How the Cleveland Browns Are Building for the 2025 NFL Season

Quick Answer

The Cleveland Browns are building for the 2025 NFL season after a disastrous 2024 campaign that saw them finish 3-14, last in the AFC North. Coming off a 32nd-ranked offense (258 points scored) and a defense that allowed 435 points, the front office faces a critical offseason of roster reconstruction, quarterback uncertainty, and injury management.

With key players like David Njoku and Carson Schwesinger already sidelined for the upcoming season as of July 2026, the Browns must address depth, scheme adjustments, and long-term planning to avoid repeating the 2024 collapse.

Key Facts

• The Browns finished the 2024 regular season 3-14-0, fourth in the AFC North Division
• Head coach Kevin Stefanski led the team to a 3-14 record after an 11-6 season the prior year
• The team scored only 258 points (15.2 per game), ranking 32nd out of 32 NFL teams
• The defense allowed 435 points, highlighting major issues on both sides of the ball
• Quarterback Jameis Winston started multiple games in 2024, throwing for 2,121 yards
• Running back Nick Chubb remains on the roster but the rushing attack struggled without consistent production behind him
• As of July 2026, tight end David Njoku (knee) and linebacker Carson Schwesinger (quad) are out for games, while center Kingsley Eguakun is questionable
• Myles Garrett's injury status remains uncertain heading into the 2026 season

The 2024 Collapse What Went Wrong and What It Means for 2025

Offensive Breakdown From 11-6 to 3-14

The 2024 Cleveland Browns season was a stark reversal of fortune. After winning 11 games in 2023 and making the playoffs, the team cratered to a 3-14 record.

This wasn't just a bad season—it was historically poor by modern NFL standards. The offense ranked dead last in scoring, averaging just 15.2 points per game.

To put that in perspective, the 2023 Browns averaged 23.3 points per game. That's a drop of over eight points per contest, which is nearly impossible to overcome in today's NFL.

The root cause was a combination of quarterback instability, offensive line regression, and an inability to run the ball effectively. Jameis Winston, who threw for 2,121 yards in 2024, is a high-variance quarterback known for big plays and costly turnovers.

While the reference material does not provide his interception or touchdown totals, the raw yardage number suggests he was forced to throw frequently because the team was trailing. A quarterback with Winston's profile cannot sustain drives when the defense knows the pass is coming.

The running game, led by Nick Chubb, never found its rhythm. Chubb is one of the NFL's most talented backs, but the 2024 Browns finished with only 565 rushing yards from Jerome Ford, their second-leading rusher.

That number indicates either a committee approach that didn't work or a situation where defenses stacked the box against a predictable offense. Either way, the Browns could not control the clock or protect leads—two essential ingredients for winning football.

Defensive Regression Why 435 Points Allowed Is Unacceptable

The defensive side of the ball was equally troubling. Allowing 435 points over 17 games averages out to 25.6 points per game.

While that's not historically awful, it's well above the league average and completely unacceptable for a team that expected to contend. In 2023, the Browns defense was one of the best in the league, anchored by Myles Garrett and a strong secondary.

The 2024 version lost that edge. Injuries played a role.

As of July 2026, the Browns are dealing with significant injury issues. Tight end David Njoku is out with a knee injury, linebacker Carson Schwesinger is out with a quad injury, and center Kingsley Eguakun is questionable.

Myles Garrett's status remains uncertain. These are not minor depth players—Njoku is a starting-caliber tight end, Schwesinger is a key linebacker, and Garrett is the team's best defensive player.

If these injuries linger into the 2025 season, the defense will struggle again. The bigger issue, however, is schematic and personnel.

The 2024 defense ranked near the bottom of the league in points allowed, which suggests fundamental problems with coverage, pass rush consistency, or tackling. Without major upgrades at multiple positions, the 2025 defense could look similar to the 2024 unit that allowed 435 points.

Roster Moves and Critical Decisions for the 2025 Season

Quarterback Situation Winston's Role and the Need for a Long-Term Answer

The most pressing question for the 2025 Browns is who will play quarterback. Jameis Winston is under contract, but his 2024 performance raises serious doubts about his ability to lead a winning team.

A quarterback who throws for 2,121 yards over a full season is averaging just 125 yards per game—that's backup-level production. For comparison, most starting quarterbacks in the NFL average 230-280 yards per game.

Something is clearly broken. The reference material does not indicate whether the Browns have drafted a quarterback or signed a free agent for 2025.

Based on publicly available information, the team must decide between sticking with Winston, drafting a rookie, or pursuing a veteran trade. Each option carries risks.

Winston is familiar with the system but has demonstrated he cannot elevate the team. A rookie would need time to develop, which could lead to another losing season.

A veteran trade would cost draft capital and cap space. The most realistic path forward is drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Browns finished with the worst record in the AFC, so they will have a high pick—potentially the first overall selection. That would allow them to choose from top prospects.

However, the front office must resist the temptation to reach for need if the quarterback class is weak. A bad quarterback taken early can set a franchise back years.

Rebuilding the Offensive Line Protecting the Quarterback and Opening Running Lanes

The offensive line was a weakness in 2024, and it showed in every aspect of the offense. The Browns could not run the ball effectively, and the quarterback was under constant pressure.

