2025 Cleveland Browns - "Setbacks pave the way for comebacks!" (2 Viewers)

[beer 30]

I know they didn't win, but are we back to thinking Berry and Stefanski know what they're doing outside of one player that they may or may not have wanted?

Berry's drafting is still sort of suspect.

for example, this morning I looked it up and he's drafted 9 defensive linemen.

I'll let you guess how many are on the current depth chart.

I'm ambivalent on Berry but Stefanski didn't forget how to coach. No way Watson can come back, no way.

 

[amnesiac]

I know they didn't win, but are we back to thinking Berry and Stefanski know what they're doing outside of one player that they may or may not have wanted?

Berry's drafting is still sort of suspect.

for example, this morning I looked it up and he's drafted 9 defensive linemen.

I'll let you guess how many are on the current depth chart.

I'm ambivalent on Berry but Stefanski didn't forget how to coach. No way Watson can come back, no way.

yeah count me in the camp if they fire Stefanski in the morning, he'll have a new HC job by lunch.

 

[karl.Racki]

x.com

x.com

Rodgers or cousins to Cleveland?

 

[Galileo]

x.com

x.com

Rodgers or cousins to Cleveland?

I don't see it. But hey, this organization has made worse decisions. I would rather go after Justin Fields if we are shopping for guys already in the league.

 

[amnesiac]

so now that they have the #3 pick, you think they may draft Cam Ward?

one site i was reading actually compared him to Jameis Winston, which I thought was funny.

 

[MAC_32]

so now that they have the #3 pick, you think they may draft Cam Ward?

one site i was reading actually compared him to Jameis Winston, which I thought was funny.

I don't think rookie QB is the path no matter what happens Sunday.

The fan in me wants to trade for JJ McCarthy.

The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Seems like the front office was forcing the coaches to start Watson this year. Will that be the case next year?

 

[ghostguy123]

Seems like the front office was forcing the coaches to start Watson this year. Will that be the case next year?

Well, with his restructure he's a lock to be on the team right? If so he's probably starting

 

[ghostguy123]

so now that they have the #3 pick, you think they may draft Cam Ward?

one site i was reading actually compared him to Jameis Winston, which I thought was funny.

I don't think rookie QB is the path no matter what happens Sunday.

The fan in me wants to trade for JJ McCarthy.

The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

It would suck a while but I'd personally be ok trading our top few guys for a total reset, and even trading the #3 for more picks this year and next

 

[Dez]

Seems like the front office was forcing the coaches to start Watson this year. Will that be the case next year?

If they want to keep losing sure but I doubt it.

 

[MAC_32]

Seems like the front office was forcing the coaches to start Watson this year. Will that be the case next year?

Watson will not be the week 1 starter

 

[amnesiac]

so now that they have the #3 pick, you think they may draft Cam Ward?

one site i was reading actually compared him to Jameis Winston, which I thought was funny.

I don't think rookie QB is the path no matter what happens Sunday.

The fan in me wants to trade for JJ McCarthy.

The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

It would suck a while but I'd personally be ok trading our top few guys for a total reset, and even trading the #3 for more picks this year and next

they’re not doing a tear down this year.

 

[amnesiac]

so now that they have the #3 pick, you think they may draft Cam Ward?

one site i was reading actually compared him to Jameis Winston, which I thought was funny.

I don't think rookie QB is the path no matter what happens Sunday.

The fan in me wants to trade for JJ McCarthy.

The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

I don’t know who or when, but a rookie QB is exactly what they’ll do to get the math in the QB room to work.

if they end the season with the #3 pick, they will talk themselves into one of these QBs.

 

[MAC_32]

so now that they have the #3 pick, you think they may draft Cam Ward?

one site i was reading actually compared him to Jameis Winston, which I thought was funny.

I don't think rookie QB is the path no matter what happens Sunday.

The fan in me wants to trade for JJ McCarthy.

The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

It would suck a while but I'd personally be ok trading our top few guys for a total reset, and even trading the #3 for more picks this year and next

Jj scenario withstanding, if there is an opportunity to add at least an extra one in 2026, I expect to take it.

 

[IHEARTFF]

so now that they have the #3 pick, you think they may draft Cam Ward?

one site i was reading actually compared him to Jameis Winston, which I thought was funny.

I don't think rookie QB is the path no matter what happens Sunday.

The fan in me wants to trade for JJ McCarthy.

