RSS Browns Team Notes

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns add long-time veteran coach, former HC and Ohio native to coaching staff

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 06: Kevin Greene (R), former NFL linebacker, poses with his bronze bust alongside presenter and former coach, Dom Capers (L), during the NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a sign of things being a little different for the Cleveland Browns in 2026, the team has not made new HC Todd Monken’s coaching staff official despite the opening of the NFL Combine. GM Andrew Berry will speak to the media on Tuesday afternoon and will likely face questions regarding the lack of an official announcement.

The Browns have announced the hiring of the team’s three coordinators:

• OC Travis Switzer
• DC Mike Rutenberg
• ST coordinator Byron Storer

There have been reports on a wide number of hires that have been made, especially on the offensive side, while Rutenberg has reportedly promoted a few on the defensive side of the ball.

On Tuesday, multiple reports have said that Rutenberg is also bringing in long-time NFL coach Dom Capers to help with the defense:

The Browns are adding longtime NFL coach Dom Capers to the coaching staff as a senior defensive assistant, per sources.

Capers, 75, a two-time head coach, was last with the Carolina Panthers. pic.twitter.com/3mjDpIpV2N

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 24, 2026

Capers spent four years each as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans. With 16 years of experience as a defensive coordinator, along with his eight years running teams, Capers will be a helpful voice for Rutenberg in his first time as a full-time coordinator.

Born in Cambridge, Ohio, Capers attended Mount Union College and returns to coach in his home state for the first time in his career.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ers-coaching-staff-todd-monken-mike-rutenberg

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns GM Andrew Berry, NFL draft: Looking for 3 simple traits in a wide receiver

Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) attempted to make a one handed catch against Texas State Bobcats at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

In another NFL draft or NFL free agency class, Cleveland Browns fans would be all about the quarterback position. There is zero certainty about any of the QBs currently on the Browns roster, with Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel all in competition at the position.

Yes, Cleveland GM Andrew Berry has not “forgotten” about Gabriel, as he told the media at the NFL combine.

Instead, Browns fans and the media in general have been focused on the team’s need at the offensive line and wide receiver positions. Berry’s history with drafting around both of those areas of need has been suspect. As always with Cleveland’s recent drafts, it is important to note that the team did not have a first-round pick for three seasons and was missing a slew of other selections as well.

Talent can be found anywhere in the NFL draft, but the best is mostly found in the first and second rounds.

When it comes to the wide receiver position, most focus on size and speed as the primary traits. While those are important, we’ve seen fast players and big players fail. We’ve seen big and fast receivers not even make it to the end of their rookie contracts despite being selected in the first two days of the draft.

For Berry, the three traits that he’s looking for in a receiver are quite simple:

Final video, Berry has 3 simple things he’s looking for in receivers pic.twitter.com/GNZ4mCRSQE

— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) February 24, 2026

Get open, catch the ball, and make plays with the ball in your hands. Not too much to ask, right? The reality is players can get open with size, speed, change of direction, and great route running. Similar skills can assist pass catchers in making plays with the ball in their hands. Catching the ball is a singular skill, in and of itself. Unfortunately, Berry hasn’t found a player who can do all three of those things.

In Berry’s NFL draft history, he has selected the following receivers:

• 2020 – Donovan Peoples-Jones – 6th round
• 2021 – Anthony Schwartz – 3rd round
• 2022 – David Bell – 3rd round
• 2022 – Mike Woods II – 6th round
• 2023 – Cedric Tillman – 3rd round
• 2024 – Jamari Thrash – 5th round

Of that group of six, DPJ had the most successful career. Peoples-Jones showed all three of the abilities that Berry noted. Schwartz couldn’t catch the ball, which means he didn’t have a chance to make plays with it. Bell struggled to get open, Woods couldn’t stay healthy, Tillman showed the ability to get open with his size, but concussions limited him, while Thrash has barely seen the field.

With two picks in the first round and another one high in the second, it is possible that Berry will not only add another name to his receiver list but also select one at the highest point he has ever. Needless to say, Berry will not be focused just on players who are big and/or fast but who can produce based on the three traits he notes. Hopefully, he’s learned more than just patience going into his seventh season as Cleveland’s GM.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...489/browns-gm-andrew-berry-nfl-draft-receiver

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns Free Agency: OT Rasheed Walker profiles as a key addition for Todd Monken

January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63) before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns have a lot of needs this offseason. Name a position group, and additional players are wanted to come in and fill open jobs, especially on offense. Browns GM Andrew Berry has his hands full this year with free agency and the NFL draft in April.

March 9 begins the free agency period.

RELATED: FREE AGENCY FRENZY C TYLER LINDERBAUM

One of the most glaring position groups is the offensive line. The Browns’ 2026 free agent list is full of Cleveland starters and depth pieces.

