Cleveland Browns
Record: 3-14-0 (last in AFC North)
Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski (5th Year)
Preseason Expectations:
After a chaotic 2023 season that saw the Cleveland Browns go 11-6 and reach the playoffs despite starting five different quarterbacks, expectations were a healthier team would lead to similar success for the former punching bag of the NFL. With quarterback Deshaun Watson returning from injury, the Browns were willing to give their starting signal caller all the tools to be successful in 2024.
The Cleveland Browns made one of the best offseason moves in March, when they acquired wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2024 5th and 6th round pick. One of the more underrated wide receivers in the NFL, Jeudy signed a 3-year, $58,000,000 extension with the Browns before playing a snap in Cleveland. Regardless, Jeudy was expected to be the big piece in an offensive unit with Amari Cooper and David Njoku. Combined with a returning Nick Chubb and a defensive unit that allowed just 21.3 points per game in 2023, the Browns were expected to be big players in 2024.
Regular Season:
The Cleveland Browns stumbled out of the gate, scoring just 17 points in a week one loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked 6 times in the week one matchup, as the offense couldn’t get anything going in a 33-17 loss. While the Browns bounced back in Week 2 against the Jaguars, Cleveland began a worrying trend of scoring less than 20 points in the first seven games of the season.
In that same span, Deshaun Watson failed to record over 200 passing yards in any of his 7 starts as the Browns fell to 1-6 on the season. In their 21-14 loss to the division rival Cincinnati Bengals, Watson tore his Achillies, ending his season.
Prior to the Browns losing Watson for the season, Cleveland traded wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for two picks: a 2025 3rd round and 2025 7th round pick. With two major pieces of the offense gone, the Browns turned to Jameis Winston to right the ship.
The Jameis Winston era got off to a hot start in his first week as the starter, throwing 334 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 29-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens. For Winston, it was his first 300 passing yard performance in Cleveland, something Watson hasn’t done during his time on the Browns (The Football Database).
While it was too early for a quarterback controversy, Browns fans were excited for the rest of the season with Jameis Winston. Unfortunately, Winston fell back to earth over the next two weeks, Recording 630 yards, but just 3 touchdowns to 3 interceptions.
The Browns simply never recovered, and another season ending injury for Nick Chubb ended any chance of Cleveland being competitive in 2024. Following Chubb’s placement on IR, the Browns scored 19 points over three weeks, allowing 79 in that same span.
A season with high expectations led to poor results, and the Browns have already made moves, firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson. Despite the changes, Kevin Stefanski is expected to remain head coach in 2025 (Associated Press).
The Browns in 2025:
The Cleveland Browns will have the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite having millions committed to Deshaun Watson over the next two seasons, Watson’s lackluster performances before tearing his Achillies have to bring forward questions of whether or not he is worth keeping as your starting quarterback.
If the answer is to replace Watson, the Browns will have to take whoever is left between Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Compared to the last two NFL Drafts, the QB choices aren’t as glorious. However, both Sanders and Ward are talented quarterbacks who would certainly be upgrades over Deshaun Watson.
Outside of the quarterback room, the Browns will decide on Nick Chubb. The four-time pro-bowler has not been able to stay on the field the last two seasons, and with the longevity—or lack thereof—in running backs, the Browns could decide to let the former anchor of their offense walk in free agency.
One of the worst offensive units in the league could benefit from offensive line help. While Will Campbell is another name available in the NFL Draft, expect some veterans to be brought in to improve on the team’s AFC worst 66 sacks in 2024.
A developing story in Cleveland–the story broke in the middle of writing this piece–is Myles Garrett’s frustration with the Cleveland Browns. Having been with the Browns since their 0-16 season, Garrett has been one of the leaders of the Browns locker room. However, with the Browns lack of success since making the AFC divisional round in 2020, Garrett wants more from the Browns front office.
Garrett said of his relationship with the Browns, “I’m not trying to rebuild. I’m trying to win right now. And I want that to be apparent when the season is over and we have those discussions. I want them to be able to illuminate, illustrate that for me so that can be something I can see in the near future. Because that’s all we want to do” (Oyefusi, ESPN). While this isn’t an indicator that a change of scenery is near, the comments from Garrett should definitely be worrying to Browns fans.
Meanwhile, Head coach Kevin Stefanski is getting what could be his final opportunity to right the ship for the Cleveland Browns. With a new offensive coaching staff, and the potential to draft a new quarterback, there’s now more pressure to succeed in Cleveland in 2025.