The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

It would suck a while but I'd personally be ok trading our top few guys for a total reset, and even trading the #3 for more picks this year and next

Start building the dome for Arch Manning now

 

[Bracie Smathers]

...The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

Nah, can't ever trade Myles. Do whatever it takes to keep him and build around him.
One great defensive player that takes down the QB is a difference maker.
Offenses require nearly every single player to do their job, with 'near' perfect timing. If one offensive player breaks down, moves too soon, too far left/right or misses an assignment, the play blows up.
If ten of eleven defensive players suck but one stud blows up the play, the offensive play blows up.
Myles is that guy. We can't ever trade him because he may go down as the best defensive end in NFL history. We keep him at all costs and build around him. Rookie QB be damned.

 

[ghostguy123]

...The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

Nah, can't ever trade Myles. Do whatever it takes to keep him and build around him.
One great defensive player that takes down the QB is a difference maker.
Offenses require nearly every single player to do their job, with 'near' perfect timing. If one offensive player breaks down, moves too soon, too far left/right or misses an assignment, the play blows up.
If ten of eleven defensive players suck but one stud blows up the play, the offensive play blows up.
Myles is that guy. We can't ever trade him because he may go down as the best defensive end in NFL history. We keep him at all costs and build around him. Rookie QB be damned.

Thing is, will he still be that kind of guy whenever it is we are able to compete?
The reality is, we suck and will suck for a while unless we draft some MVP caliber QB. Possible I guess

 

[MAC_32]

...The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

Nah, can't ever trade Myles. Do whatever it takes to keep him and build around him.
One great defensive player that takes down the QB is a difference maker.
Offenses require nearly every single player to do their job, with 'near' perfect timing. If one offensive player breaks down, moves too soon, too far left/right or misses an assignment, the play blows up.
If ten of eleven defensive players suck but one stud blows up the play, the offensive play blows up.
Myles is that guy. We can't ever trade him because he may go down as the best defensive end in NFL history. We keep him at all costs and build around him. Rookie QB be damned.

Thing is, will he still be that kind of guy whenever it is we are able to compete?
The reality is, we suck and will suck for a while unless we draft some MVP caliber QB. Possible I guess

It's all about the offense. Can it be fixed in one offseason? For the 2nd year in a row, our quarterback play was among the league's worst. The OL injuries and Coop sulking through the first half of the season without Njoku made a bad situation untenable.

Coklin is 30 and hasn't played much the last couple seasons
Teller is 30 and expiring after '25
Bitonio is 33 and expiring after '25
Pocic is 29, expiring after '25, and not that good
Wills is being fired off into a cannon
Tillman and Jeudy are 2/3 of a good receiving room, but another body is needed
Chubb returning cheap is in play, but we need more than just him
Njoku is probably getting extended, but a 2nd legit weapon would help immensely

That's...a lot. And that's before addressing the QB.

 

[ghostguy123]

...The pragmatic in me deep down thinks trading Myles and resetting with 2026 in mind is probably the right play.

Nah, can't ever trade Myles. Do whatever it takes to keep him and build around him.
One great defensive player that takes down the QB is a difference maker.
Offenses require nearly every single player to do their job, with 'near' perfect timing. If one offensive player breaks down, moves too soon, too far left/right or misses an assignment, the play blows up.
If ten of eleven defensive players suck but one stud blows up the play, the offensive play blows up.
Myles is that guy. We can't ever trade him because he may go down as the best defensive end in NFL history. We keep him at all costs and build around him. Rookie QB be damned.

Thing is, will he still be that kind of guy whenever it is we are able to compete?
The reality is, we suck and will suck for a while unless we draft some MVP caliber QB. Possible I guess

It's all about the offense. Can it be fixed in one offseason? For the 2nd year in a row, our quarterback play was among the league's worst. The OL injuries and Coop sulking through the first half of the season without Njoku made a bad situation untenable.

Coklin is 30 and hasn't played much the last couple seasons
Teller is 30 and expiring after '25
Bitonio is 33 and expiring after '25
Pocic is 29, expiring after '25, and not that good
Wills is being fired off into a cannon
Tillman and Jeudy are 2/3 of a good receiving room, but another body is needed
Chubb returning cheap is in play, but we need more than just him
Njoku is probably getting extended, but a 2nd legit weapon would help immensely

That's...a lot. And that's before addressing the QB.

I've said before, I'd be perfectly fine with a total blow up tear down. Cut watson, trade everyone, trade all our picks this year for future picks. 0-17 next two years.

 

[BassNBrew]

This team isn't as putrid as Washington last year.

