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T<\/span>he Cleveland Browns<\/strong>‘ star defensive standout Myles Garrett<\/strong> has had a busy NFL offseason<\/strong> after delivering a historic campaign in which he broke the NFL single-season sack record<\/strong>.<\/p>\n At the NFL Combine 2026<\/strong> in Indianapolis<\/strong>, new Browns head coach Todd Monken<\/strong> raised eyebrows when he revealed he had yet to speak with Garrett. Weeks later, defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg<\/strong> echoed the same, admitting he also hadn’t been in contact with the star pass rusher<\/strong>.<\/p>\n During the NFL annual meetings<\/strong> in Arizona<\/strong>, owner Jimmy Haslam<\/strong> downplayed the situation, noting it’s not unusual for the team to go stretches without consistent communication with Garrett during the NFL offseason<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Browns opened organized team activities (OTAs)<\/strong> this week – a phase where attendance is voluntary – but Myles Garrett’s absence<\/strong> still drew attention.<\/p>\n Monken reacts to Garrett’s absence<\/strong><\/p>\n “If you asked every coach in the NFL if they’d like every player to be there, of course,” Monken said. “There are certain things, from a connection standpoint, that I think are important to be here for. From a schematic or work standpoint, not as much.”<\/p>\n This isn’t the first time Myles Garrett<\/strong> has skipped this portion of the NFL offseason program<\/strong>. At this stage, teams are focused more on strength training<\/strong> and team meetings<\/strong> than on-field work.<\/p>\n Still, Monken’s comments hinted he would have preferred his star defender in attendance. That said, Garrett’s absences have never impacted his performance – if anything, his production has continued to rise year after year.<\/p>\n “Myles will be ready,” Monken added. “I’m not worried about Myles.”<\/p>\n Before last season ended, Myles Garrett<\/strong> publicly backed former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz<\/strong> as a candidate for NFL head coach<\/strong>. The veteran made it clear he remains committed to the franchise as long as the focus stays on winning games<\/strong>, not rebuilding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the organization chose Todd Monken<\/strong> for the role. Shortly after the decision became public, Garrett posted a cryptic social media message<\/strong> featuring an exhausted fast-food worker – a move that sparked widespread NFL speculation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n