RG Wyatt Teller has already said his goodbyes to the fanbase. LG Joel Bitonio could retire. RT Jack Conklin is always injured. LT Cam Robinson didn’t work out in a trade. C Ethan Pocic should have already been offered an extension just like Teller, but surprisingly was not. OG Teven Jenkins needs to be inked to a new deal.

OT Dawand Jones is the lone starter remaining, and he has been injured three times out of three years but seems a part of the team’s plan. Other offensive linemen under contract are centers Kingsley Eguakun, Kendrick Green, Justin Osborne, and Luke Wypler, guard Zak Zinter, and tackles Jeremiah Byers and KT Leveston.

Cleveland’s offensive line was ranked #31 last year. Every starter except for Bitonio was injured at one point or another. The Browns limped along with backups and practice squad guys. Both starting tackles ended up on IR.

Something has to be done for this upcoming season.

The Browns will go into the 2026 NFL season with a completely new offensive line that might be rebuilt at most positions and key backup roles.

OT Rasheed Walker ​

Green Bay Packers​

6’-6”, 324 pounds

Age: 26

NFL draft: 2022 Round 7, pick #249 (Packers)

PFF ranking: 64.6

Accolades: Two-time Third Team All-Big 10 (2020, 2021)

40 time: 5.12

2025 season: 16 starts, 988 offensive snaps (94%)

Walker is a former defensive lineman, so he has that brute mentality. He has plenty of upside and is still a young man at age 26, so he has plenty of football left in his system. He is durable having played in every game for the past three seasons with 52 NFL games played and 48 starts.

He is quick out of his stance and has improved footwork. His agility allows him good leverage. He is able to get to the second level when adjusting to moving defenders.

He is one of those great stories. Walker was taken in Round 7 and built a reputation as a stable offensive tackle. He went from swing tackle to three-year starter. He’s consistent and experienced enough.

Who the quarterback for the Browns is going forward is still unknown. But whoever it is, they will need quality bodies up front for protection. Walker is the top offensive tackle on the free agent market this year and would become plug-and-play from Week 1.

Walker is a big-time tackle. He can cover a lot of ground. He does not get bull rushed and has the feet to adjust when he anticipates what’s coming. Elite core strength. 70.0 PFF pass blocking grade with nine penalties and five sacks allowed in 2025.

He has above-average body control but will fire off the snap. Walker has a bad habit of lunging and will give up pressures.

Walker is an impressive athlete and has all the tools for the blindside tackle position. He seems to have peaked this past season, which will allow him to find a team that needs good help.

This is a really good target for new head coach Todd Monken, who is installing a new offense. Walker made $3.4 million last year and is now in line for a good payday.

Projection: Four years, $81 million​

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ree-agency-rasheed-walker-profile-todd-monken

 

[Cleveland Browns]

These Browns players just got a pay increase for the 2026 season

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 21: Wide receiver Cedric Tillman #19 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates during player introductions before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field on September 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Packers 13-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s that time of year again in which we look at which members of the Cleveland Browns earned or were eligible for the “proven performance escalator (PPE).”

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), there are three different “levels” in which players can qualify for a fourth-year salary bump, each one with a different pay grade. The player will receive the most lucrative level they are eligible for. Let’s dig into the levels:

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Level 1 PPE​

• For players selected in rounds 3-7, if they play in 35% of the snaps in two of three seasons, or 35% of the team’s cumulative snaps over three seasons, they get the PPE.
• If the player is a second-round pick, they have a different threshold: 60% of the snaps are required.
• For players earning the Level 1 PPE, their base salary in the final year of their contract will increase to the original round tender amount, which is estimated to be $3.605 million.

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Level 2 PPE​

• This includes players from rounds 2-7. If they participated in 55% of the team’s snaps in all three seasons, they earn the Level 2 PPE.
• The Level 2 PPE is very similar to the Level 1 PPE financially: it is the same amount ($3.547 million), plus $250,000. Therefore, their base salary would be $3.855 million.

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Level 3 PPE​

• This is the most lucrative one. If a player from rounds 2-7 is nominated to the Pro Bowl on the original ballot in any of their first three seasons, they earn the Level 3 PPE.
• The Level 3 PPE is worth the equivalent of a second-round RFA tender, which is estimated to be about $5.811 million this year.

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Who Was Eligible This Year?​

Since the criteria waits three years, that means we have to look back at players from the 2023 NFL Draft. The players on the Cleveland Browns who would have been eligible for the escalator are: WR Cedric Tillman, OT Dawand Jones, C Luke Wypler, and DE Isaiah McGuire. Players from the 2023 NFL Draft who came from other teams would also be eligible. I don’t believe that applies to anyone for Cleveland.

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WR Cedric Tillman – 3rd Round Pick in 2023​

Year	% Snaps	Played	Team
2025	47.60%	515	1,082
2024	36.61%	432	1,180
2023	49.11%	609	1,240
Total	44.43%	1556	3,502

Let’s start with WR Cedric Tillman, the team’s third-round pick in 2023. He played in nearly half of the team’s snaps as a rookie, and then in 2024, he dropped to 36.6% of the snaps. Still, since he played over 35% in two of his three seasons, he qualified for a Level 1 PPE.

