Todd Monken reveals eyebrow-raising Myles Garrett update amid trade rumors

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry suggested that the relationship involving the club and star pass-rusher Myles Garrett is "great" even though Garrett is skipping at least some of the team’s voluntary offseason program.

On Tuesday, Browns head coach Todd Monken revealed an interesting update regarding the interactions he hasn't yet had with Garrett since earning the job. 

Todd Monken, Myles Garrett haven't yet spoken in person this year?

Per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, Monken acknowledged that he has only communicated with Garrett via text messages since the coach was officially hired this past winter. As noted by the Browns' website, the two have not yet spoken in person. 

"It hasn’t been a lot," Monken said about those texts. "It’s fine. This is voluntary. 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." 

Unlike those other guys, Garrett agreed to change when option bonuses attached to his contract will be paid out earlier this offseason, a decision that could make it easier for the Browns to trade him. Additionally, Garrett presumably has forfeited a $1M workout bonus for 2026 by staying away from the team. 

Todd Monken "excited" about what Myles Garrett will offer the Browns

Despite the trade rumors that continue to hover over the Browns, Monken gave no indication on Tuesday that he believes Garrett will be with a different club when the 2026 regular season gets underway in September. 

"We were informed," Monken said about the veteran players who aren't participating in voluntary workouts. "And really, all of the players have informed us. They’ve been unbelievable with their communication. So is Myles. I mean, they’ve communicated. Doesn’t mean I like the communication, but it’s voluntary. I wish they were all here. I mean, I’ve said that plenty of times. But every one of them is a Brown, and we’re excited that they are."

According to ESPN, the Browns' mandatory minicamp is scheduled to begin on June 9. It remains to be seen if Garrett will still be a Cleveland player when those sessions take place.