Myles Garrett expressed disappointment and confusion over recent comments made by his fellow defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, which led to the Cleveland Browns sending Clowney home before practice on Friday.
“I knew he was frustrated. We’ve all been frustrated; we’re not winning,” Garrett said. “I wish we could’ve talked about this man-to-man. … I wish he would have handled it a little bit differently.”
Clowney’s remarks to Cleveland.com on Thursday included his belief that he was unlikely to re-sign with the Browns, largely because he felt the team favored Garrett over him.
“You’re all trying to get [Garrett] into the Hall of Fame instead of winning games,” Clowney had said. “I don’t even think [Garrett] notices. I ain’t trying to say it’s him.
I try to get along with everybody I play with. Me and him don’t have a problem. It ain’t his fault, and it’s B.S., and I don’t have time for it.”
He also indicated a readiness to move on from the Browns: “They’ve got their own guys, and I ain’t one of them, so it’s time for me to get my exit slip.”
On Saturday, the Browns ruled Clowney out for their final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski declined to goes into specifics regarding his discussions with players throughout the season, emphasizing their privacy.
Defensive ends coach Chris Kiffin, however, confirmed that during Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens, Clowney had refused to play on first or second down, initially citing an injury as the reason.
Myles Garrett (Photo: David Richard)
“We practiced all week, and we get in the game and they want to move me. I’m not doing that s—. I’m old. I done my job. I don’t have time for that,” Clowney had stated to Cleveland.com. “I’ve made my money. I’m doing this because I love the game, but keep [doing things like that] and making me not love the game.”
Garrett admitted he hadn’t realized Clowney’s reluctance to play on certain downs until the following week, assuming initially that Clowney was dealing with an injury.
In his second season with the Browns, Clowney’s performance has been disappointing, with just two sacks compared to nine the previous season, along with missing four games due to ankle and concussion issues.
He is set to become a free agent again this offseason after signing consecutive one-year deals with the Browns.
Conversely, Garrett has excelled with a team-high 15 sacks, the fourth-most in the NFL, and earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
Despite facing the highest double-team rate among edge rushers this season (31.3%), Garrett ranks second in pass rush win rate (27.8%). In contrast, Clowney’s pass rush win rate stands at 16.5%.
Reflecting on their relationship, Garrett described it as “cordial” and emphasized that he didn’t take Clowney’s comments personally. However, when asked about the prospect of Clowney returning, Garrett emphasized the importance of having committed teammates.
“If you feel like no one believes in you here,” Garrett said, “then go where you feel like you’re wanted and loved and appreciated.”