Tillman was originally set to make $1.463 million in base salary in 2026. With the Level 1 PPE, the base salary jumps to about $3.605 million, an increase of $2.142 million.

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OT Dawand Jones – 4th Round Pick in 2023​

Year	% Snaps	Played	Team
2025	13.22%	143	1,082
2024	43.31%	511	1,180
2023	57.42%	712	1,240
Total	39.01%	1366	3,502

Next up is OT Dawand Jones, a fourth-round pick in 2023. He’s been banged up throughout his NFL career, to the point where it’s challenging to depend on him as a regular starting lineman. Last year, he only played in 13% of the team’s snaps. That didn’t matter because Jones played in over 35% of the team’s snaps in his first two years, so like Tillman, he already had the PPE locked up with his first two seasons.

Jones was originally set to make $1.145 million in base salary in 2026. With the Level 1 PPE, the base salary jumps to about $3.605 million, an increase of $2.46 million.

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C Luke Wypler – 6th Round Pick in 2023​

Year	% Snaps	Played	Team
2025	25.14%	272	1,082
2024	0.00%	0	1,180
2023	4.60%	57	1,240
Total	9.39%	329	3,502

C Luke Wypler barely played as a rookie, and then he missed the entire 2024 season with an ankle injury. Even if he had played in 100% of the team’s snaps in 2025, he wasn’t going to be eligible for the PPE. His only shot would have been as a first-ballot Pro Bowler, but obviously that didn’t happen, so there was no PPE for Wypler.

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DE Isaiah McGuire – 4th Round Pick in 2023​

Year	% Snaps	Played	Team
2025	39.09%	412	1,054
2024	43.43%	469	1,080
2023	8.88%	94	1,059
Total	30.54%	975	3,193

DE Isaiah McGuire is the only other player from the team’s 2023 draft class who is still with the team, and this was probably the closest one. He did not play very much as a rookie, but in 2024, he played in 43.4% of the team’s snaps. He needed to crack at least 35% of the team’s snaps in 2025 to get the PPE. Early on, it looked like it would happen easily, as he was a big part of the rotation. However, he had some injuries, and then Alex Wright ended up getting more snaps. Still, McGuire played in 39.1% of the snaps last year, allowing him to qualify for the PPE with two seasons above 35%.

McGuire was originally set to make $1.145 million in base salary in 2026. With the Level 1 PPE, the base salary jumps to about $3.605 million, an increase of $2.46 million.

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Cumulatively, the three Browns players who earned PPE amounted to increases of $7.062 million that have already factored into the team’s cap space in 2026.

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Looking Into the Future​

Looking forward to next year, players who could potentially earn a PPE are DT Mike Hall Jr, WR Malachi Corley, OG Zak Zinter, WR Jamari Thrash, LB Nathaniel Watson, CB Myles Harden. None of those players have clinched a PPE through their first two seasons, and the only player of the group that has had any season above 35% is Harden, who played in 50% of the snaps last season. If Harden is the team’s primary nickelback again in 2026, then he has a good shot at the PPE.

Zinter could also have a shot at it, but only if you project him to be a starter and play nearly 100% of the snaps. Given their depth on the roster, Corley and Thrash are doubtful to get it, and Watson has no shot at getting it. That leaves Hall, who has played in 18.7% and 16.6% of the snaps. Given the fact that defensive tackles are often rotational players, and he would need to play in about 70.4% of the team’s snaps this year to reach a three-year cumulative of 35%, he is also unlikely to get it.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-the-2026-season-proven-performance-escalator

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns, NFL free agency: Required spending, lack of options could impact CLE’s choices

Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; A locker room exhibit with the jerseys of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6), New Orleans Saints running back Chris Olave (12), Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) at the Super Bowl LX Experience at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL offseason is unique in a lot of ways, including how the timeline works. Most of the big decision makers are in Indianapolis, Indiana, this week for the NFL combine as the first big event heading toward the 2026 NFL draft in late April. A lot of focus is placed on each NFL draft with what can happen, NFL mock drafts, rumors, more rumors, and tracking every detail of prospects.

The timeline then hits a 180-degree turn as NFL free agency opens and changes things for many NFL teams.

The Cleveland Browns could be more active than GM Andrew Berry indicated a month ago, based on his comments in Indianapolis this week:

Slightly different than his comments earlier in the offseason, Berry expects more Browns free agent activity this year pic.twitter.com/6m44jW7NOE

— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) February 24, 2026

Berry can also make as much cap room as he needs, more or less, this offseason, especially with the rising salary cap. The problems for Cleveland in free agency are outside of the organization.

