The Cleveland Browns are experiencing a challenging 2024 season, with a current record of 3-10. Despite entering the year with freshly inked contract extensions for head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, the team has faced a series of setbacks that have thwarted any hopes for playoff contention.
Coaching Adjustments Amid Struggles
The Browns have been proactive in addressing their on-field struggles. Notably, Mike Vrabel has stepped into a more prominent role on the sidelines, seemingly offering a new perspective or strategy. Meanwhile, Kevin Stefanski made a strategic decision in Week 8, handing over offensive play-calling duties to Ken Dorsey. This move was possibly an attempt to shake things up and provide a different direction for the offense, though the tangible benefits on the field have yet to fully materialize.
Watson’s Rocky Tenure in Cleveland
At the heart of Cleveland’s tumultuous season is quarterback Deshaun Watson. Since his acquisition in 2022, Watson has played only 19 games for the Browns, which includes a devastating Achilles injury in 2024 that has ended his season prematurely. Before his injury, Watson's performances had been underwhelming, reflected in his 2024 passer rating of 80.7. General Manager Andrew Berry highlighted the team's focus on Watson’s recovery, stating, "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."
The financial implications of Watson's contract are significant. Should the Browns opt to release him post-June 1, 2025, the team would incur a staggering $119 million in dead money, complicating future roster decisions and salary cap management.
Roster Dynamics and Future Considerations
Beyond the quarterback position, other roster considerations loom for the Browns. Defensive standout Myles Garrett has been a bright spot, winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. However, his future carries its own financial considerations, with a substantial $18.5 million roster bonus due early in the next league year.
In the secondary, Greg Newsome is set to play the 2025 season under his fifth-year option, incurring a $13.37 million cap hit. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Jedrick Wills is poised to become an unrestricted free agent by March 2025, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s roster planning. Furthermore, star running back Nick Chubb is nearing the end of his contract, which could force the front office into difficult decisions about the core of their roster.
Rebuilding Amidst Uncertainty
As the Browns navigate the remainder of the 2024 season, the organization is undoubtedly steering its focus toward a pivotal offseason. With the extensions in place for Stefanski and Berry, there appears to be a commitment to a longer-term vision and a belief that the current leadership can guide the team back to competitiveness. However, the path to achieving that goal is fraught with challenges, both on the field and in managing the financial constraints posed by high-profile contracts.
The coming months will be critical for the Browns, as they must evaluate not only their player personnel but also the overall direction of the franchise. The decisions made in this period will resonate for seasons to come, defining either a renewed competitive era or further mediocrity.