The nine most interesting teams of the offseason, Volume 2: Commanders, 49ers and Browns
Feb 26, 2025
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Ben Standig, the Washington Commanders beat writer, shares insights on how the team can build on their recent success. Matt Barrows, who covers the 49ers, discusses the dynamics of an expensive quarterback and lingering uncertainties about key players. Zac Jackson, the expert on the Browns, dives into the complexities of their rebuilding process, highlighting the urgent need for a new quarterback and addressing financial woes. Together, they unravel the offseason strategies and challenges facing these intriguing teams.
The Browns face a tight financial situation with a potential $24 million over the salary cap, complicating their roster-building efforts.
A critical decision looms for the Browns on whether to fully rebuild or patch the current roster despite elite players like Myles Garrett.
The coaching staff's adaptability, particularly around Deshaun Watson's struggles, will be vital in reshaping team performance moving forward.
Deep dives
Understanding the Cleveland Browns' Current Cap Situation
The Cleveland Browns face significant financial challenges as they sit approximately $24 million over the salary cap for 2025. A potential restructuring of Deshaun Watson's contract could alleviate some of this excess, reducing his cap hit significantly. However, this approach also pushes future financial burdens into subsequent years, complicating the team's ability to build a sustainable roster. As the team navigates these financial complexities, they will also need to evaluate their roster and decide which established players to retain or let go.
The Urgency for a Rebuild
The Browns may be at a crossroads where a rebuild is necessary despite having several elite players like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. A significant challenge for the team's management is to balance the need to compete now with the reality of a lack of young talent and depth following questionable drafting decisions. With important contracts expiring and aging veterans, the Browns could find it difficult to maintain competitiveness without investing in youth and talent development. Thus, the pressing question is whether the organization will embrace a full rebuild or attempt to patch up the current roster.
Evaluating Myles Garrett's Trade Value
Myles Garrett's potential trade could signal a complete shift in the Browns' strategy for the future, but making that decision is not straightforward. While trading Garrett could yield high-value returns, including multiple first-round picks, the team must consider the impact of losing their most significant asset. There's also the emotional toll on the team's fanbase and current players, as moving Garrett would represent a major admission of failure. Ultimately, if the Browns decide to trade Garrett, they must ensure it aligns with a broader vision for rejuvenating the team.
The Importance of Drafting and Developing Talent
The Browns' previous drafts have been a major source of frustration, as many selections have failed to develop into impactful players. The lack of successful third-round picks exacerbates their rebuilding efforts, especially for a franchise without foundational young talent. With limited depth and high costs associated with their veteran players, the Browns must prioritize nailing their upcoming draft selections to secure a brighter future. Building a competitive roster requires identifying and cultivating new stars to complement their existing core.
The Role of Coaching in the Browns' Transition
The coaching staff’s approach reflects the franchise's internal struggle to adapt to challenges presented by Deshaun Watson's struggles. While initially attempting to cater plays around Watson, the team reverted back to their previous system, which may not prioritize Watson's strengths. Understanding how to meld player abilities with effective strategies will be crucial in improving the team's performance. The coaching staff's ability to refine their vision while developing the roster could be vital for the Browns as they navigate this transitional period.
Navigating the Quarterback Landscape
Finding a new quarterback will be paramount for the Browns, who may lean towards signing a veteran while concurrently scouting talent in the upcoming draft. This approach allows for a stopgap solution while assessing their long-term options for the position. The potential for significant compensation may sway them to trade up in the draft or secure a more reliable veteran presence. As the team weighs its options, determining the best path to revitalizing the franchise will have lasting implications for years to come.
The second entry in the annual TAFS Most Interesting Teams of the Offseason series features Zac Jackson on the Browns, Matt Barrows on the 49ers, and Ben Standig on the Commanders. How do the Commanders make sure that 2024 wasn't a flash in the pan? Is the window on this version of the 49ers still open? Are the Browns willing to commit to a rebuild? Robert Mays gets into all that with the beat writers, and a whole lot more.