 

[MAC_32]

I've said before, I'd be perfectly fine with a total blow up tear down. Cut watson, trade everyone, trade all our picks this year for future picks. 0-17 next two years.

I know your opinion, but it I also know it isn't happening. If there is any sorta reset it's not going to be a repeat of '16-'17.

 

[ghostguy123]

I've said before, I'd be perfectly fine with a total blow up tear down. Cut watson, trade everyone, trade all our picks this year for future picks. 0-17 next two years.

I know your opinion, but it I also know it isn't happening. If there is any sorta reset it's not going to be a repeat of '16-'17.

I know it won't happen.

 

[MAC_32]

This team isn't as putrid as Washington last year.

Jayden Daniels ain't walking through that door

 

[BassNBrew]

This team isn't as putrid as Washington last year.

Jayden Daniels ain't walking through that door

Sam Darnold, Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Baker Mayfield beg to differ.

 

[MAC_32]

This team isn't as putrid as Washington last year.

Jayden Daniels ain't walking through that door

Sam Darnold, Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Baker Mayfield beg to differ.

Who is that guy this year?

 

[BassNBrew]

This team isn't as putrid as Washington last year.

Jayden Daniels ain't walking through that door

Sam Darnold, Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Baker Mayfield beg to differ.

Who is that guy this year?

If I knew that I'd be making 2 million a year and not posting here.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

It's all about the offense. Can it be fixed in one offseason? For the 2nd year in a row, our quarterback play was among the league's worst. The OL injuries and Coop sulking through the first half of the season without Njoku made a bad situation untenable.

Coklin is 30 and hasn't played much the last couple seasons
Teller is 30 and expiring after '25
Bitonio is 33 and expiring after '25
Pocic is 29, expiring after '25, and not that good
Wills is being fired off into a cannon
Tillman and Jeudy are 2/3 of a good receiving room, but another body is needed
Chubb returning cheap is in play, but we need more than just him
Njoku is probably getting extended, but a 2nd legit weapon would help immensely

That's...a lot. And that's before addressing the QB.

Conklin = Free Agent signing
Wyatt = Trade for 5th round pick
Joe = 2nd round pick
Pocic = Free Agent
Jed = Failed high 1st round selection
Ced and JJ were acquired for late picks
Nick = 2nd round pick
Chief = late 1st
The above core didn't need high first-round picks, just regular drafting/trades/FA signings and time.
We're starting the 40th name on the back of the jersey today and look to be wondering in the desert for a Moses-like 40 years looking for the final piece.
QB - TBD
Keep Myles. Don't reach ala-Jimmy/Watson because the owner is the reason we are here. It looked and smelled like Jimmy when the deal went down, and Fowler's piece reports Jimmy Haslam is THEE person who pulled the trigger on the Watson trade.
It is unconventional, but we can build an exceptional D and don't have to go hog-wild with high picks while also building up the offensive core.
Impatience has created constant suck so do NOT push in all the chips on another rookie QB. We know the track record. We all have the jersey.

 

[MAC_32]

It's all about the offense. Can it be fixed in one offseason? For the 2nd year in a row, our quarterback play was among the league's worst. The OL injuries and Coop sulking through the first half of the season without Njoku made a bad situation untenable.

Coklin is 30 and hasn't played much the last couple seasons
Teller is 30 and expiring after '25
Bitonio is 33 and expiring after '25
Pocic is 29, expiring after '25, and not that good
Wills is being fired off into a cannon
Tillman and Jeudy are 2/3 of a good receiving room, but another body is needed
Chubb returning cheap is in play, but we need more than just him
Njoku is probably getting extended, but a 2nd legit weapon would help immensely

That's...a lot. And that's before addressing the QB.

Conklin = Free Agent signing
Wyatt = Trade for 5th round pick
Joe = 2nd round pick
Pocic = Free Agent
Jed = Failed high 1st round selection
Ced and JJ were acquired for late picks
Nick = 2nd round pick
Chief = late 1st
The above core didn't need high first-round picks, just regular drafting/trades/FA signings and time.
We're starting the 40th name on the back of the jersey today and look to be wondering in the desert for a Moses-like 40 years looking for the final piece.
QB - TBD
Keep Myles. Don't reach ala-Jimmy/Watson because the owner is the reason we are here. It looked and smelled like Jimmy when the deal went down, and Fowler's piece reports Jimmy Haslam is THEE person who pulled the trigger on the Watson trade.
It is unconventional, but we can build an exceptional D and don't have to go hog-wild with high picks while also building up the offensive core.
Impatience has created constant suck so do NOT push in all the chips on another rookie QB. We know the track record. We all have the jersey.

