Currently the rookies and the veterans are in Berea working out. There’s no media access, which is good. According to those, who are reliable, both rookie quarterbacks have done well. Let’s not say one is better than the other at this point in the game. With the schedule release last week, people are trying to speculate when one of the rookies will start. I would prefer game one in 2026. If that happens, the Browns will probably have had a good season in 2025. Imagine finding your starting quarterback in the fourth or fifth round. Then add to that, a starting running back duo who are on rookie contracts for four years. By the way, for those of you who think the Browns are tanking this year, I’ve been told that’s not the feeling in the building. Yes, as of right now, the schedule is the second hardest in the league, but that’s as of right now, in May. I’ll wait till the league gets in the doldrums of training camp to decide. Remember last year they had the second easiest schedule. Things always change.
The new stadium in Brook Park is going to happen no matter how stupid the local politicians behave. The Haslam Sports Group will get the funding from the state for infrastructure and by 2029 the Browns will be playing in “Jimmy world.” They’ll have shovels in the ground by next month. The local politicians haven’t done anything to improve the lakefront for thirty years, why do you think they’ll start now. They all should be replaced for incompetence.
I’m still waiting to see the contracts of the two new safeties. The Browns, according to Over The Cap, are $17.6 million under the cap. Both Damontae Kazee and Rayshawn Jenkins should both receive one-year contracts for the veteran minimum of $1,255,000. The team will have about $10 million added back to their cap space after June 1 because of Dalvin Tomlinson and Juan Thornhill. If more cap space is needed, the Browns can restructure Denzel Ward and Ethan Pocic. Remember a restructure is not a pay cut. Also, only the top 51 salaries count against the cap.
Back to the QB discussion, it’s my opinion that Kenny Pickett will probably start training camp as number one. They traded for him, so that’s what I’m basing it on. All four have been told it’s a true competition and nothing will be assumed. This team needs to focus on winning, not quarterback development. If the coaching staff feels one of the rookies can win right out of the gate, then they’ll start. Winning is the goal in 2025. Stay safe and Go Browns.