2025 NFL Team Preview Series: Cleveland Browns
Welcome back to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.
For every team, we’ll cover:
- Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
- Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
- Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.
From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.
Cleveland Browns
Coaching Staff: Offensive Overhaul
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season with continued stability at head coach and defensive coordinator, but a significant overhaul on the offensive side of the ball. These changes reflect a desire to rejuvenate a unit that struggled with consistency in 2024.
Kevin Stefanski remains the Head Coach, entering his sixth season leading the Browns. Despite a challenging 2024 season marred by quarterback injuries, Stefanski’s leadership and commitment to a run-heavy, play-action-oriented offence remained central to the team’s identity. His focus will be on integrating the new offensive personnel and adapting to the uncertainty at quarterback.
The most significant shift is the promotion of Tommy Rees to Offensive Coordinator, replacing Ken Dorsey. Rees, who previously served as the tight ends coach and passing game specialist, will now lead the offence. The promotion signals a desire for a fresh perspective and perhaps a simplified approach to the passing game, working directly with the plethora of new quarterbacks.
On defence, Jim Schwartz continues as Defensive Coordinator. His aggressive, attacking scheme proved highly effective in 2024, maintaining the Browns’ status as a top defensive unit. With a strong defensive core returning, Schwartz’s challenge will be to sustain that elite performance despite some departures.
These adjustments, particularly on offence, suggest a concentrated effort to optimize individual position groups and streamline the passing game under the new offensive coordinator.
2025 Offseason Recap: Navigating QB Turmoil, Bolstering Trenches
The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 offseason has been dominated by uncertainty at the quarterback position and strategic moves to reinforce both sides of the trenches, as well as add depth to the skill positions.
Key Extensions:
- Myles Garrett (EDGE): Signed a significant contract extension amidst trade rumours, solidifying the face of their dominant defence for years to come.
- Jerome Ford (RB): Re-signed to a new deal, keeping a key piece of their running back rotation.
- Bryan Anger (P): Extended, ensuring continuity at punter.
- KaVontae Turpin (WR/KR): Re-signed, retaining an explosive return specialist.
- Trent Sieg (LS): Extended, securing their long snapper.
Key Free-Agent Signings & Trades:
- Maliek Collins (DT): Signed a two-year deal, a significant addition to the defensive interior from the 49ers (after being traded to them from Houston), bringing a disruptive presence.
- Kenny Pickett (QB): Acquired via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. This move provides a young, experienced option at quarterback.
- Joe Flacco (QB): Re-signed on a one-year, $4 million contract in April 2025 after a stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Flacco’s return brings a veteran presence and familiarity with Stefanski’s system, a popular move after his successful run in 2023.
- Cornelius Lucas (OT): Signed a two-year deal, adding a reliable veteran presence and depth at offensive tackle.
- Diontae Johnson (WR): Acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025. This brings a proven route-runner and target to bolster the receiving corps.
- Devin Bush (LB): Re-signed on a one-year deal, maintaining depth and experience at linebacker.
- Jerome Baker (LB): Signed after being released by the Titans, adding another athletic veteran linebacker.
- Rayshawn Jenkins (S): Signed in March, bringing an experienced safety to a solid secondary.
- Damontae Kazee (S): Re-signed, providing continuity and depth in the defensive backfield.
- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (EDGE): Signed a one-year deal, adding a rotational pass-rush option.
- Teven Jenkins (OG): Signed a one-year deal, providing interior offensive line competition.
- DeAndre Carter (WR): Signed a one-year deal, adding some special teams value.
- Jackson Barton (OT): Signed, adding further depth at tackle.
Notable Departures (Since February 2025):
- Deshaun Watson (QB): While still under contract, Watson suffered a re-ruptured Achilles in January 2025 during his recovery from an initial October 2024 tear. His status for 2025 is highly uncertain, with reports suggesting he’s likely to begin the season on the PUP list and potentially miss most, if not all, of the year. This injury drastically reshaped the Browns’ offseason priorities at quarterback.
- Nick Chubb (RB): Released in March 2025 after his second major knee injury. This was a significant and emotional loss, leaving a huge void in the backfield. He later signed with the Houston Texans.
- Jameis Winston (QB): Signed with the New York Giants.
- Elijah Moore (WR): Signed with the Buffalo Bills.
- Jordan Akins (TE): Unrestricted Free Agent.
- Dalvin Tomlinson (DT): Released as a post-June 1 cut, later signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
- Juan Thornhill (S): Released as a post-June 1 cut, later signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- D’Onta Foreman (RB): Unrestricted Free Agent.
- Bailey Zappe (QB): Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson (QB): Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of the Kenny Pickett deal.
