Jimmy Haslam Perplexed by Browns’ Struggles, Evaluates Future Amid 3-10 Record
LAS COLINAS, Texas — Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is scratching his head over his team’s disappointing 3-10 record this season. Speaking candidly as he left the NFL owners meetings on Wednesday, Haslam admitted he’s puzzled by the team’s dramatic fall from grace but emphasized that a full evaluation of the organization will come after the season. That evaluation, he noted, will include a hard look at the quarterback position.
Despite the struggles, Haslam expressed confidence in head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, both of whom signed contract extensions before the 2024 season. “We went from 11-6 and making the playoffs to 3-10, so it’s a little perplexing what happened,” Haslam told ESPN. “I do. We do. We’re very supportive,” he added when asked if Stefanski and Berry are still the right people to lead the team.
Quarterback Questions Loom Large
One of the biggest issues facing the Browns is the quarterback position. Deshaun Watson, who was acquired from the Houston Texans in 2022 and signed to a then-record deal, has struggled to live up to expectations. Watson is owed $92 million in guaranteed money over the next two years, but injuries and inconsistent play have plagued his tenure in Cleveland. Currently, he’s rehabbing an Achilles tear suffered in Week 7, leaving his future with the team uncertain.
Cutting Watson would be a financial nightmare, as it would trigger dead salary cap hits exceeding $100 million. In his absence, Jameis Winston has stepped in and provided some sparks, surpassing 300 passing yards in three of his six starts. However, the Browns are just 2-4 during that stretch, leaving the team with more questions than answers at the most important position in football.
When asked about the future of the quarterback position, Haslam remained noncommittal. “We need to get through the season and we will look at everything,” he said.
Draft Options and Team Needs
With the Browns likely to secure a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the team has an opportunity to address the quarterback situation. This will be Cleveland’s first first-round pick since 2021, and they could use it to select a young signal-caller. Alternatively, the Browns could explore signing a veteran quarterback in free agency. Either way, the decision will be critical for a franchise desperate to turn things around.
But the Browns’ problems extend far beyond the quarterback position. Last season, Cleveland boasted the league’s top-ranked total defense under coordinator Jim Schwartz. This year, that same unit has plummeted to 21st overall. The once-dominant rushing attack has also fallen off a cliff, ranking 30th in the league this season. These struggles have compounded the team’s woes and made it clear that the Browns have multiple areas in need of improvement.
Haslam’s Perspective: No Rebuild, But Work to Do
Despite the team’s struggles, Haslam doesn’t believe a full-scale rebuild is necessary. “We’ve got a lot of needs as a team,” he admitted, “but we have enough talent to avoid starting over from scratch.” Still, he acknowledged the disappointment felt throughout the organization. “We’re all disappointed. We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’ll go back and go to work.”
Haslam also stressed the importance of staying level-headed during the season. “I’ve learned not to get too emotional during the season. We will sit down after the season, go through everything for next year,” he said.
Daunting Schedule Ahead
The Browns’ remaining schedule doesn’t offer much relief. They’ll face the Kansas City Chiefs at home this Sunday, followed by a road game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. After that, they’ll host the high-powered Miami Dolphins in Week 17 before closing out the season on the road against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. It’s a brutal stretch that will test the team’s resolve and could further shape the decisions made in the offseason.
Key Takeaways
- The Browns are 3-10 after making the playoffs in 2023, leaving owner Jimmy Haslam “perplexed.”
- Deshaun Watson’s future is uncertain as he rehabs an Achilles tear, with $92 million in guaranteed money still owed.
- The Browns’ defense has fallen from first to 21st, and their rushing attack ranks 30th this season.
- Haslam remains supportive of head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry but will evaluate the team after the season.
- Cleveland is likely to have a top-10 draft pick, which could be used to address the quarterback position.
As the Browns limp toward the finish line of a disappointing season, all eyes will be on the decisions made this offseason. Can Cleveland find the answers it needs to return to playoff contention, or will the struggles continue? Only time will tell.
Originally Written by: Jake Trotter