First, the upcoming class of free agents is not seen as a particularly strong one. There are a few talented players, but, for example, WR Alec Pierce is the sixth-ranked free agent according to ESPN, but his best year was last year with 1,003 yards and 47 receptions. The two best edge rushers, Jaelen Philip (#5 overall) and Odafe Oweh (#9), combined for 12.5 sacks last season.

Second, five teams are required to spend at least $50 million in cash this offseason to meet league minimums on spending:

The NFLPA told members (agents) that they expect the salary cap to be $303.5 million this league year, though it could reach as high as $305 million. Several teams, including the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, as well as the Tennessee Titans, must spend an additional $50 million on player contracts this year to meet their three-year requirement, according to the CBA.

An important reminder that “cash” and “cap” are always different pieces of information. Four of the five teams listed above are among the top available salary cap spaces. On the other hand, while the Saints have to spend a lot of cash on player contracts for this season, they are currently projected to be over the cap by $8 million.

A lesser free agent class with just five teams mandated to spend a combined $250 million on contracts (which could include extensions) could act to not only dilute the free agent class but also send contracts skyrocketing. With the cash spend required to be done this season, those teams are likely to give out contracts with the kind of big signing bonuses that agents and players love.

The Browns might be able to add in free agency this year, but they could be paying Mercedes-Benz prices for Toyota Priuses (just an example, as two writers in our AirBnB drive that vehicle).

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ing-lack-of-options-could-impact-cles-choices

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns NFLPA report card tells story of Kevin Stefanski, 2025 season

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, owner Jimmy Haslam, and GM Andrew Barry keep an eye on a joint practice against the Giants on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Berea. | Phil Masturzo / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In almost any way, except for the defense, the Cleveland Browns 2025 season was a failure. The team even failed to get the top overall pick after two end-of-the-season victories. The results led to the firing of Kevin Stefanski, who was replaced by Todd Monken.

There were a number of issues with Stefanski’s time with the Browns, some of which were out of his control, as we saw on the NFLPA report cards for the 2024 season:

Locker Room went from a “D+” to an “F-”

Training Room went from a “C+” to a “D+”

Training Staff went from a “B-” to a “C-”

Weight Room went from a “D” to an “A”

Team Travel stayed at a “D”

For the 2025 season, the NFL owners forbade the NFLPA from publishing the reports, but ESPN has gotten its hands on them, and things remained the same for Cleveland last year, with Stefanski graded the worst among head coaches and owner Jimmy Haslam near the bottom:

NFL HC grades from the NFLPA report cards, via @kalynkahler:

Sean McVay: A+
Dan Quinn: A+
Mike Macdonald: A
Andy Reid: A
Ben Johnson: A
Dan Campbell: A
Mike Vrabel: A
Aaron Glenn: A
Kevin O'Connell: A
Nick Sirianni: A
Mike Tomlin: A
Sean McDermott: A-
Dave Canales: A-
Zac… https://t.co/k6tNsFH38Y

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 26, 2026

Monken’s Ravens team gave him a “B-” grade for the 2025 season.

The Browns only “A” grade was given to DC Jim Schwartz, an “A-” grade. Cleveland only had four “B” grades: Home Game Field, Weight Room, Strength Coaches, and Position Coaches.

Here are the Browns overall grades:

Treatment of Families: D-
Home Game Field: B-
Food/Dining Area: D+
Nutritionist/Dietician: C+
Locker Room: F
Training Room: C
Training Staff: C+
Weight Room: B+
Strength Coaches: B+
Position Coaches: B-
Offensive Coordinator: D+
Defensive Coordinator: A-
Special Teams Coordinator: D
Team Travel: D-
Head Coach: C-
General Manager: C
Team Ownership: C

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What stands out to you about the Browns NFLPA grade card above?

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...flpa-report-card-kevin-stefanski-jimmy-haslam

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL salary cap: Browns cap compliant with $22 million jump

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 09: A sports gambler with a U.S. 100 dollar banknotes at the Westgate Superbook sports book ahead of the Super Bowl 58 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers on February 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NFL combine opens the league’s offseason, with everything supposed to be about the upcoming NFL draft. What is actually true is that the three most important things that happen are not available to the general public: Medical evaluations, interviews with teams, and veteran negotiations that are not supposed to happen (including trades and NFL free agency).

For the Cleveland Browns, NFL free agency may not be significant, but GM Andrew Berry will be looking to make some moves. Salary cap space is always an interesting conversation, with projections earlier this offseason that things would continue to go up. The Browns have ways to make space with a variety of moves, if they want to do so.

With the league year opening in two weeks, the league has made this year’s salary cap number official at $301.2 million:

NFL clubs were informed today that the salary cap for the ’26 season will jump $22 million per club to $301.2 million. Add in another $77.6m in benefits & that’s $378.8m per club in player spending. Tremendous growth pic.twitter.com/cQ5Zf3aGVW

— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) February 27, 2026

Every team’s cap number is different due to rollover cap. Cleveland is expected to have a total salary cap of around $320 million due to around $20 million in rollover cap space from the 2025 season.. With the news now official, the Browns are believed to be salary cap compliant before making any of the moves they could to create cap space (post June 1st, restructures, extensions).

