The Cleveland Browns are coming off a very disappointing season. After making the playoffs in the 2023-2024 season, they looked to build off that. However, last season was the complete opposite. After going 3-14 in 2024-25, they had the second pick in the draft, which they traded for future assets. Most of their signings have been confusing to the naked eye, so let’s dive into the Browns’ offseason moves!
Browns’ 2024-2025 Season Recap
The Cleveland Browns were coming off a strong 11-6 record in 2023. Last season, they dealt with so many quarterback injuries, which led to their three-win season. Cleveland ended their campaign with a losing nine of their last 11 games. This team will look different at the helm next season with its interesting QB room.
Offseason Acquisitions
Let’s start with the draft. With the number two selection in this year’s draft, Cleveland traded with the Jacksonville Jaguars to move down to the 5th pick, as well as the 36th pick, 126th pick, and the subsequent season’s first-round pick. For a team that is in the process of rebuilding, the more assets a team has, the more likely the outcome is that the franchise will improve in the future. They selected DT Mason Graham with the 5th pick and RB Quinshon Judkins with the 36th pick.
In terms of free agency and trades, they acquired Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Devin Bush, Jerome Baker, and Maliek Collins, among other notable offseason additions. They also acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, which we’ll touch on n just a bit. Their only problem is that they are in the AFC North, one of the best divisions in the NFL.
Offseason Departures
There weren’t as many departures as there were acquisitions, but we can still go over the few. Cleveland lost QB Jameis Winston, who had many electric moments last season despite the lack of team success. Defensive Tackle Dalvin Tomlinson’s contract was terminated due to being a salary cap casualty. Also, losing Nick Chubb to free agency stings considering his tenure with the team. However, the bulk of the team is still intact, but it is still a work in progress.
Opinions on Browns’ Offseason
There is an old expression that the great John Madden once said: “If you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none.” Well, what happens when you have five quarterbacks? Currently, the Browns have Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Kenny Pickett, and Dillion Gabriel on their roster.
To draft Gabriel and Sanders in back-to-back rounds when you already had three players at their position is nothing short of bad team direction. In the spectrum of contending for the division, then a playoff spot, this team is one of the furthest teams away.
Unlike the Bengals’ offseason, Cleveland got a tremendous future asset, the Jaguars’ first-round pick next season. This organization must look itself in the mirror and realize where they are and what direction it needs to go. I didn’t even mention Judkins’ off the field issue. You have one of the best defensive players in the league with Myles Garrett. However, like Cincinnati, this franchise has been in the dumps for the majority of my life and will continue to be in the short-term future.
Final Thoughts
The Cleveland Browns seemed to be one of the more interesting teams in the AFC after signing Watson a few seasons ago. Since then, it has gone all downhill. From off-field scandals to season-ending injuries, something has got to give. They ultimately have to turn the page on this iteration of the Browns and move on to the next chapter, whoever is leading the charge.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my recap and review of the Cleveland Browns’ offseason moves! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
