NFL Rumors: Myles Garrett 'Frequently Late' and 'Breaking the Rules' with Browns

Even though Myles Garrett has been a dominant force in games for the Cleveland Browns, he's apparently not punctual nor does he set a good example for the rest of the team.

Per The Athletic's Jason Lloyd, Garrett is "frequently late" to the team's facilities and is "breaking the rules" by skipping mandatory team activities "on multiple occasions."

Even though there's never been anything substantial reported about Garrett's apparent knack for tardiness, Lloyd called it "well known" within the Browns organization.

Garrett has skipped organized team activities during the offseason multiple times in his career, including in 2023 and 2024, but that's a voluntary part of the offseason calendar. It's not uncommon for established veterans to sit out OTAs.

It is fair to point out that Lloyd has gone in on Garrett in the past. He was critical of him for skipping OTAs in 2023 because the Browns were running a new defensive scheme after hiring Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator:

"If you want to be a leader on this team, if you’re a franchise pillar, you need to be at this. And it’s a new defensive coordinator. It’s a new scheme. There’s a lot at stake this year, there’s a lot of jobs at stake, the future of your career is at stake. Because if this thing goes sideways, who knows where this goes—this is a really important season and a really important offseason. And if you want to carry yourself as a pillar of this franchise, and as a leader of this franchise, set the tone."

Nick Chubb, whose reputation around the NFL is about as high as any individual player's could be, also wasn't in attendance at Browns OTAs in 2023.

Skipping OTAs didn't seem to impact Garrett or the Browns defense that much in 2023. He became the first player in franchise history to win Defensive Player of the Year, and the Browns made the playoffs with an 11-6 record.

The Browns seemed to have no concern about Garrett's character or ability to impact games going forward. They made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history by giving him a four-year, $160 million extension with a full no-trade clause to end any trade speculation.

Garrett has been named to the All-Pro team in each of the past five seasons, including four first-team selections during that span. His 102.5 sacks since his rookie year in 2017 are the second-most in the NFL, behind only T.J. Watt (108).

There's no question that the Browns have a lot of work to do if they want to be regarded as a top-tier team in the AFC, but Garrett's track record of elite performance suggests he's one of the few players they don't have to worry about.

It's possible things could change, especially as Garrett continues to age, but he gave them a commitment by signing a new deal that indicates he's dedicated to making the Browns as successful as they can possibly be.