As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2025 NFL season, they face a pivotal moment in their quest to rebound from a disappointing 3-14 campaign in 2024. With training camp set to begin, rookies reporting on July 18 and veterans on July 22, the team must address critical uncertainties that could define their season. From a high-stakes quarterback competition to significant roster changes, here are five pressing questions the Browns must answer to set the course for 2025.
#1 Who is the Starting Quarterback?
The Browns’ quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 season.
Deshaun Watson, sidelined by a neck injury sustained in 2024, is not expected to return to the practice field until at least October, according to a league source cited by Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
This timeline likely rules him out for the start of the regular season in September, thrusting the team into a four-way quarterback competition.
| Quarterback | Experience | Strengths | Challenges |
| Joe Flacco | Veteran (17 years) | Experience, leadership | Age, limited mobility |
| Kenny Pickett | Veteran (4 years) | Mobility, quick decisions | Consistency, past performance |
| Dillon Gabriel | Rookie | Accuracy, athleticism | Lack of NFL experience |
| Shedeur Sanders | Rookie | Poise, arm talent | Draft slide, unproven at pro level |
Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett bring experience, while rookies Dillon Gabriel (third-round pick) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth-round pick) offer youthful potential.
Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, may take fewer reps in training camp due to his familiarity with the system, giving the younger quarterbacks more opportunities to shine in joint practices and preseason games.
Shedeur Sanders, drafted by the Browns, has quickly become the focal point of offseason discussions.
Sanders, known for his poise and playmaking ability in college, is now competing with established veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Reports indicate that Sanders has had a rocky start but is rapidly “narrowing the gap” with the other quarterbacks, impressing coaches and even catching the attention of legendary NFL figures who believe his talent may be too great to ignore.
However, his performance in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) has sparked speculation about his immediate future.
Some insiders suggest the Browns could consider trading or releasing Sanders if he doesn’t show the necessary progress, while others argue he has the highest ceiling in the current quarterback room.
The team’s management, led by GM Andrew Berry, has remained tight-lipped, perhaps to maintain leverage in potential trade talks.
#2 Can the Offense Rebound?
The Browns’ offense struggled in 2024, prompting a potential return to the run-heavy, play-action-based scheme that proved effective in 2023.
This approach will leverage the team’s strengths, particularly in the running game, and provide familiar terminology for veteran players.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski, known for his offensive acumen, is expected to tailor the playbook to the strengths of the eventual starting quarterback and the revamped running back corps.
The success of this shift hinges on execution and the integration of new players. The offense’s performance will be under scrutiny, especially after a season where the team failed to find consistency.
Fans and analysts are hopeful that a return to a ground-and-pound style, combined with strategic passing, can elevate the Browns’ output and keep them competitive in a tough division.
#3 Who Will Step Up at Running Back?
The departure of Nick Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler and franchise legend, to the Houston Texans on a one-year, $2.5 million deal marks a significant shift for the Browns’ running game.
Chubb, who ranks third in franchise history with 6,843 rushing yards, suffered a devastating knee injury in 2023 and a foot fracture in 2024, limiting his effectiveness last season to 332 yards and three touchdowns, per ESPN.
| Running Back | Draft/Experience | College | Biggest Strengths |
| Quinshon Judkins | 2nd Round (2025) | Ohio State/Ole Miss | Power, vision |
| Dylan Sampson | 4th Round (2025) | Tennessee | Speed, agility |
| Jerome Ford | 4th Year | Cincinnati | Versatility |
| Pierre Strong | 4th Year | South Dakota State | Explosiveness |
General manager Andrew Berry opted to move forward with younger talent, drafting Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins in the second round and Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Judkins, a former Ohio State and Ole Miss star, is the leading candidate to become the primary running back.
However, replacing Chubb’s production and leadership will be no small feat. Other running backs, such as Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong, could also see significant roles, but Judkins’ performance in training camp will be critical to determining the pecking order.
#4 Can the Cornerback Trio Return to Elite Form?
The Browns’ secondary, led by cornerbacks Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, and Martin Emerson, was a strength in 2023 but struggled in 2024.
Ward performed well last season, but Newsome and Emerson failed to replicate their earlier success.
For the Browns’ defense to rank among the league’s best, this trio must regain their 2023 form, when they were considered a top-10 unit.
Their ability to cover elite receivers and support the pass rush will be crucial, especially in a division featuring quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.
Training camp and preseason games will provide early indicators of whether this group can bounce back.
#5 How Will the Defense Adapt?
The Browns suffered a major blow with the announcement that Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will miss the entire 2025 season due to a neck injury sustained in a collision with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry in Week 8 of 2024.
Placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list on May 12, 2025, Owusu-Koramoah’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Browns’ defense, with uncertainty surrounding his long-term football future, as reported by NFL.com and The Athletic.
To address this loss, the Browns are turning to second-round pick Carson Schwesinger, who is expected to help fill the void.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has emphasized the importance of keeping Owusu-Koramoah involved off the field, noting his leadership and motivational impact during organized team activities (OTAs), as cited by Factory of Sadness.
Other linebackers will need to step up, and the coaching staff faces the challenge of maintaining the defense’s effectiveness without one of its most dynamic playmakers.
