The NFL reinstated Myles Garrett on Wednesday, a move that allows the defensive end to rejoin the Cleveland Browns for the 2020 season.
Garrett faced an indefinite suspension after he hit Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with a helmet during a last-minute brawl at the end of a Week 10 game.
Browns Welcome Garrett Back with Open Arms
During a scuffle, Garrett ripped off Rudolph’s helmet. Garrett then swung at helmet at Rudolph’s head, landing a glancing blow.
The use of the helmet as a weapon earned Garrett an indefinite suspension from the NFL.
In the end, that suspension lasted just six games. On Monday, Garrett met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss his situation. Two days later, the suspension was lifted.
The Browns released a statement, saying that they are more than prepared to bring Garrett back into the fold.
“We welcome Myles back to our organization with open arms,†Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. “We know he is grateful to be reinstated, eager to put the past behind him and continue to evolve and grow as a leader. We look forward to having his strong positive presence back as a teammate, player and person in our community.â€
Garrett was the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft, and made the league’s All-Rookie Team in his first season.
The 24-year-old Garrett made the Pro Bowl in the 2018 season, his second in the league. That year, the defensive end compiled 13.5 sacs and 44 tackles. Garrett was on track for an even bigger season in 2019. In the 10 games he played, he recorded 10 sacs and two forced fumbles, along with 29 tackles.
Garrett Rejoining Talented, Underperforming Roster
The fight between the Browns and the Steelers had consequences that went far beyond Garrett. The NFL also handed out suspensions to Maurkice Pouncey and Larry Ogunjobi. Each franchise paid a $250,000 fine.
The NFL also fined Rudolph $50,000 for his role in escalating the incident. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Rudolph recently lost his appeal of that fine.
The Browns came into the 2019 season as a trendy pick to make the playoffs and perhaps even make a Super Bowl run. But Cleveland suffered through a disappointing 6-10 campaign, finishing far out of the playoff race. The Garrett suspension played a part in that result, as did a poor sophomore season from quarterback Baker Mayfield, who throw for 22 touchdowns against 21 interceptions.
Cleveland remains a young team with a potentially talented roster of stars. Oddsmakers are being careful not to overlook the Browns entirely: FanDuel Sportsbook has Cleveland at +3200 to win next season’s Super Bowl, a number that puts them squarely in the middle of the pack. The Kansas City Chiefs are +650 favorites to repeat as NFL champions.
