The Cleveland Browns entered the 2024 season with aspirations of building upon their 2023 playoff appearance, hoping to solidify their position as a legitimate contender in the AFC North. However, those hopes quickly evaporated as the team stumbled to a disastrous 3-14 record, tying for the worst mark in the entire NFL and representing a significant step backward under head coach Kevin Stefanski. The offseason that followed was characterized by a desperate attempt to retool the roster, hampered significantly by the financial constraints imposed by Deshaun Watson’s massive, fully guaranteed contract.
The five-year, $230 million deal, signed prior to the 2022 season, continued to loom large over the franchise, severely limiting their ability to make impactful additions in free agency. While other teams were making splash signings and aggressively pursuing upgrades, the Browns were forced to navigate the market with a cautious approach, focusing on value signings and hoping to unearth hidden gems.
Despite the limitations, the Browns’ front office recognized the urgent need to inject talent into the roster and saw the 2025 NFL Draft as a crucial opportunity to address their weaknesses. They made a bold move, trading down from the No. 2 overall pick to the No. 5 selection, a decision that raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike. The consensus top prospect, two-way phenom Travis Hunter, was widely expected to be a generational talent, and the Browns’ decision to pass on him in favor of accumulating future assets was met with skepticism.
However, the Browns’ brass believed that the trade would allow them to address multiple needs and build a deeper, more sustainable roster. With the No. 5 pick, they selected defensive tackle Mason Graham, a highly touted prospect known for his disruptive ability and run-stopping prowess. Graham was expected to immediately contribute to the defensive line, providing much-needed support to star pass rusher Myles Garrett.
In addition to Graham, the Browns used their draft capital to select linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a versatile defender with a knack for making plays in both the run and pass game. Schwesinger’s athleticism and football IQ were seen as valuable assets that could help him quickly develop into a key contributor on defense.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Browns’ draft strategy was their decision to double-dip at the quarterback position, selecting both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel, a seasoned college veteran known for his arm strength and accuracy, was viewed as a potential developmental prospect with upside. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, brought a unique blend of talent and charisma to the table, possessing the potential to become a star if he could refine his skills at the professional level.
The addition of running back Quinshon Judkins adds another layer of intrigue to the Browns’ offensive outlook. Judkins, known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles, could provide a much-needed boost to the ground game and potentially alleviate some of the pressure on the quarterback.
The question on everyone’s mind as the 2025 season approached was whether these moves would be enough to propel the Browns back into playoff contention. USA TODAY Sports, in their pre-schedule release record prediction, offered a sobering assessment of the team’s prospects, projecting a 5-12 record for the upcoming season.
The prediction was largely based on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson’s health. The quarterback, who had been acquired with such high expectations, suffered a devastating blow when he tore his Achilles tendon twice in less than three months. The injury cast a long shadow over the team’s quarterback situation, leaving them with a significant void under center and limited financial flexibility to find a replacement.
The Browns’ quarterback battle between veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett and rookies Gabriel and Sanders was described as "the least inspiring quarterback situation in the NFL," highlighting the lack of a clear-cut answer at the position. Without a proven quarterback to lead the offense, the Browns were expected to struggle to consistently move the ball and score points.
Despite the offensive concerns, there was optimism surrounding the Browns’ defense, which was expected to be a strength of the team. Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, remained a dominant force, and the additions of Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger were expected to bolster the unit’s overall performance. However, the defense’s success would depend heavily on the health and performance of its key players.
Adding to the Browns’ challenges was a daunting schedule, ranked as the second-hardest in the NFL, according to Sharp Football Analysis. The Browns faced a gauntlet of tough opponents, with only a handful of games against teams considered to be in the lower tier of the league. Matchups against the Bears, Jets, Patriots, Raiders, and Titans were identified as their easiest contests, but even those games were not guaranteed wins, as four of them were on the road.
The article concluded that while the Browns might be able to steal a win or two against stronger opponents and capitalize on their opportunities against weaker teams, it was more likely that they would endure another difficult season as they continued to grapple with the consequences of Watson’s contract. The albatross contract weighed heavily on the franchise, limiting their ability to address other needs and ultimately hindering their chances of competing for a playoff spot.