To be clear, the above is not a core. More importantly, will Myles be receptive to this concept of a plan? This team's salary cap problems are over-blown, but we're no longer in a position to pay for people like Conklin / Pocic and only two of the starting OL are signed beyond '25.

 

[ghostguy123]

So if all the 3 win teams lose, we get the #3?

 

[ghostguy123]

What are the odds the Giants or patriots win today? Buffalo with nothing to play for. I don't think the eagles have anything to play for either

 

[ghostguy123]

Well crap, I guess it's the titans after all getting #1

 

[Dez]

From playoff team last year to #2 pick this year

 

[amnesiac]

From playoff team last year to #2 pick this year

guaranteed it’s a QB at this point.

its a low percentage play, but its the only out they have at this point vs an entire rebuild which they won’t be a part of.

 

[Soulfly3]

Personal take - I like cam ward. But the best move, is to take Travis. Generational defensive talent. Our defense is good already, can be GREAT.

Sign cousins on a peanut deal, if possible. Swing a trade even for JJ. Hell, I'd even ride w Jameis one more season... But Travis on this DEF would be something.

 

[ghostguy123]

I'm not opposed to bringing in Cousins for basically free ala the Steelers with Wilson

 

[amnesiac]

I'm not opposed to bringing in Cousins for basically free ala the Steelers with Wilson

only problem is you're likely getting what you pay for with him.

sounds like his arm is shot.

 

[ghostguy123]

I'm not opposed to bringing in Cousins for basically free ala the Steelers with Wilson

only problem is you're likely getting what you pay for with him.

sounds like his arm is shot.

Hed be the best QB on our roster right now. Not bad to get free to play maybe or backup or whatever.

 

[Grahamburn]

Resurrect Daniel Jones’ career. Draft Travis Hunter.

 

[menobrown]

I'm not opposed to bringing in Cousins for basically free ala the Steelers with Wilson

Cleveland has been my best prediction where he ends up since he lost his job. I think Cleveland will want it, a lot about it makes sense for Kirk, but he could be swayed if a similar opportunity opened up with another team. The Stefanski connection should be a big selling point.

No idea what the Browns will do at 2 but tend to think it won't be a QB. But in this class the second drafted player might not have been a top 12 pick last year. Not the best season to get a high pick.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Browns will be a trade back candidate.

More so than any other team picking in the top 12? I think so.

Pick	Team	Record	Win%	GB	SOS	Streak
1	Tennessee	3-14	.176	--	.522	Lost 6
2	Cleveland	3-14	.176	--	.536	Lost 6
3	NY Giants	3-14	.176	--	.554	Lost 1
4	New England	4-13	.235	1.0	.471	Won 1
5	Jacksonville	4-13	.235	1.0	.478	Lost 1
6	Las Vegas	4-13	.235	1.0	.540	Lost 1
7	NY Jets	5-12	.294	2.0	.495	Won 1
8	Carolina	5-12	.294	2.0	.498	Won 1
9	New Orleans	5-12	.294	2.0	.505	Lost 4
10	Chicago	5-12	.294	2.0	.554	Won 1
11	San Francisco	6-11	.353	3.0	.564	Lost 4
12	Dallas	7-10	.412	4.0	.522	Lost 2

 

[Soulfly3]

Browns will be a trade back candidate.

More so than any other team picking in the top 12? I think so.

Pick	Team	Record	Win%	GB	SOS	Streak
1	Tennessee	3-14	.176	--	.522	Lost 6
2	Cleveland	3-14	.176	--	.536	Lost 6
3	NY Giants	3-14	.176	--	.554	Lost 1
4	New England	4-13	.235	1.0	.471	Won 1
5	Jacksonville	4-13	.235	1.0	.478	Lost 1
6	Las Vegas	4-13	.235	1.0	.540	Lost 1
7	NY Jets	5-12	.294	2.0	.495	Won 1
8	Carolina	5-12	.294	2.0	.498	Won 1
9	New Orleans	5-12	.294	2.0	.505	Lost 4
10	Chicago	5-12	.294	2.0	.554	Won 1
11	San Francisco	6-11	.353	3.0	.564	Lost 4
12	Dallas	7-10	.412	4.0	.522	Lost 2

about as a low a chance as any team you listed there to trade back.

in a historically bad deal (unfortunately) at QB, and have a shot at one of the 2 bigs coming out. then they also have the shot, almost locked in, at a generational DB.

for what reason would they trade back when they've just been given the ultimate blessing to "fix" their QB disaster, who likely won't even be healthy at any point next season?

