Cleveland Browns' Tumultuous 2024 Season: Navigating Setbacks and Planning Ahead
The Cleveland Browns' 2024 season has been anything but easy. With a 3-10 record, the team has faced an array of challenges both on and off the field. The Browns, once brimming with potential, find themselves striving to rectify a season marred by injuries and questionable performances.
In the offseason, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and General Manager Andrew Berry committed to their vision for the Browns by signing contract extensions. Yet, despite these endorsements of their leadership, the season's outcomes have placed them under significant scrutiny. A glimmer of hope appeared in Week 8 when Ken Dorsey assumed the mantle of offensive play-calling duties from Stefanski. However, even this strategic shift could not stave off the shadow of Deshaun Watson's crushing Achilles injury.
Watson, who has donned the Browns' jersey for just 19 games since his controversial acquisition in 2022, became the focal point of the Browns' future prospects. Before his premature exit this season, Watson managed a passer rating of 80.7—numbers that reflect a player yet to find his pre-pandemic form. The road to recovery is now his primary focus, as echoed by General Manager Andrew Berry: "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."
Financially, the Brown's quandary deepens with Watson's situation. Moving on from the quarterback any time before June 1, 2025, would result in a whopping $119 million of dead cap space, illustrating the financial gamble the Browns have taken. As the franchise evaluated the roster's structure for the next season, Andrew Berry's management crew weighs the future implications of their commitment to Watson against the current cap constraints.
Among other key players, cornerback Greg Newsome is gearing up for the 2025 season under his fifth-year option, a move that comes with a $13.37 million cap hit. Meanwhile, Jedrick Wills, an integral part of the offensive line, sees his time with the Browns possibly concluding as he heads toward unrestricted free agency in March 2025. Furthermore, standout running back Nick Chubb approaches the final year of his contract, signaling potential restructuring efforts or extensions on the horizon.
In stark contrast to the team’s overall struggles, Defensive End Myles Garrett has been a beacon of excellence, securing the prestigious NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. With an $18.5 million roster bonus looming, Garrett’s retention remains a critical consideration, solidifying his value as a cornerstone of the Browns' defensive strategy.
An intriguing mid-season development has been Mike Vrabel's transition to a more pronounced role on the Browns' sidelines. Vrabel, celebrated for his defensive prowess, brings an analytical edge and depth of experience which could help recalibrate the team's strategic approach amid the upheaval.
With the 2024 season drawing to a disappointing close, the Browns are at a crossroads. How the Browns' front office navigates upcoming roster decisions and financial constraints will decisively shape their competitiveness in the seasons to come. The franchise's commitment to Stefanski and Berry suggests belief in their longer-term plan. The execution and success of this plan, particularly in light of Watson's rehabilitation, will be pivotal.