The “Merchants Of Doom” i.e. the Cleveland media didn’t take long to start criticizing Browns GM Andrew Berry after his press availability. I listened and was encouraged. First the big news, quarterback Deshaun Watson has had a setback in his rehab. This tells me he’s not going to be a factor in the QB room in 2025. He’ll be placed on the PUP list when training camp starts then moved to injured reserve at the start of the season. Then http://@Jason_OTC posted on twitter “The #Browns have $44.3M of Watson’s 2025 salary insured for injury so there is some major financial relief available if he cannot play due to the Achilles injury suffered this year.” More good news, the Browns can recoup money owed to Watson. Berry also said the QB room will be different, and Watson’s injury has no impact on the 2025 QB room.
It sounded like Myles Garrett isn’t going anywhere, and Nick Chubb might not be back. Some think differently on Chubb, but it’s a business and he’s not the same player. You need a durable player to have a successful run game. Hopefully I’m wrong and Chubb comes back better than ever. Berry shed some light into the team’s draft process. He again said the Browns look at all positions like they’re an expansion team and the evaluations begin a year and a half ahead of time. Speaking of the draft, I’m of the mind that the Browns would like to trade down and collect assets. Let some other team overdraft one of these quarterbacks. The Lions did it and got four starters, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, TE Sam LaPorta and DB Brian Branch. That’s a nice haul and that’s why they’re a Super Bowl contender.
The Browns draft picks are, round one, pick 2, round two, pick 33, round three, pick 67 & 93, round four, pick 103, round five, pick 166, round six pick 178, 191 & 205. Two more compensatory picks will be added for Joe Flacco and Jordan Elliott, probably at the end of the sixth round.
The other injury news, DT Michael Hall has a torn MCL and is expected to have surgery next week. He’ll be ready for the 2025 season. As for the game Saturday night, an interception to a 355 lb. defensive tackle is the perfect metaphor for the 2024 Browns season.
Finally, don’t let the “Merchants Of Doom” tell you the Browns have no cap space to sign players, because it’s a load of crap. They’ll have money to spend and will again outspend other NFL teams by $50 million with upfront cash. They’re currently over the expected 2025 salary cap of 272.5 million by $21.4 million but are under the 2024 cap of 255.4 million by 41.5 million. The team will roll the 2024 overage into next year giving them around $20 million under the cap. Add to that the unearned bonus and incentive money from players and the Browns could add another seven to ten million. They’re fine, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Stay safe and Go Browns.