 

[amnesiac]

Watson suffers setback in recovery

 

[amnesiac]

IF Watson can't return next season, they could get some cap relief from the insurance money, but I don't think that would hit until the 2026 season.

which would coincide with them finally dropping him.

IR next season is the best case scenario for everyone involved.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Browns will be a trade back candidate.

More so than any other team picking in the top 12? I think so.

Pick	Team	Record	Win%	GB	SOS	Streak
1	Tennessee	3-14	.176	--	.522	Lost 6
2	Cleveland	3-14	.176	--	.536	Lost 6
3	NY Giants	3-14	.176	--	.554	Lost 1
4	New England	4-13	.235	1.0	.471	Won 1
5	Jacksonville	4-13	.235	1.0	.478	Lost 1
6	Las Vegas	4-13	.235	1.0	.540	Lost 1
7	NY Jets	5-12	.294	2.0	.495	Won 1
8	Carolina	5-12	.294	2.0	.498	Won 1
9	New Orleans	5-12	.294	2.0	.505	Lost 4
10	Chicago	5-12	.294	2.0	.554	Won 1
11	San Francisco	6-11	.353	3.0	.564	Lost 4
12	Dallas	7-10	.412	4.0	.522	Lost 2

about as a low a chance as any team you listed there to trade back.

in a historically bad deal (unfortunately) at QB, and have a shot at one of the 2 bigs coming out. then they also have the shot, almost locked in, at a generational DB.

for what reason would they trade back when they've just been given the ultimate blessing to "fix" their QB disaster, who likely won't even be healthy at any point next season?

Thank you.

I was watching a mock draft on YT - didn’t finish, got through like 8 or so picks - and the guy picking second made that statement. I thought “hmm, wonder if Browns fans feel that way.”

 

[ghostguy123]

Is Cam Ward some obvious must take QB? I have no idea, haven't watched him.

Edit,....just watched a highlight reel. Honestly not that impressed.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Is Cam Ward some obvious must take QB? I have no idea, haven't watched him.

Edit,....just watched a highlight reel. Honestly not that impressed.

Ward made a big jump this year, not unlike Jayden Daniels last year (not saying he's in that tier). I think he has a huge arm, nice accurary, and good athleticism. Seems like a first round pick but probably not a slam dunk top 3 pick. I think Cleveland should be very interested in him if he's not taken 1.

 

[amnesiac]

Is Cam Ward some obvious must take QB? I have no idea, haven't watched him.

Edit,....just watched a highlight reel. Honestly not that impressed.

yeah i have no idea.

i like the 39 to 7 TD:INT and 67% completion rate though.

 

[amnesiac]

Is Cam Ward some obvious must take QB? I have no idea, haven't watched him.

Edit,....just watched a highlight reel. Honestly not that impressed.

Ward made a big jump this year, not unlike Jayden Daniels last year (not saying he's in that tier). I think he has a huge arm, nice accurary, and good athleticism. Seems like a first round pick but probably not a slam dunk top 3 pick. I think Cleveland should be very interested in him if he's not taken 1.

i honestly think they don't have much choice.

gotta take a QB and hope they can get him up to speed.

 

[ghostguy123]

Is Cam Ward some obvious must take QB? I have no idea, haven't watched him.

Edit,....just watched a highlight reel. Honestly not that impressed.

Ward made a big jump this year, not unlike Jayden Daniels last year (not saying he's in that tier). I think he has a huge arm, nice accurary, and good athleticism. Seems like a first round pick but probably not a slam dunk top 3 pick. I think Cleveland should be very interested in him if he's not taken 1.

i honestly think they don't have much choice.

gotta take a QB and hope they can get him up to speed.

No.
We are already set back a few years, let's not set ourselves back a few more.
If he's the guy sure, but no to taking a QB just to take a QB

 

[Hankmoody]

Watson suffers setback in recovery

Came here to post this. How convenient this is for CLE. This sets the stage for them to fail his physical next year and get out from a big portion of the albatross that contract is on the cap. If he can't pass the physical, which in my mind is a foregone conclusion, they can waive him with an injury settlement and only eat $80M on the cap - and if they designate him a post-June 1st cut (not sure they can on injury settlements) it could only be $28M on 2025 with the balance pushed to 2026.