Dawgs By Nature
After the Deshaun Watson trade and a failure in 2024, Berry and Stefanski may not be on the hot seat
In most things, especially professional sports, there are facts and there are opinions. The facts for the Cleveland Browns are not good in 2024. The team is 2-7, traded away veterans DE Za’Darius Smith and WR Amari Cooper and are focused on the NFL draft and NFL free agency.
Once again in Cleveland, the focus is on the quarterback position. While the upcoming draft has some interesting names, a savior might not be there for the Browns.
Another fact is that QB Deshaun Watson was bad before he got injured and the trade to acquire him has been a failure. Watson could still be the team’s starting quarterback next year, but fans (and media) believe GM Andrew Berry and/or HC Kevin Stefanski should be on the hot seat because of the failure with Watson.
What about around the NFL? (Lee Corso voice) Not so fast my friends, according to Albert Breer:
As Breer notes, it is early but he is hearing what most have heard and believed. Not only did Berry and Stefanski sign extensions this offseason, believed to be for five years after this season, but the Watson trade was a shared decision by many more than those two including the ownership group. Holding one or both accountable for a move that at least five people spearheaded (Paul DePodesta, Jimmy Haslam and JW Johnson were certainly among those) makes little sense.
That doesn’t mean Berry or Stefanski are off the hook, especially the head coach. If the locker room turns after the Smith deal with very little to play for, Stefanski’s seat could heat up.
Berry really has very few big moves to make, barring any extensions for younger players, before the end of the season. The hay is in the barn, so to speak, with evaluating Cleveland’s GM.
Those of you looking for major changes with the Browns are likely to be disappointed this offseason. The power will continue to be with those who have had it for years, Watson (due to his contract) could be back and the salary cap could keep the team from making any big moves to the roster. Hence, the NFL draft will be the most important part of the 2025 offseason.
What do you think about what Breer (and myself) are hearing about Berry and Stefanski? Do you think they should be on the hot seat? Fired? Given another year? Have a much longer leash?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