2025 NFL Draft Recap: A Focus on the Future at Quarterback and Defensive Front
The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy clearly pivoted due to the Deshaun Watson injury, emphasizing the acquisition of future quarterback talent alongside strengthening the defensive line.
- Round 1, Pick 5: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan After trading down from the second overall pick, the Browns selected a premier defensive tackle. Graham is a powerful, disruptive interior lineman who immediately upgrades their run defence and provides an interior pass rush, complementing Myles Garrett.
- Round 2, Pick 33: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA An athletic and versatile linebacker, Schwesinger adds depth and future potential to the second level of the defence.
- Round 2, Pick 36 (From Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State A highly productive and physical downhill runner. With Nick Chubb’s departure, Judkins is expected to compete for significant carries immediately and potentially become the future lead back.
- Round 3, Pick 67: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green A local product with good receiving skills, Fannin Jr. adds depth and potential as a pass-catching tight end.
- Round 3, Pick 94 (From Bills): Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon The first of two quarterbacks drafted, Gabriel brings experience from multiple college systems and a proven ability to move the ball. He provides another option in the crowded QB room.
- Round 4, Pick 126 (From Jaguars): Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee Doubling down at running back, Sampson is an explosive playmaker who adds versatility and big-play potential to the backfield.
- Round 5, Pick 144 (From Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado The second quarterback drafted, Sanders brings a high football IQ and accuracy. His selection underscores the team’s long-term planning at the position, recognizing the uncertainty with Deshaun Watson.
Key Draft Storyline: The Strategic Trade that Reshaped the Browns’ Future
The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 NFL Draft will be remembered less for a singular top pick and more for a masterclass in strategic maneuvering that significantly altered the franchise’s trajectory. Holding the coveted No. 2 overall pick, many speculated the Browns might target a potential game-changer like dual-threat phenom Travis Hunter. However, General Manager Andrew Berry had a different vision, executing a bold trade that has ramifications for years to come.
In a move that sent ripples through the draft, the Browns traded their No. 2 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In return, Cleveland secured a treasure trove of assets: the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 draft, a 2025 second-round pick (No. 36 overall), a 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 126 overall), and crucially, the Jaguars’ 2026 first-round pick.
This wasn’t just about moving down; it was about maximizing value and accumulating capital. With the No. 5 pick, the Browns still landed a foundational piece in Mason Graham, the highly touted defensive tackle from Michigan. Graham immediately slots in as a disruptive interior presence, complementing Myles Garrett and fortifying Jim Schwartz’s already elite defence.
An AFC executive noted the financial shrewdness of this pick, stating, “It’s hard to pass on Travis [Hunter] or Abdul [Carter] at 2, but you get a good young defensive tackle [in Mason Graham]. That’s a position that’s really expensive now, so to get a rookie-scale player there is crucial.” The trade allows the Browns to get high-impact talent at a premium position on a cost-controlled deal, a vital component for a team navigating significant veteran contracts.
The additional picks gained were immediately put to use. The extra second-rounder allowed the Browns to address the critical void left by Nick Chubb’s departure, drafting Quinshon Judkins, RB from Ohio State. Judkins, a physical and productive runner, is poised to compete for significant carries from day one, ensuring the Browns’ run-heavy identity remains intact. The extra fourth-rounder also enabled the selection of Dylan Sampson, RB from Tennessee, doubling down on the position and adding further depth.
Perhaps the most significant long-term ramification of this trade is the 2026 first-round pick from Jacksonville. This future asset provides invaluable flexibility for the Browns’ front office. Given the current uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson’s health and long-term future, that extra first-round pick could be leveraged to acquire another top-tier quarterback prospect in a future draft, or used to continue building through the draft in other areas. It allows the Browns to maintain a “win-now” mentality while simultaneously building a pipeline for sustained competitiveness.
By sacrificing just three spots in the first round, Andrew Berry secured an immediate defensive line anchor, significantly bolstered the running back room, and acquired future draft capital. This bold trade positions the Browns with options and flexibility that few teams possess, a testament to their long-term vision amidst immediate challenges at quarterback.
Offseason Summary: Quarterback Roulette
The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 offseason has been a fascinating and turbulent period, largely defined by the unexpected developments at the quarterback position. The re-rupture of Deshaun Watson’s Achilles tendon in January fundamentally reshaped the team’s trajectory, forcing a pivot to ensure competence under centre.
In response, the Browns orchestrated a multi-faceted approach, bringing in both veteran experience and future potential. The trade for Kenny Pickett and the return of Joe Flacco provide established, albeit different, starting options. The subsequent drafting of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders signals a clear long-term strategy, acknowledging that Watson’s future is tenuous at best. This crowded quarterback room, while providing options, will also create an intense competition throughout training camp and the preseason, with wide receiver Diontae Johnson already speculating that Pickett will get the first shot with the starting unit.
