The Cleveland Browns commenced their organized team activities (OTAs) this week, marking the beginning of a new chapter under head coach Todd Monken. The offseason workouts officially began on Tuesday in Berea, Ohio, but the team's defensive cornerstone and reigning Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), Myles Garrett, was notably absent.
Garrett's decision to skip the voluntary portion of the Browns' offseason program is not unprecedented but has again sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike given his stature and influence on the franchise. While voluntary OTAs are not mandatory under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, the absence of a player as impactful as Garrett naturally invites questions regarding team dynamics, contract considerations, and the direction of Monken's first full offseason with the Browns.
Context Behind Garrett's Absence
Sources indicate that the Browns anticipated Garrett's decision to forgo voluntary workouts. According to reports from ProFootballTalk and insider accounts, the organization was informed ahead of time and has made provisions accordingly. This is not a surprise holdout or an unexpected protest; rather, Garrett is exercising his right as a veteran player under contract who is not required to attend voluntary workouts.
There is currently no indication that Garrett's absence is due to contract disputes or injury. Having signed a five-year, $125 million extension back in 2020, Garrett remains under contract through the 2026 season. While the concluding years of his deal carry significant salary cap implications that the general manager Andrew Berry must manage, no public reports suggest the defensive end is seeking a new contract or leveraging attendance for negotiation purposes. Garrett's durability remains exceptional--he played all 17 games in the 2025 season, recording 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 35 quarterback hits en route to reclaiming Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Implications for Todd Monken's First Offseason
This offseason represents Todd Monken's first full spring with the Browns after taking over the head coaching role. Monken, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, is tasked with molding a roster that has undergone meaningful change during the offseason. With new additions at quarterback--including Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders--a rejuvenated running back group featuring Quinshon Judkins and Ahmani Marshall, and defensive line reinforcements like Mason Graham and Maliek Collins, Monken's culture-building efforts start now.
Attendance at voluntary OTAs, while not required, often carries symbolic weight. When star players report early and embrace the new regime, it signals unity and buy-in; when they do not, it can invite speculation about discord or lack of commitment. However, Garrett's track record as a leader and mentor on the Browns leaves little room for concern. He has consistently played through setbacks, guided younger players such as Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright, and served as an emotional anchor for the defense.
Additionally, Monken's previous experience managing elite talent in Baltimore prepares him well to navigate this scenario. The head coach has emphasized building trust and relationships, and he recognizes that compelling a star player like Garrett to attend voluntary work runs counter to that philosophy.
On-Field Impact and Defensive Outlook
Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg is now in charge of a Browns defense stocked with talent beyond Garrett. The secondary boasts stalwarts such as cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, and safety Grant Delpit. The linebacking corps includes dynamic athletes Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Quincy Williams. On the defensive front, besides Garrett, the Browns field veterans like Maliek Collins and rookies including Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr.
Garrett's absence during OTAs does open up opportunities for other players to gain reps, with Julian Okwara, Adin Huntington, and Tyreak Sapp expected to work more extensively. Young defenders like Isaiah McGuire also get valuable repetitions, allowing the staff to evaluate depth and progress in the defensive scheme rollout.
That said, OTAs occur without pads, focus on installation of plays, conditioning, and communication rather than live contact and high-intensity drills. Missing these sessions is unlikely to meaningfully set back either Garrett's preparation or the defense's development. The true test for the unit and Garrett's integration will come during training camp when pads are on and game-speed evaluations start.
The Browns' Trajectory and Garrett's Role
The Browns are clearly in a retooling phase rather than a full rebuild. General manager Andrew Berry has proactively reshaped the roster, improving depth and managing the salary cap strategically to bolster both offense and defense. Garrett continues to be the keystone of the team's defensive identity--the premier pass rusher who demands constant double-teams and consistently disrupts opposing offenses.
From a competitive standpoint, Garrett's absence from May's voluntary OTAs is a blip rather than a red flag. His influence on game day remains unmatched, and his leadership within the locker room is well established.
The broader offseason narrative will largely hinge on Garrett's attendance at mandatory minicamp, likely scheduled for June. Should he miss mandatory sessions or training camp, the narrative would shift toward potential contract issues or holdout concerns. Until then, the Browns are proceeding as expected.
Final Thoughts
Myles Garrett skipping the Browns' voluntary OTAs is factually accurate and should not be viewed as a sign of trouble. He is a high-profile athlete with earned exemptions to manage his preparation on his terms. The Browns' front office and coaching staff appear well-informed and aligned with this approach.
When the 2026 season kicks off, Garrett will return to the field as the disruptive defensive force the Browns rely on to anchor their quest for postseason success. Voluntary OTAs in May are simply part of the offseason rhythm, and missing them is hardly an unusual scenario for elite veterans.
Fans should maintain perspective: the offseason is a long journey, and Myles Garrett's leadership, impact, and presence come to full effect when it counts the most--on Sunday afternoons come September.