The Cleveland Browns appear to be heading down a tumultuous path in the 2024 NFL season, holding a disappointing 3-10 record. This season has been marked by significant changes and formidable challenges for the team, as the organization navigates both front-office decisions and on-field developments.
Bumpy Ride in the 2024 Season
One of the season's most impactful blows came with star quarterback Deshaun Watson suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Watson, who has been a crucial piece of the Browns' puzzle since his acquisition in 2022, has had a mixed tenure thus far. Prior to his injury, Watson registered a 2024 passer rating of 80.7, leaving room for improvement and raising questions about his long-term impact on the team. As of now, he's played in only 19 games for the Browns, keeping fans and analysts alike pondering the cost-benefit ratio of his high-profile signing.
General Manager Andrew Berry has emphasized a focus on Watson's recovery above all else. "Really our focus with Deshaun—I would say for any player with a season-ending injury and a major injury—is first and foremost with the recovery and to make sure he gets healthy from the Achilles injury," Berry explained. It's clear the Browns are prioritizing Watson's health, even as they stare down a challenging financial future. Releasing him post-June 1, 2025, would result in approximately $119 million in dead money, complicating potential roster restructuring.
Shifts in Coaching and Management
The offseason saw Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry receive contract extensions, solidifying their roles and affirming the organization's belief in their vision. Yet, the strategy on the field has seen a shakeup. Ken Dorsey stepped into the offensive play-calling role, taking over from Stefanski in Week 8. This decision is part of the Browns' constant quest to refine their performance and hopefully salvage the tail end of their season.
Meanwhile, former head coach Mike Vrabel has transitioned to a more prominent role on the Browns' sidelines, infusing the team with his seasoned perspective. Vrabel's increased presence is anticipated to foster a stronger, more cohesive approach as the team navigates the remaining games of their ailing season.
Key Players and Financial Implications
Looking forward, the Browns must also address critical financial decisions with several key players. Cornerback Greg Newsome enters the 2025 season on his fifth-year option, carrying a $13.37 million cap hit. His performance and potential contract negotiations will be pivotal moving forward.
The Browns will also see offensive tackle Jedrick Wills poised for unrestricted free agency by March 2025. Decisions regarding his future will impact both the salary cap and the strength of the offensive line, a unit crucial to the team’s offensive execution.
Running back Nick Chubb is approaching the final year of his contract, another factor that will demand attention as the Browns plan their roster and salary cap strategies. Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Myles Garrett not only continues to be a formidable force but was also awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year accolade. Yet, his substantial $18.5 million roster bonus due early in the next league year presents another financial complexity for the organization.
As the Cleveland Browns navigate these turbulent waters, their ability to align on-the-field performance with strategic financial and personnel decisions will determine their trajectory in the seasons to come. The team's management and coaching staff remain steadfast in their ambitions to reforge the Browns into a formidable contender. Whether these efforts will manifest in a turnaround remains the pressing, ongoing storylines for Browns fans and the broader NFL community.