The above chart shows the signficant growth of the NFL over the last five years, with the salary cap adding over $100 million in that timeframe, an increase of over 50%.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ary-cap-browns-cap-nfl-free-agency-compliance

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns NFL Draft: This QB may not ‘get us’ but the HC gets him

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 1: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to a game against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns have booked yet another ticket on the quarterback carousel this offseason.

While general manager Andrew Berry is busy working the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where the quarterbacks will go through their drills on Saturday, he is pondering the best course of action in the coming months:

• Stick with the status quo for the 2026 season, which includes a pair of non-starting caliber players in Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, and a broken Deshaun Watson.
• Pick through the bargain bin in free agency for the likes of Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota, Russell Wilson, or Kenny Pickett.
• Risk being the sucker at the table that pays Malik Willis around $30 million in guaranteed money.
• Take another shot in the 2026 NFL Draft, a place where the Browns have selected 14 quarterbacks since 1999.

If Berry decides the draft is the way to go, and he could still decide that even if he selects one of the other options, he will have to tread carefully, given that the draft is heavy on one player, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, but light on the rest of the class.

But one name that the Browns will likely continue to be linked to is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who, while having spent a considerable amount of time in college, four years, only made 15 starts, all coming in 2025.

Shoutout to the woman in the Ty Simpson scrum who asked him what the longest play call he could recite from Bama was. He gave us the game, the yard marker, the call, the coverage. pic.twitter.com/ePnuM8BrhD

— Kyle Crabbs (@KyleCrabbs) February 27, 2026

To be fair, Simpson made the most of those starts by throwing for 3,567 yards, completing 64.5 percent of his passes, and tossing 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions. But there continues to be considerable evidence that taking a quarterback with so little experience can leave a team with regret.

While he may not have a lot of experience, the experience he does have may carry more weight, as Simpson explained during his media session on Friday at the Scouting Combine:

“I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback. Alabama prepares you most for the NFL. With the infrastructure that they have and the guidance from Coach (Nick) Saban, Coach (Kalen) DeBoer, Coach (Ryan) Grubb, all the coordinators that I had before, I ran an NFL-type system. It definitely prepared me for saying those long play calls, saying those checks, and making sure that I get us in the right protection.

“And also, everybody talks about my starts, but I played in other games besides that. I’ve played against really good NFL players. I think about my freshman year, learning from the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner (Bryce Young). Going on defense, going on scout team, I got Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner, Henry To’oTo’o, I got Kool-Aid (McKinstry) on one side, I got Terrion (Arnold) on the other side. There are a number of first- and second-round draft picks that I went against and who I was in the locker room with. The Alabama locker room is as close to a locker room in the NFL as you can get.”

Simpson’s “he gets us factor” may not be as high as some other quarterbacks, given that he did not grow up in Ohio, play football in Ohio, or drive through the state of Ohio at some point in his life. (That last part has not been verified at this time.) But he may balance that out because of his family’s relationship with Cleveland head coach Todd Monken. (Throwing in that the Browns “made a great hire” in Monken doesn’t hurt, either.)

Where could Ty Simpson end up?@HDouglas83 in response to @danorlovsky7 saying he believes Simpson's tape is better than Mendoza’s pic.twitter.com/XvGFQHLUqr

— Freddie and Harry (@FreddieandHD) February 27, 2026

During his media time earlier this week at the Scouting Combine, Monken shared his thoughts on Simpson and how familiarity is an important part of evaluating a prospect:

“I like Ty. I liked Ty when he was coming out [of high school]. When I first got to Georgia, they hadn’t offered him. But I went up there and talked to his dad — in fact, his dad, Jason, is a Southern Miss alum, and I was head coach at Southern Miss. I got to know them really well.

“First off, anybody that’s coming out in the draft, quarterback or any position, you’ve got to do a great job of vetting people that have been around them for an extended period of time. Because 20 minutes or an interview doesn’t do it justice. I mean, you’ve got to make sure that the people that they’ve been around are able to say the words that you’re looking for in terms of how they carry themselves, how they are on a day-to-day basis, how they are around their teammates, how they are they third downs, two-minute, critical situations. All of that comes into play.”

The Browns are not going to draft Simpson simply because Monken knows the family, of course, and there is still the very real concern about Simpson’s lack of playing time in college.

But if Monken believes there is enough to work with in Simpson, and the Browns do not feel compelled to play him right away this fall, then the Browns may look to get into position to call his name come draft weekend.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...mpson-may-not-get-us-but-todd-monken-gets-him

 

[Cleveland Browns]

How did you become a Browns fan?

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 08: Jerry Jeudy #3 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Some fans choose their team, and some fans are chosen by their team. Which was it for you? Today, we want to hear your story from you: How you became a fan of the Cleveland Browns. When did you first become a fan? Were you born into it? Was there a specific game or season that pulled you in? What’s the earliest moment you remember as a fan?

