The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, showcasing a roster brimming with young talent and a reshaped quarterback room. Star defensive end Myles Garrett recently addressed the media, marking a significant turnaround for both him and the franchise. On March 14, he walked into the team’s media room, adorned in an all-brown suit, a color he had previously deemed unlikely to wear again. The decorations, including dinosaur figurines and cupcakes featuring Garrett’s likeness, symbolized a newfound harmony between the player and the organization after a tumultuous previous season.
In early February, following a disappointing 3-14 season, Garrett publicly requested a trade to a “contender.” His frustration stemmed from the Browns’ struggles and a lack of clarity regarding the team’s direction. However, after extensive discussions, the franchise and Garrett reconciled, resulting in a record-setting four-year extension worth $160 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
New Season, New Challenges
As the Browns prepare to kick off their season against the Cincinnati Bengals on March 17, they face low expectations from analysts, with ESPN BET setting their win total at a league-low 4.5. Nevertheless, the team is optimistic about its young playmakers and the potential of a new quarterback strategy. Garrett emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “Expectations are higher than ever. I expect to bounce back from last year, myself and defensively and as a team.”
The 2024 season was marked by disappointment, especially with Deshaun Watson, the quarterback signed to elevate the franchise, sidelined for a second consecutive year due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Watson has played in only 19 of a possible 51 games since his arrival, and his performance metrics have been concerning. The Browns finished last in scoring in 2024, averaging just 15.2 points per game. Garrett lamented, “This is probably a more disappointing season [than the 0-16 season in 2017] because of what we expected out of ourselves.”
Quarterback Room Overhaul
In response to the struggles at quarterback, the Browns have made significant changes to their roster. Following a season that saw them start four different quarterbacks, including Bailey Zappe, the organization has prioritized finding stability. Following a series of trades and signings, including acquiring Kenny Pickett shortly after Garrett’s extension, the Browns are exploring a mix of veteran experience and youthful potential.
The Browns signed Joe Flacco, a veteran quarterback who played a crucial role in leading the team to the playoffs late last season, to a one-year, $4 million deal. Flacco is currently positioned as the starter for Week 1, contributing to the team’s immediate strategy while also allowing for the development of younger quarterbacks like Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted in the third round.
Additionally, the Browns made a surprising move by selecting Shedeur Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, in the fifth round of the draft. Although initially not part of the plan to draft two quarterbacks, the team could not overlook Sanders’ potential as he fell through the draft’s early rounds.
The new quarterback strategy aims to create a competitive environment, allowing each player to develop and vie for the starting position. Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated, “We expect every player to compete. Simple as that.”
The team has also been proactive in reshaping its coaching staff, promoting Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator and reinstating head coach Kevin Stefanski as the playcaller. These adjustments reflect a commitment to returning to an effective offensive scheme that aligns with the team’s strengths.
As the Browns enter 2025, they aim to rebound from the difficulties of the previous season. With a majority of their playoff team from two years ago still in place, the franchise is hopeful that this blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership will provide the necessary ingredients for a successful season.
The 2025 campaign will be pivotal for the Browns, not just in terms of immediate success but also in shaping the future of the franchise. With two first-round draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the decisions made this season will significantly influence the team’s trajectory moving forward. As Garrett noted, the team is focused on improvement, and the journey begins with the season opener against the Bengals.
