The Browns’ Path to Super Bowl Glory: Offseason Needs and Priorities Take Center Stage
The Cleveland Browns completed one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory with a 3-14 record, no future quarterback, and their star player questioning his future with the organization.
That’s a lot to unpack for general manager Andrew Berry.
The good news is there is plenty of cap room to play with in 2025 with an estimated $63.3 million available. The good news continues with the second overall draft pick.
ESPN recently offered its priorities for the Browns’ 2025 offseason, and it starts with the Holy Grail: finding a franchise quarterback.
“Biggest offseason priority: Search for a solution at quarterback. Given Deshaun Watson’s struggles since arriving in Cleveland and his latest season-ending injury, the Browns once again have QB concerns. Cleveland’s decision-makers have not committed to Watson being the starter when he returns from his Achilles tear, but with a $72.9 million cap hit, he likely will return in some capacity. Can the Browns find competition — and a potential upgrade — in the draft or in free agency?”
Along with finding that elusive franchise quarterback, ESPN suggests an upgrade and overhaul of the oft-injured offensive line to protect said franchise quarterback.
“Under-the-radar offseason priority: Overhaul an offensive line that regressed in 2024. Jedrick Wills Jr., a 2020 first-round pick, is entering free agency. Joel Bitonio, who is 33, will ponder retirement, while Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic and Jack Conklin have no guaranteed money remaining on their contracts.”
Star defensive end Myles Garrett recently said he needs to see the Browns’ blueprint for 2025 success. He didn’t say he’d leave if he didn’t like it, but the understanding that that possibility exists.
Would a new quarterback, offensive line and philosophy satisfy Garrett? Only he knows the answer to that. Former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was fired after just one season, and should be replaced with someone with some experience and a track record of success – so, the opposite of Dorsey.