Last week, we learned all about where Browns fans come from as they are reading DBN. Given our site’s name, it is fair to wonder who became Dawgs by Nature and whose fandom was more Nurtured due to circumstances later in life?

As your Producer here at DBN, I’ve shared my story of being pushed into sports (oh, darn… they are awesome) by my older brother, as well as my father, who was our Little League coach. My Browns fandom had some interesting times when it waned as the team departed during my high school years, and my focus was easily distracted as I was in college when they returned in 1999.

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleveland-browns-discussion/118345/how-did-you-become-a-browns-fan

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland Browns Free Agent Review: Will DeAndre Carter be back to return kicks?

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 23: DeAndre Carter #2 of the Cleveland Browns returns a kickoff during the second quarter of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Browns are set to have one undrafted free agent wide receiver to make a decision on this offseason with veteran DeAndre Carter.

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How and When They Joined the Browns​

After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Carter had bounced around to nine different teams before joining the Browns in 2025.

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Productivity Level Last Season​

For all the years that Carter was in the league, he really only had wide receiver production once, in 2022, when he had 46 catches for 538 yards and 3 touchdowns with the Chargers. Therefore, it was assumed that Cleveland was eyeing him with the same intent that most other teams had: as a kick or punt returner.

Carter made the team as a returner, and in the first 4 games, he returned 11 kickoffs for 274 yards (24.9 average) and 6 punts for 56 yards (9.3 average). Unfortunately, Carter suffered a knee injury during the Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions, ending his season. Gage Larvadain took over return duties for the remainder of the season.

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What the Browns Should Do​

You can’t fault Andrew Berry for trying to sign kick/punt return sensations year after year, but somehow these guys all can’t escape the injury bug. JoJo Natson, Jakeem Grant, and Carter all suffered big-time injuries, and in between there was Nyheim Hines, who never even got activated. Maybe it’s time for Berry to stick with the undrafted free agent or in-house route, whether that be remaining with Larvadain or someone from this year’s draft class. I’d be very surprised to see Carter get re-signed.

Let us know in the comments below whether you think the Browns should re-sign DeAndre Carter.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...w-will-deandre-carter-be-back-to-return-kicks

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns 2026 NFL draft: Clemson OT Blake Miller has what it takes to be a rookie starter

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 29: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers blocks during a college football game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 29, 2025 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns will have the opportunity to draft multiple starting-quality offensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Clemson’s Blake Miller has a real chance to be one of them.

The Strongsville, OH, native just weighed in at 317 lbs. at the NFL Combine, which is incredibly helpful, as his biggest concern was bodyweight. A lot of teams believed that he was much lighter than that, as rumors were swirling that he played at around the 290-pound mark in 2025.

Miller is one of the most technically sound offensive tackles in this year’s class, and his overall skill set fits what Todd Monken’s offense needs at offensive tackle.

Blake Miller's hand placement/punch timing on this rep is magnificent. #NFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/k3KAWvMbY1

— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) December 12, 2024

He’s an excellent second-level mover and is consistently able to reach defenders both inside and out in order to wall off backside 3-techniques or seal the edge on outside zone.

His pass sets are beautiful as well when it comes to his kickslide and contact balance at the point of attack. Miller is very patient and times his punches very well, which consistently puts him in advantageous positions against speed rushers.

If he puts up some good testing numbers today at the combine, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Miller skyrocket up NFL Draft boards, as there are already rumblings going around that some teams have him rated higher than Monroe Freeling right now.

Blake Miller would be an excellent selection for Cleveland at No.24 or No.39 if they decide to select a wide receiver like Carnell Tate at No.6 next month.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ller-has-what-it-takes-to-be-a-rookie-starter

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland Browns Free Agent Review: Tug of war for Joel Bitonio

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns in action during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on December 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Browns may be saying goodbye to Wyatt Teller, but could they be keeping their long-time veteran guard in place when it comes to Joel Bitonio?

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How and When They Joined the Browns​

Bitonio was a second-round pick by the Browns back in 2014, and has spent his entire 12-year career with the team.

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Productivity Level Last Season & What the Browns Should Do​

It may have seemed like Bitonio struggled last year, and it’s true that he is not quite the player he was in his prime. However, he still remained a solid pass and run blocker, one who probably would have stood out similar to his Pro Bowl caliber self had he not been on a historically inept offense.

There was a void date in mid-February for Bitonio, and people thought it had passed, which would make it impossible for the veteran to return to the team. However, word then spread that the team quietly pushed that void date back. I speculated at the time that it could give the team flexibility to spread his dead cap hit over two seasons if he eventually decided to retire. If you recall, he considered retirement last offseason, before giving it a go. Had he known the offense would be as bad as it would be, and that the head coach would be fire midseason, he probably would have called it quits.

