The Cleveland Browns have just a few more days of voluntary workouts next week before mandatory OTAs are here. We’re inching our way closer and closer to football being back. 

Browns EDGE Myles Garrett has been a major topic of discussion during voluntary OTAs despite not being in attendance. Garrett’s decision not to be at the voluntary minicamp again this season isn’t sitting right with some fans, who are, of course, entitled to their opinion. 

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator is going to bat for Myles Garrett 

Browns DC Mike Rutenberg held a media session following Sunday’s practice, and the question around Garrett not being there came up. Cleveland’s new defensive coordinator got completely honest with how he felt about it.  

“It is voluntary, and we respect the voluntary aspect of it,” Rutenberg said. “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.”

At the end of the day, it is a voluntary camp, and we now have Rutenberg joining Todd Monken by saying there’s nothing wrong with Garrett not being in attendance. It’s a voluntary camp for a reason, and tons of players around the NFL skip out on it in favor of continuing their training elsewhere. 

If Garrett isn’t at mandatory minicamp in June, then it becomes a problem for the Browns. Mandatory OTAs begin on June 11, and Garrett will be expected to attend. He’d be subject to fines if he weren’t. 

The Browns aren’t worried about the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, who is coming off a 23-sack season. While it would be ideal for Garrett to be in town in what is a new coaching staff in many ways, it’s not the end of the world.  

Voluntary minicamp or not, Garrett will be expected to continue performing at an All-Pro level in 2026. A few days of glorified practice in shorts and no pads aren’t going to make or break anything.