Cleveland Browns Face a Challenging 2024 Season Amidst Major Team Changes
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the Cleveland Browns find themselves grappling with more than just an underwhelming 3-10 season record. This tumultuous phase is characterized by significant changes in player roles and coaching responsibilities, compounded by critical injuries and contract decisions that loom over the franchise's future.
One of the most notable shifts this season came on the coaching front. Mike Vrabel, known for his strategic acumen, has assumed a more prominent role on the Browns' sidelines. In a bid to revitalize the offensive strategy, Ken Dorsey stepped in to take over the play-calling duties from Head Coach Kevin Stefanski starting Week 8. This decision aimed to inject new life into an offense that has struggled to find consistency this season.
Meanwhile, Kevin Stefanski and General Manager Andrew Berry appear to have solidified their places within the organization by signing contract extensions during the 2024 offseason. This move suggests an ongoing commitment to the vision and leadership that both have brought to the Browns, despite the challenging current season.
However, the Browns faced a significant setback with the loss of their star quarterback, Deshaun Watson, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Since his acquisition in 2022, Watson has played a total of 19 games for the Browns but has struggled to make a considerable impact, as indicated by his 2024 passer rating of 80.7. General Manager Andrew Berry stressed the importance of focusing on Watson’s rehabilitation, saying, "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."
Looking at the financial implications, releasing Watson after June 1, 2025, would incur a staggering $119 million in dead money for the Browns, a looming consideration as they plan their future roster and cap strategies.
The Browns' defensive standout, Myles Garrett, continues to be a beacon of excellence amid the uncertainties. Garrett’s stellar performances have earned him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, underscoring his pivotal role in the team's defense. As the Browns navigate their financial commitments, Garrett’s $18.5 million roster bonus due early in the next league year will be another crucial factor in their fiscal calculations.
Contractual considerations extend beyond just Watson and Garrett. Cornerback Greg Newsome is poised to enter the 2025 season under his fifth-year option, bearing a cap hit of $13.37 million. Meanwhile, left tackle Jedrick Wills is on track to become an unrestricted free agent by March 2025, and star running back Nick Chubb is approaching the final year of his contract. These impending decisions will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the management as they aim to retain and build upon their core talent.
As the Browns work to stabilize their roster and redefine their strategies, the recent spate of setbacks has highlighted both the resilience needed for a comeback and the vulnerabilities inherent in professional sports. With a commitment to recovery and adaptation, both on and off the field, the organization remains hopeful of turning their fortunes around in the seasons to come.