The Browns’ 2024 season has been pretty horrible, with the team in a really bad state. Watson was out (say what you will about that), Winston isn’t much better than him, and our line has been pretty bad. The 2024 is over, but there is still a reason to play, and be ready for the next year.
Watson Isn’t Playing Anymore
While the way Watson is no longer playing anymore wasn’t good, and the cheering about his injury was simply gross, he was playing at an awful level. He is gone for the rest of the season, and I don’t see him playing another down for the Browns. The most likely scenario is we bench him permanently, which would technically work. 2025’s QB is up in the air, though I don’t think it will be a rookie. The 2024 draft class is really poor, even though two or three Qbs may be going in the first round. With a top-seven pick (which is what I assume the Browns will get, though it probably will be lower), the Browns should focus on positions like DT and offensive line. We have no idea who the 2025 QB will be, but as long as Watson isn’t playing we should have a chance.
Draft Capital, and Free Agency
The current team going into this year is going to be very similar to the one next year. We have only a few free agents, most of which aren’t crucial pieces of the team. While we are in cap debt, there are always ways to make the cap do whatever you want it to do. The Browns have a lot of picks as well and finally have our own first-round pick. It will be top seven, but we could realistically see it between 1-4. There are so many possibilities one can do with a top-four pick, all of which will totally change the team. The Browns could draft, trade, move up or down, and many more. I think the best option is to sell the pick, move down to between 25-30, steal a few players and maybe a second-round pick. All of which will benefit the Browns, and will help the team for the next few years.
(Hopefully) No Major Injuries
The 2024 season has been riddled with injuries, all of which have crushed the team. There is no way to predict injuries so far out, but as of right now, we may get lucky. Nick Chubb may start the season, we won’t have such a beat-up offensive line, and more. Again injuries are going to pop up, whether they come late this season or in training camp, we’ll have some. Missing Nick Chubb hurt, and our offensive line causing so many sacks wasn’t helping. If we get lucky (we won’t), the team should be pretty healthy next year.
Should We Call 2025 Now?
No. At this point, there is no reason to call the upcoming season. While the team isn’t going to change a whole lot, for better or for worse, the team is going to stay pretty similar. Without a QB though, which is clearly the most important position by far, and a huge cap hit of Watson, the season isn’t going to be very fun. I won’t make predictions, but it isn’t going to be a very fun season from the looks of it. You never know what is going to happen. We should be used to sucking. Kevin may be gone by next year, which will flip a lot of things around. All we need to do is wait and watch the Browns continue to lose again.
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