Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end, got the 2025 offseason off to a rocky start when he requested a trade from the team that drafted him.
The Browns took Garrett with the first overall pick in 2017, and he has more than lived up to expectations. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler, a six-time All-Pro, and was named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
But after the Browns went 3-14 in 2024, Garrett felt that staying in Cleveland wouldn’t help him achieve his ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.
The Browns didn’t want to trade away the face of their franchise, though, and the two sides eventually worked out a new deal. Garrett agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract that includes $123 million guaranteed and a $21 million signing bonus.
The Browns Asked for Leadership, Myles Garrett Went to Japan
Once the deal was done, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam issued a challenge to Garrett. It’s no secret that the rules haven’t always applied to Garrett. He has a history of showing up late and missing some mandatory activities.
Haslam said he expects Garrett to step up and be a true leader for the team after signing such a big extension. The Browns’ front office wants him to improve his practice habits and set an example for his teammates. But a recent post on social media has fans wondering if Garrett is paying attention to that message.
#Browns DE Myles Garrett is currently in Japan as voluntary OTAs get underway: pic.twitter.com/NNyViwPafX
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) May 28, 2025
A story on Garrett’s Instagram showed him shopping in Tokyo while his teammates were in Cleveland for organized team activities (OTAs).
“Tryna buy a place here asap hmu if you know someone,” he captioned the photo, standing on a Tokyo street holding a shopping bag.
While OTAs are voluntary, it doesn’t look great for a player who has just been tasked with stepping up as a team leader.
Garrett Misses Browns OTAs but Potentially Lands Gold Medal Relationship
Garrett’s trip to Japan wasn’t just about shopping. He was also spotted getting cozy with Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Chloe Kim. The two were seen together at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo, sparking rumors that they’re dating.
Garrett and Kim have both kept their personal lives very private, so fans were surprised to see them together so openly. Kim was a presenter at the awards show, and Garrett was there to support her.
During an interview, Kim brought up the topic of “romance,” and Garrett flashed a smile that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or the media.
While many fans are cheering for Garrett and Kim’s potential relationship, there’s also some frustration. After signing a $160 million deal, some feel Garrett should be focused on being a leader in Cleveland instead of taking trips abroad.
For now, Garrett seems to be enjoying his offseason. But when the season kicks off, all eyes will be on him to see if he can back up the franchise’s faith and lead the Browns to better days.