The reference material mentions Hakeem Adeniji as a roster member, but his performance is not detailed. What is clear is that the line as a whole failed.

For 2025, the Browns need to invest in at least two new starters on the offensive line. This can be done through free agency, the draft, or a combination of both.

The best teams in the NFL build from the trenches, and the Browns are far behind. Center Kingsley Eguakun's questionable status for the upcoming season adds another layer of uncertainty.

If he cannot play, the Browns will need to find a replacement. A strong offensive line would also help Nick Chubb return to form.

Chubb is a downhill runner who needs holes to hit. If the line can create running lanes, the entire offense becomes more balanced and unpredictable.

That, in turn, would make the passing game more effective, even with a quarterback of Winston's caliber.

Defensive Reinforcements Shoring Up the Pass Rush and Secondary

Myles Garrett is the heart of the defense, but one player cannot carry a unit. The 2024 defense allowed 435 points, which means teams found ways to neutralize Garrett or exploit weaknesses elsewhere.

The Browns need to add at least one more pass rusher to complement Garrett, whether through the draft or free agency. They also need to improve the secondary.

Carson Schwesinger's quad injury is concerning because he is a young linebacker with potential. If he misses significant time, the Browns will need to find a replacement who can cover tight ends and running backs.

Linebacker play is critical in today's NFL, where offenses spread the field and use athletic tight ends. The Browns cannot afford to be weak at this position.

The defensive backfield also needs attention. The reference material does not provide specific statistics for the secondary, but allowing 435 points indicates coverage breakdowns were common.

Whether the issue is cornerback depth, safety communication, or scheme, the Browns must address it. A dominant pass rush is useless if receivers are open quickly.

Injury Management and Roster Depth The Hidden Key to the 2025 Season

The Injury Report What It Tells Us About the 2026 Season (and What It Means for 2025)

The injury report as of July 2026 is troubling. David Njoku (knee) is out, Carson Schwesinger (quad) is out, and Kingsley Eguakun (knee) is questionable.

Myles Garrett's status remains uncertain. These are not minor injuries—they affect key positions.

Njoku is a starting tight end who provides a safety valve for the quarterback. Without him, the passing game loses a reliable target over the middle.

Schwesinger is a young linebacker who was expected to contribute in coverage and against the run. Eguakun is a center, and his questionable status means the offensive line could be disrupted from the start of the season.

The Browns' training staff and front office need to evaluate whether these injuries are likely to be recurring or if they are flukish. Njoku's knee injury, for example, could be a one-time issue or a sign of chronic problems.

The team must decide whether to invest in his future or move on. Schwesinger's quad injury is less common but still concerning for a linebacker who relies on explosiveness.

Beyond these specific players, the Browns need to build roster depth. The 2024 season showed that when starters go down, the drop-off to backups is severe.

The team trimmed its roster from 74 to 53 players before the 2024 season, but that didn't prevent a collapse. For 2025, the front office should prioritize signing experienced veterans for depth positions, especially on the offensive line and in the secondary.

Avoiding the 2024 Trap Cultural and Tactical Adjustments

The 2024 season was not just a failure of personnel—it was a failure of culture. A team that goes from 11-6 to 3-14 has lost its identity.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski bears responsibility for this. While the reference material does not indicate whether his job is in jeopardy, it's clear that the coaching staff must adapt.

One tactical adjustment is offensive philosophy. The 2024 Browns averaged 15.2 points per game, which suggests the scheme was not working.

Stefanski is known for a run-first, play-action offense, but that only works when the running game is effective. If the line cannot run block, the play-action becomes predictable and ineffective.

The coaching staff must either find ways to run the ball or pivot to a more pass-heavy approach that plays to Winston's strengths. Defensively, coordinator Jim Schwartz (assuming he remains) needs to find ways to generate pressure without relying solely on Myles Garrett.

Blitzing more often, using stunts, or bringing safeties on blitzes are all options. The defense also needs to improve tackling and coverage discipline.

Too often in 2024, missed tackles turned short gains into big plays. Culturally, the Browns need to rebuild confidence.

A 3-14 season can create a losing mentality that lingers into the next year. The front office should consider bringing in veteran leaders who have won elsewhere and can set a professional standard.

This is especially important for a young team that may be discouraged after a terrible season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Cleveland Browns' record in the 2024 season?

The Cleveland Browns finished the 2024 regular season with a 3-14-0 record, placing them fourth in the AFC North Division.

Who was the head coach of the Browns in 2024?

Kevin Stefanski was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 season. He led the team to a 3-14 record.

Who were the key players on the 2024 Browns roster?

Key players included quarterback Jameis Winston, running back Nick Chubb, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, tight end David Njoku, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, defensive end Myles Garrett, and center Kingsley Eguakun.

Are there major injuries affecting the Browns as of July 2026?

Yes. As of July 2026, tight end David Njoku is out with a knee injury, linebacker Carson Schwesinger is out with a quadriceps injury, center Kingsley Eguakun is questionable with a knee injury, and Myles Garrett's injury status is uncertain.

How can the Browns improve for the 2025 season?

The Browns need to address quarterback stability, rebuild the offensive line, add depth to the defensive line and secondary, manage injuries effectively, and adjust their offensive and defensive schemes to avoid repeating the 2024 collapse.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.