The Cleveland Browns promoted Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator heading into the 2025 offseason, per Tom Pelissero.
Rees was a standout quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2010 to 2013. Shortly after his playing days were over, Rees showed interest in coaching the sport he’d played his entire life. In recent years, he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Notre Dame before taking on the same role at the University of Alabama. Rees reached the NFL coaching scene in 2024 when the Browns hired him as their pass game specialist and tight ends coach. After being promoted by Head Coach Kevin Stefanski today, Rees now assumes the role of offensive coordinator moving forward.
Stefanski was an offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings before landing the job as Cleveland’s head coach, so he must like what he sees in Rees. Traditionally, Stefanski and coaches from a similar lineage tend to predicate their offenses around run-heavy schemes that capitalize on play-action opportunities through the air. The most likely outcome is a return to this philosophy in 2025 after former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who previously worked with the Buffalo Bills, attempted to install a spread offense in Cleveland.
This bodes well for Browns running backs moving forward, though it’s unclear who their starter will be next season. All-Pro running back Nick Chubb finished the season early after suffering a broken foot in late December. Jerome Ford is slated to be the next man up, should Chubb miss any time.
Reported by Trey Kroll (@TreyK_FB on Twitter/X)
The Cleveland Browns converted $44.75 million of quarterback...
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the ...
The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson ...
While the Falcons exude exterior confidence in keeping Kirk Cousins, skepticism arises that he will be on the team in 2025.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has publicly stated that the team is comfortable with having Kirk Cousins be the backup to Michael Penix Jr. in 2025. This sentiment is being met with skepticism as Kirk Cousins has a heavy price tag with a combined base salary and signing bonus totaling $40 million next season.
The bind and conundrum that the Falcons are in is finding a trade partner or dealing with a dead cap hit from an outright release. According to Spotrac, a pre June 1st release would yield a $65 million dead cap hit while a post June 1st release would yield a $40 million cap hit. The Falcons will be most motivated by a trade.
If the Falcons can swing a post June 1st trade they will save $27.5 million. A perfect match may be aligning for a reunion with Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. If the Browns are able to recoup insurance money for Deshaun Watson, it may make them more amenable to taking on a hefty portion of Cousins remaining contract. Running up against this idea is what the Cleveland Browns will do with the 2nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Stay tuned as every ripple effect takes place throughout the offseason.
Jeremiah Retzlaff, coachretzlaff1
According to GM Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.
The hits just keep coming for the Browns and Deshaun Watson. The 29 year old QB’s status for next season remains in question as he is reportedly experiencing discomfort with his torn Achilles — another surgery has not been ruled out at this point. Watson has been hurting the team on and off the field since the Browns traded 3 first round picks to Houston for him, the last of which was used in the 2024 draft. Between suspension and injury, he has yet to play more than 7 games in any season with the Browns, and when on the field his production has been near league bottom. Watson ranked 40th in passing yards per attempt, 44th in passing yards per game, and 32nd in accuracy rating this season.
This presents an interesting organizational decision for Cleveland. The Browns retained their first round pick for the first time in 3 years, and in the upcoming draft they get to pick second overall. At this point in the draft process two Quarterbacks have stood out as potential franchise changers, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders —one of which will be available to the Browns. However, the Browns still owe Deshaun Watson $46 million a year for the next 2 years, and on top of that Watson has a no trade clause in his contract through 2026. While drafting a strong prospect at QB is rarely a bad decision, the Browns would still need to address the Watson situation when he does return from injury. Free agency might have a few options for Cleveland, should they choose to pass on a passer. Kirk Cousins makes the most sense as Atlanta is still on the hook for a large portion of his salary and he is familiar with coach Kevin Stefanski. Alternatively someone like Justin Fields would be a great fit and could choose to sign a 1 year prove it deal, a-la Sam Darnold. The team could also take a flyer on a Marcus Mariota, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, or Mac Jones on a more cap friendly deal. How the Browns navigate this situation will be telling in how well equipped the current organization is to bring the team out of their perpetual rebuild.
Lukasz Stec, @Lukasz_FF01
The Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson have agreed to terms on a newly restructured contract, per Ian Rapoport.
The phrasing of Watson’s restructured deal is slightly misleading, as the Browns still owe him $92 million in fully guaranteed money until his contract expires. Still, considering the contract’s new format, the Browns put themselves in a position to manage Watson’s cap hit once his contract expires. In short, Watson will receive his $92 million in guaranteed money eventually, but the Browns have more flexibility in managing the dead cap once they part ways.
This move seemingly confirms that Watson will be on the roster for the 2025 season. However, multiple insiders are suggesting the Browns are already preparing to search for a new franchise quarterback. Whether it be through the NFL Draft or acquiring a veteran, Watson’s days in Cleveland are numbered. The organization is bracing itself for the smoothest transition possible once the time comes.
Watson signed a historic deal with the Browns in 2022, which includes $230 million in fully guaranteed money. Since then, the deal has continuously backfired. Whether it be off-the-field controversy, consistent issues with injuries, or simply underperforming expectations on the field, Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been a disaster. Before rupturing his Achilles this season, Watson played in seven games, totaling 1,148 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. On the heels of another disappointing, injury-riddled season, Watson will seemingly get one final shot to prove his worth next season under a newly restructured contract.
Reported by Trey Kroll (@TreyK_FB on Twitter/X)
NFL does not plan to place Deshaun Watson on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
It hasn’t been a great week for Deshaun Watson. Lost week one against the Dallas Cowboys where his throws looked inaccurate and threw for two interceptions. Now a new lawsuit has been filed against him from October 2020. According to the lawsuit, the woman, known only as “Jane Doe,” says Watson “roughly sexually assaulted” her for several minutes during a dinner date in her apartment. The NFL will be examining the case and determine whether Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
With Watson’s week one performance and now another allegation has occurred has many Cleveland fans patience for him running very thin. This is something you will have to keep an eye on and monitor. As of right now, Watson will play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars and looks to have a better game. His fantasy football value has continued to decrease and should only be on your roster if in a deep league or Superflex formats.
Deshaun Watson continues to rehab his throwing shoulder. Working under a specific throwing schedule. “Progress looks great” says Kevin Stefanski.
Coming into his third season with the Cleveland Browns, Deshaun is continuing to work on his shoulder rehab. Being put on a throwing schedule, working with the medical team. Throwing currently every other day during their off-season activities.
Coming into 2024, there is a lot of concern and uncertainty tied to Deshaun Watson and his fantasy value. If healthy, he could be a steal for many in Best Ball and redraft formats. The off-season sessions and maintaining focus on his rehab will play a big factor coming into the season.