Beyond the quarterback carousel, the Browns made concerted efforts to reinforce their overall roster. On defence, the extension of Myles Garrett ensures their elite pass rush remains intact, complemented by the signing of Maliek Collins to bolster the interior defensive line. These moves maintain the strength of Jim Schwartz’s top-tier unit, despite losing key players like Dalvin Tomlinson and Juan Thornhill.
Offensively, the departure of Nick Chubb hurts, but the draft additions of Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson (RB) and the signing of Cornelius Lucas (OT) aim to mitigate these losses. The acquisition of Diontae Johnson adds much-needed receiving depth if he can get his off field issues out of the way, providing a reliable target for whichever quarterback emerges.
The promotion of Tommy Rees to Offensive Coordinator signifies a new direction for the offence, which will need to adapt quickly to its new signal-callers and potentially lean even more on its revamped running game. While the defence remains a strength, the true narrative of the Browns’ 2025 season will undoubtedly hinge on how effectively they navigate their quarterback situation and manage the transition from a franchise passer to a committee approach. The “win-now” urgency remains, but the path to success has become far more complex.
2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction
The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 schedule presents a challenging but potentially navigable path. They will embark on an international trip to London and face a tough slate against both divisional rivals and strong opponents from other conferences.
- Weeks 1–4: Divisional Kickoff and Early Tests
- Week 1: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 2: at Baltimore Ravens
- Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers
- Week 4: at Detroit Lions
Outlook: A brutal start with two divisional games and tough NFC North opponents. The Packers and Lions games will be early indicators of their offensive capabilities.
Prediction: 0-4
- Weeks 5–9: London’s Calling
- Week 5: vs. Minnesota Vikings (London)
- Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 7: vs. Miami Dolphins
- Week 8: at New England Patriots
- Week 9: BYE
Outlook: The London game is a unique challenge, followed by another tough AFC North road test, but there are a couple of winnable games in this stretch if their defence is able to take over against questionable offences.
Prediction: 2-2 (Overall: 2-6)
- Weeks 10–13: Post-Bye Challenges
- Week 10: at New York Jets
- Week 11: vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Week 12: at Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 13: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Outlook: Coming off the bye, they face a familiar foe in the Jets, a crucial home divisional clash against the Ravens, and then a cross-country trip before hosting the NFC powerhouse 49ers.
Prediction: 1-3 (Overall: 3-9)
- Weeks 14–18: Late Season Push
- Week 14: vs. Tennessee Titans
- Week 15: at Chicago Bears
- Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
- Week 17: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 18: at Cincinnati Bengals
Outlook: A mix of winnable home games against the Titans and Steelers, but tough road matchups and a critical home game against the Bills will define their playoff hopes.
Prediction: 3-2
Final Record Prediction: 6-11
The Cleveland Browns face a demanding schedule in 2025. While their defence remains a top-tier unit, the ongoing uncertainty and transition at the quarterback position, combined with a new offensive coordinator and significant changes in the running back room, will likely hinder their consistency. The AFC North is fiercely competitive, and the Browns have a number of challenging non-divisional games. While they have the talent to pull off upsets, a 6-11 record seems a realistic outcome as they navigate a pivotal year of offensive retooling.
Final Take: A High-Stakes Gamble With An Elite Defence
The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 offseason has been defined by a strategic gamble at quarterback. While the devastating injury to Deshaun Watson necessitated action, the acquisition of two veteran signal-callers in Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, coupled with the drafting of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, indicates a shift from a singular long-term vision to a more diversified, competitive approach under centre. This creates a fascinating, albeit volatile, situation that will determine the team’s ceiling.
The strength of the Browns, however, remains their formidable defence. Led by Myles Garrett and boasting a deep secondary, Jim Schwartz’s unit is poised to once again be one of the league’s best, capable of keeping them in any game. Offensive additions like Diontae Johnson and the promising rookie running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson signal an intent to re-establish a potent ground game and provide reliable receiving options. The promotion of Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator adds a new variable, as he looks to maximize the talent with an unsettled quarterback situation.
Ultimately, the Browns enter 2025 as a team with undeniable talent, particularly on defence, but with a massive question mark at the most crucial position. Their ability to contend in a brutal AFC North will hinge almost entirely on which quarterback can seize the starting role and provide consistent, efficient play. If one of their new acquisitions or Flacco can replicate his 2023 magic, the Browns could exceed expectations. If not, their elite defence might not be enough to overcome the offensive instability. This is a high-stakes season for Cleveland.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.