Despite that, the Browns have actually made it clear that they’d like him to return. Here is what head coach Todd Monken said recently about Bitonio:

“He came up to the office a few weeks ago and we tried to talk him into it right then. I mean, but he was not in that position yet to say he wanted to come back. I’m for really good football players, and I’m for really good football players that are wired like Joel. There aren’t many wired like Joel. Like what he says, how he carries himself, how he prepares.”

Then, you had GM Andrew Berry talking about Bitonio at the Combine. Berry indicated that Bitonio has earned the right to take his time to make a decision, whether that be retirement or returning to play. It’s a vastly different tone than the team took last year, when similar questions would arise on if they wanted to bring Nick Chubb back. There is a genuine interest in retaining Bitonio.

If Bitonio decides to return, I think it makes sense to re-sign him on something like a 1-year, $14 million deal. However, I could truly see this going one of several ways. He could mull retirement again, and if he’s still not quite ready to hang it up, returning to the Browns, rather than starting over with a new organization and moving, can make sense on the right deal. I think he’d also like to entertain free agency, though, and could be interested in a select number of teams — like the 49ers or Patriots — to try a contending team for one year before hanging it up.

Let us know in the comments below whether you think the Browns should re-sign Joel Bitonio.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...free-agent-review-tug-of-war-for-joel-bitonio

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns trades: How Za’Darius Smith became Tytus Howard

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 2: Tytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans runs on to the field prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

It’s funny how one trade can eventually spawn so many other deals, when you follow the rabbit hole. If you follow it closely, you can see that, over a span of a couple years, trading Za’Darius Smith away during the 2024 season to the Lions helped lead to the Browns acquiring new offensive tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans.

Hat tip to Albert Breer for outlining the whole ordeal, which we put in our own words below:

• In November 2024, the Browns traded DE Za’Darius Smith and a 7th round pick to the Lions. In exchange, Cleveland received 5th (in 2025) and 6th (in 2026) round picks.
• In March 2025, Cleveland sent QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and that 5th round pick to the Eagles in exchange for QB Kenny Pickett.
• In August 2025, Cleveland traded QB Kenny Pickett to the Raiders in exchange for a 5th round pick in 2026.
• Today, the Browns used that pick from the Raiders to acquire OL Tytus Howard from the Texans.

That mostly closes the loop, although technically, there is still a spinoff thread that remains. That 6th round pick originally acquired from the Lions in 2024 was traded, along with QB Joe Flacco, to the Bengals last season in exchange for a 5th round pick in the upcoming 2026 draft. You can see the Browns’ updated draft order here.

Dealing for 5th and 6th round picks a year or two in advance often seems inconsequential at the time, but you can see how instead of finding a late-round flier in the draft, they can be used as a chip to improve the roster with a proven, veteran player.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...trades-how-zadarius-smith-became-tytus-howard

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns hit an ‘exciting milestone’ in stadium project

Jul 24, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew ownership group, from right, Jimmy Haslam, Dee Haslam and Pete Edwards walk across the field prior to the MLS All-Star Game at Lower.com Field.

The Cleveland Browns took a big, albeit “unofficial,” step toward the new Brook Park stadium on Monday with the start of the mass excavation and digging of the hole for the enclosed stadium.

While work on the new Huntington Bank Field has begun, the franchise will not hold its official groundbreaking ceremony, complete with accompanying pomp and circumstance, until April 30.

The big day was heralded by owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam as “another exciting milestone” in the project that will take the Browns from downtown Cleveland, where they have played since their first season in 1946, about 14 miles away to the suburb of Brook Park.

A momentous day as we begin the process toward 2029

: https://t.co/EJKYokD1hS pic.twitter.com/jaeQPFTcwV

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 2, 2026

Monday’s work is the latest step in what will eventually become a 67,500-seat enclosed stadium for the Browns, along with surrounding development that is expected to include shopping, restaurants, and offices.

It is all part of their commitment to investing in Northeast Ohio, the Haslams said in a statement released by the team:

“We are thrilled to continue to invest not only in this stadium project and mixed-use development, but in Northeast Ohio. This is more than just a stadium, and we believe that by committing over $2 billion in private investment, we will be part of creating a transformative world-class experience for our community and generate significant economic impact through construction, jobs, and future year-round events. Northeast Ohio deserves this, and we are committed to continuing to invest in the growth of our region. This is a great step in our project, and we look forward to the official groundbreaking taking place on April 30.”

All told, the stadium project is expected to cost around $2.4 million, with the state of Ohio contributing $600 million, the city of Brook Park adding in $300 million, and Haslam Sports Group rounding it out with $1.5 million, along with covering any cost overruns. The development surrounding the stadium, estimated at $1 billion, will be privately financed.

In the same team-released statement, Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt expressed his excitement about the project:

“Today’s milestone is a testament to the positive working partnership we’ve formed with HSG over the past 18+ months, and we are excited about the work that has begun. We are proud that Brook Park is home to the largest construction project in Northeast Ohio, to date, and we can’t wait to welcome all the visitors and economic activity that will come to our city when this world-class stadium and development open in 2029.”

