Overview
2024 Record: 3-14
General Manager: Andrew Berry
Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski
Starting Quarterback: Joe Flacco
Key Extensions:
EDGE Myles Garrett (4 years, $160 million, $123.6 million guaranteed)
Key Additions:
QB Joe Flacco, QB Kenny Pickett, DL Maliek Collins, DL Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger, RB Quinshon Judkins, TE Harold Fannin Jr, QB Dillon Gabriel, QB Shedeur Sanders
Key Departures:
QB Jameis Winston, WR Elijah Moore
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Tommy Rees (Kevin Stefanski is the play-caller)
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 32nd Success Rate: 32nd PPG: 32nd (15.2ppg)
Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):
QB Joe Flacco
RB Quinshon Judkins
WR Jerry Jeudy
WR Cedric Tillman
WR Jamari Thrash
TE David Njoku
LT Dawand Jones
LG Joel Bitonio
C Ethan Pocic
RG Wyatt Teller
RT Jack Conklin
Offense Notes:
There were many factors in the Browns offense being horrific last season. Continued tumult in the quarterback room, switching play-callers, injuries, and overall lack of star power all helped put the Browns behind the chains throughout 2024. This team was so bad that they only scored 20 or more points on three occasions, two of which amounted to victories. It was BAD.
2025 may not be much different. The Browns have amassed a deep quarterback room, consisting of Deshaun Watson (re-torn Achilles), Joe Flacco (40 years old), Kenny Pickett (3rd team in 4 years), and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. One (or two) of this group won't be with the team in 2025, so hopefully, competition can bring the best out of this group. Kevin Stefanski has also resumed play-calling duties, so perhaps he can bring a steadying presence.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Schwartz
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 14th Success Rate: 5th PPG: 27th (25.6ppg allowed)
Projected Starting Defense (Base 4-3):
DE Myles Garrett
DT Maliek Collins
DT Mason Graham
DE Isaiah McGuire
LB Carson Schwesinger
LB Jordan Hicks
CB Denzel Ward
CB Martin Emerson Jr.
NB Greg Newsome II
S Grant Delpit
S Ronnie Hickman
Defense Notes:
The other factor in the Browns poor season is the defense. We've grown accustomed to seeing the Browns have an elite unit on that side of the ball, but while they have star power, the overall defensive performance was closer to the middle of the league than the top. Myles Garrett had another excellent season and was rewarded for his efforts with a massive extension.
Following a crazy draft night trade, Cleveland has made a concerted effort to give Garrett some help. New defensive tackle Mason Graham should help stabilize the defensive front. New linebacker Carson Schwesinger can give the second level a boost. Talented rookie additions and some hopeful positive regression can get this group closer to being the dominant unit it was just two seasons ago.
Outlook
Overall, the Browns are one of the few teams that shouldn't really have huge expectations to win in 2025. They've yet to adequately address the quarterback position with premium capital, and have added an extra 1st round pick in 2026, pointing to a franchise reset. And yet, Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry should probably be on the hot seat. How will the team balance both long and short term timelines?
The quarterback question is easily the most interesting part of the Brown's 2025 season. Watson likely won't play early, if it all, but the team can't get rid of him due to his fully-guaranteed contract. Flacco is probably the best option at this point, but the team invested assets in Pickett (trade), Gabriel (3rd round pick), and Sanders (draft trade). Trying to find the odd man out is difficult.
As far as 2025 goes, it'll be the defense that keeps the team competitive. If both sides of the ball can improve marginally, the team should be able to at least stay in games. At the end of the day, it seems like the long-term plan for the Browns is a reset, so hopefully they're able to put out a fun product. If the team can give the fans something to enjoy, the 2025 season will be a win.
Expectation/Goal for 2025: Try not to have the 32nd ranked offense again
2025 Schedule
Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST
*Week 5 game vs. Minnesota is in London*