The Cleveland Browns welcome their rookies to training camp on Monday and then the rest of the players arrive on Tuesday up in Berea. On Thursday the team heads to Greenbrier in West Virginia where they will practice for nine days before returning to Berea.
The excitement of the new season around the bend has Browns fans ready and anticipating many great things.
The team is coming off of an 11-6 season record and a return to the playoffs. Deshaun Watson is set to return after a shoulder injury in the latter half of last season. Nick Chubb will also be returning after a serious knee injury at the start of last season. While these things all look promising there are still several questions that have Cleveland fans a bit nervous going into the new campaign. Let’s take a look at three of these questions and concerns.
Browns No.1 Question: “When and does Amari Cooper get a contract extension?
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 24: Amari Cooper #2 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass against Steven Nelson #21 of the Houston Texans during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Most fans believe that wide receiver Amari Cooper will get a contract extension from the Browns. However, Cooper missed the mandatory minicamp a few weeks back and that has stressed out a fanbase who are hoping that all ends well and the two sides come to terms.
Salary
Cooper is set to earn around $20 million this last season on his contract. It is suspected he wants an extension that would be a couple of years more and be worth more than his current deal. Right now, Cooper is in the top tier of paid wide receivers across the league. But, there are other wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys who are also holding out from their teams in hopes of more money. It is being reported that Lamb wants north of $30 million a season. This might be why Cooper and the Browns are at a stand still until we see what Lamb gets.
If that’s the case then the stress level amongst Browns fans will continue to skyrocket in the coming weeks as they wait to see how all this plays out. There are also trade rumors swirling with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers. Would the Browns consider a trade of Cooper if this is the case?
Browns No. 2 Question: Does Nick Chubb return in Week 1?
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 10: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns plays against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
We’ve now seen videos of Browns running back Nick Chubb‘s rehab as he prepares for the 2024 season. He suffered a horrible knee injury last September but he’s looking strong in his return. He’s squatting 585 pounds for example in one video he’s released while training at his old high school in Georgia.
That has certainly intrigued Browns fans talking of a potential return to the team as early as Week 1 of the regular season.
Week 1? Really?
It’s being reported that he will start on the PUP list for training camp but that doesn’t mean he’d begin there in Week 1. I’m in the camp that believes Chubb will be “a go” in Week 1. His return to the team is vital and key if this team is serious about winning a Super Bowl.
The team may want to take it cautiously with Chubb’s return and I get that. But I think Chubb has other ideas in mind, and I will never doubt the best player the Browns have had on this team since Joe Thomas.
Browns No. 3 Question: What battles at training camp should we pay attention to?
There are battles in this training camp that we will all be watching closely. Many of the starting jobs are already filled but many back up roles will be determined.
There is a question of who will start at the right tackle position. Jack Conklin is the veteran with his share of injuries. Second-year player Dawand Jones, who filled in nicely a year ago for Conklin, could be the go-to here this year.
Wide Receiver Woes?
There’s always a battle amongst the wide receivers as to who will get those final spots. We know that Amari Cooper (if he signs an extension), Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy (traded for this offseason), and Cedric Tillman (drafted last season) are probably locks. But then you’ll have players like David Bell, James Thrash (newly drafted) and James Proche (kick returner) battling it out for those final spots.
There will be questions too on who will start on the defensive line this season. We know that Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith will be the starting ends. Dalvin Tomlinson will be the starting tackle. The Browns signed free agent Quinton Jefferson ( former NY Jet). Jefferson will likely be the guy at the other tackle spot. However second-year player Siaki Ika will likely get an opportunity to work his way in as the starter.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 15: Ogbo Okoronkwo #54 of the Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrate after a defensive play during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Finally, pay attention to the linebacker room in this training camp. The Browns lost Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki in free agency. However, Cleveland brought in free agents Jordan Hicks and Devan Bush who both have plenty of veteran experience. Jeremiah Owusu- Koramoah will be our one starting linebacker but who will be that second guy? I’m guessing that Hicks will get the starts and Bush will be brought in on 3rd downs a lot this season.
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