The Cleveland Browns are heading into a pivotal offseason after another disappointing season, finishing with a 3-14 record. Major roster decisions, the looming retirement of a key veteran, and the 2025 NFL Draft implications are at the forefront. As the Browns prepare for a rebuild, questions surrounding free agency, draft strategy, and quarterback uncertainty dominate the conversation.
Browns’ roster overhaul: Who stays, who goes?
The Browns enter the offseason with several pending free agents and tough decisions to make regarding key players, particularly at linebacker, defensive back, offensive line, and defensive line. Among the most notable players, linebacker Devin Bush has emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster season. After reviving his career in Cleveland, Bush is projected to be re-signed or extended, offering stability at a critical position.
Meanwhile, veteran safety Rodney McLeod has already announced his plans to retire, leaving a gap in leadership and versatility on defense. McLeod’s retirement marks the end of a 13-year NFL career, during which he became a valuable asset in Cleveland’s secondary. Other players, such as special teams standout D’Anthony Bell, are likely to be tendered or re-signed, while underperformers like cornerback Tony Brown and offensive tackle James Hudson are expected to move on.
The offensive line also faces significant turnover, with nine players set to become free agents. Key decisions include whether to retain center Nick Harris, who has shown promise as a depth option and starter candidate, and guard Michael Dunn, whose versatility could earn him another contract. However, the team is likely to part ways with multiple offensive tackles, such as Jedrick Wills and Hakeem Adeniji, after inconsistent performances.
2025 NFL Draft: Browns’ rooting guide and prospects to watch.
The Browns’ 3-14 record places them third in the projected 2025 NFL Draft order, but their position could improve depending on Week 18 results. To secure the No. 1 overall pick, Cleveland needs losses from other struggling teams, including the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, while the Browns themselves must lose to the Baltimore Ravens in their season finale.
The Patriots, currently holding the top draft spot,
face the Buffalo Bills, who are locked into the AFC’s No. 2 seed and are expected to rest starters. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans, who hold the No. 2 pick, take on the Houston Texans, another playoff-bound team likely to play with backups. If both teams pull off upsets, the Browns could have a path to leapfrog into the top draft position, a scenario that would be crucial for a franchise desperate for a reset.
For Cleveland, landing the No. 1 pick could mean a chance to draft a franchise-altering quarterback. With highly touted prospects like USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye expected to declare for the draft, the Browns will likely be targeting one of these future stars. However, securing the top pick would also give Cleveland the flexibility to trade down for a haul of picks, adding more depth to a roster riddled with holes.
Quarterback uncertainty: Will Cleveland finally find stability?
The Browns’ ongoing struggles at quarterback remain a glaring issue. After injuries and inconsistent play derailed the 2024 season, the team now faces a decision on how to address the position moving forward. Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson both had opportunities to showcase their skills, but neither has solidified themselves as the long-term solution. With the organization’s playoff drought extending another year, stability at quarterback is a must if Cleveland hopes to turn the corner in 2025.
General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, both expected to return in 2025, are under immense pressure to deliver results. Stefanski, whose offensive schemes have come under fire, must find ways to maximize the potential of his roster while Berry navigates the challenging free agency and draft landscape. A franchise quarterback could be the missing piece, and the 2025 draft presents a golden opportunity to address this critical need.
Looking ahead: A defining offseason for Cleveland.
The Browns’ offseason will be defined by the decisions they make in the coming months. The retirement of Rodney McLeod, the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation, and the potential to secure the No. 1 draft pick all loom large. If Cleveland can navigate these challenges effectively, they may finally position themselves to escape the bottom of the AFC North standings.
For Browns fans, patience has worn thin after years
of unmet expectations and failed rebuilds. The 2025 offseason represents a critical juncture for the franchise—a chance to reset and build a foundation for future success. However, this will require a mix of strategic roster decisions, effective use of draft capital, and a clear vision from the front office and coaching staff.
Ultimately, the Browns’ performance in the upcoming months will determine whether they can shed the “rebuilding” label and emerge as a competitive force in the NFL. For now, all eyes are on Week 18 and the dominoes that need to fall for Cleveland to take a step toward reclaiming relevance.