Even though there are a few issues that still need to be resolved, most notably a lawsuit challenging the plan by state officials to draw the $600 million from the state’s unclaimed funds account; grumbling from Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, who wants the Browns to remain downtown; and working through the details with Brook Park officials about the ownership structure of the site.

But with the team’s lease at the downtown stadium set to expire after the 2028 season, and work proceeding in Brook Park, it seems more than likely that the Browns will continue to ride the way that is expected to see more than half of the league’s teams playing in domed stadiums within a few years.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...iting-milestone-in-brrok-park-stadium-project

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland Browns have one restricted free agent who they absolutely must tender. What about the others?

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 13: Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) hugs Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) near midfield following the AFC Wild Card game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Earlier today, we looked at the Cleveland Browns’ exclusive-rights free agents who they need to make a decision on. As free agency approaches for the 2026 league year in the NFL, we also need to look at the Browns’ restricted free agents (RFA).

What are Restricted Free Agents?​

These are for players who have at least three years of accrued service in the NFL (i.e. 6 games or more on the roster or IR). The Browns can choose to place a 1st round tender, 2nd round tender, or original round tender on each player.

Over the Cap estimates the 2026 tenders to be $8.107 million for the 1st round tender, $5.811 million for the 2nd round tender, and $3.547 million for original round tenders. Another team can sign a player with a tender, but they would owe that team the corresponding draft pick if the team opts not to match the offer. If these players are not tendered by the start of free agency, they revert to unrestricted free agents.

Which Browns are Exclusive-Rights Free Agents?​

• TE Blake Whiteheart
• DE Sam Kamara
• LB Mohamoud Diabate
• S Ronnie Hickman
• CB Sam Webb

Because they involve more commitment, it’s not a slam dunk that teams tender their restricted free agents. In fact, there are times when a team won’t tender any of their restricted free agents. That doesn’t mean they don’t have an interest in the player. They could let some players become unrestricted free agents, and then sign them to a minimum salary deal after that.

When I look at the Browns’ five RFA this year, I first think of the minimum tender they could be given ($3.547 million). There is no scenario in which I see the Browns giving that to TE Blake Whiteheart or CB Sam Webb.

After that, I move to the next tier of players, which are DE Sam Kamara and LB Mohamoud Diabate. I think the team likes what Kamara can offer for depth, but if they are interested in him, he’s the type of player who I think you let hit the open market, and then re-sign him to a minimum deal. Diabate, on the other hand, is a tricky one. The former undrafted free agent has flashed over the past three seasons, and formed a fair complementary trio with Carson Schewisinger and Devin Bush. With Bush’s status uncertain, you probably want to keep Diabate. However, because he went undrafted, Cleveland would receive no draft pick compensation if another team signed him after a Cleveland tender. The benefit Cleveland gets by tendering him is if they fear Diabate doesn’t want to return, but they want to keep him here, in a sense.

And then, there is S Ronnie Hickman. Again, the Browns could negotiate a long-term deal with Hickman, but if we don’t think of that possibility, then a tender is absolutely necessary to keep him, otherwise he could be valued as one of the higher profile free agent safeties on the market. An original round tender isn’t going to cut it, since he went undrafted. Therefore, the Browns would need to tender him with a second round tender ($5.811 million), or even a first round tender ($8.107 million). In those cases, in the off chance another team succeeds in signing him away, at least Cleveland would get a high draft pick back in return. I’m predicting a second-round tender for him.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-absolutely-must-tender-what-about-the-others

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland Browns continue to disband offensive line, releasing veteran tackle

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 21: Cornelius Lucas #71 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the feild after the NFL 2025 game against the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field on September 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns are releasing veteran offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas, a move that continues to signal massive change across the team’s offensive line:

Browns are releasing OT Cornelius Lucas, per source. Move saves Cleveland around $2 million in cap space. pic.twitter.com/6mMWSSSN4j

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 3, 2026

With Jack Conklin, Cam Robinson, Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic, and Teven Jenkins all set to be free agents, the odds of Lucas sticking around weren’t very high, as he wasn’t as good as any of those players.

Lucas signed a 2-year, A$6.5 million deal last offseason with the Browns, with the hopes that he would be a solid insurance policy at offensive tackle. Instead, when he got his opportunities, he was a liability. He played in 10 games for Cleveland, making 5 starts. The Browns will carry $1.6 million in dead cap space this year for Lucas. As for the timing of the move, he was due a $500,000 roster bonus next week, so now the team is off the hook for that. They also don’t have to pay the $30,000 in per game roster bonuses this season, nor his $50,000 workout bonus.

In addition to the newly-acquired Tytus Howard, the Browns also have Dawand Jones and KT Leveston on the roster at the tackle position.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...sband-offensive-line-releasing-veteran-tackle