that Cleveland Browns star pass-rusher Myles Garrett is skipping at least some of the team’s voluntary offseason program after he and the club agreed to change when option bonuses attached to his contract will be paid out has some convinced Garrett understands he could be traded.

While speaking on the Cleveland Browns Radio Network draft preview show on Monday evening, general manager Andrew Berry indicated that he and Garrett are on the same page heading into this year's player-selection process. 

Things between Browns, Myles Garrett are "great" amid workout absences?

"It’s been great with Myles," Berry said, per Heavy's J.R. DeGroote. "We stay in communication with all our players, particularly our veteran and senior guys. That’s no different with Myles. After the season, through the coaching search, a couple of hours laying out the free agency plan before the start of the league year. Spoke with him two weeks ago about his training and everything. Then just this week talking about the [Cleveland Cavaliers]."

New Browns head coach Todd Monken insisted that he was "not worried about" Garrett being elsewhere during the voluntary portion of the offseason program. That said, Monken raised some eyebrows when he added at that time that he "wouldn’t miss" being around a different coaching staff and teammates. 

Why Andrew Berry isn't worried about Myles Garrett this spring

"In terms of the spring attendance, it is a voluntary program," Berry continued. "You’d love to have all your guys here. But that’s not something we are worried about with a lot of our vets who have been here. Myles will always be prepared and has always been prepared. He has a very disciplined, hard routine. He’s not the first veteran player to spend the spring programming with their own team and loved ones. As long as guys are ready to go once things become mandatory, we’re fine with it."

According to Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the club expects Garrett "to skip the voluntary offseason program as usual" this spring. Some seem convinced he wants a pay raise after the Houston Texans and edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a three-year, $150M extension that includes $134M guaranteed. 

Garrett inked a four-year, $160M extension last offseason, and he then became a two-time Defensive Player of the Year Award winner.