Myles Garrett Misses Offseason: Will $1 Million Bonus Vanish in 2026?

The Price of Absence: Myles Garrett's Million-Dollar Decision

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:09pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in action, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Cleveland Browns team, conceptually representing the intricate business side of professional sports.Garrett's absence from offseason activities highlights the complex financial implications of player contracts in the NFL.Cleveland Today

Myles Garrett, the star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, has recently made headlines for his absence from the team's offseason activities. This move could potentially cost him a $1 million workout bonus for the 2026 season, highlighting the intricate nature of sports contracts and the delicate balance between player autonomy and team commitment.

Why it matters

This situation sheds light on the business side of professional sports, where teams invest heavily in their players and expect a certain level of commitment in return. It raises questions about the fairness of these contractual obligations and the autonomy of players during the offseason.

The details

Garrett's contract stipulates that he must participate in a significant percentage of the offseason workout sessions, attend all minicamps and OTA days, and report to training camp on time to secure the $1 million bonus. His absence from these activities could result in the forfeiture of this bonus, despite his status as a top-tier player earning an average of $40 million per year.

  • Myles Garrett has recently missed a portion of the Browns' offseason activities.

The players

Myles Garrett

The star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns who is facing the potential loss of a $1 million workout bonus due to his absence from offseason activities.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that Myles Garrett plays for, which has strict contractual obligations regarding player participation in offseason programs.

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What they’re saying

“These contracts are meticulously crafted to incentivize player attendance and dedication. The team wants to ensure that their star players are fully engaged and committed to the team's success.”

— Margart Wisoky, Sports Analyst

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex relationship between athletes and their teams, where every decision, no matter how small, can have significant financial implications. It raises questions about the fairness of these contractual obligations and the balance between player autonomy and team commitment.