Breaking down the 2024 Cleveland Browns roster

Analyzing the 2024 Cleveland Browns Roster

BEREA, Ohio — During the mid-November bye week, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry met with the media but wasn’t in the mood to reflect on what has been a disappointing start to the 2024 season.

When asked about the 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, Berry responded, “I’m not focused on reflection right now. Our main goal is to finish the season strong and have the team perform better. Any broader reflections will come later.”

Despite this, Berry did make a statement about the team’s long-term future amid a 3-8 record: “We’ll have the resources to make the necessary adjustments to continue improving the team and the roster.”

Berry also emphasized the NFL’s structure, contrasting it with sports like baseball and basketball that often require lengthy rebuilds. “In the NFL, the margins are so thin, and with how we acquire players, it’s not like we’re developing young talent over many years. You don’t need long-term pivots in our league.”

In recent years, the Browns have been aggressive spenders, committing nearly $295 million to the 2024 roster, making it the fifth-highest payroll in the league. They’ve also committed a large portion of their future funds, including the fully guaranteed $230 million deal for Watson, and have restructured contracts to create more short-term flexibility. However, the trade for Watson, which involved sending away three first-round picks, has limited the team’s ability to add young talent through the draft. As a result, they’ve signed several veteran players, many of whom are 30 or older.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Browns will finally have a first-round pick after a three-year absence. It is projected to be a top-10 pick, and they hold nine total selections, including an extra third-rounder from the trade of wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. The team is also expected to receive a pair of late-round compensatory picks. With $49 million in cap space, the Browns will carry over most of this amount to 2025, giving them the flexibility to make moves in free agency. Additionally, the front office could extend or restructure the contracts of key players to free up more room for roster changes.

Just a year ago, the injury-plagued Browns finished with 11 wins and made the playoffs. With most of the same core returning, the team is now dealing with an aging roster. Entering Week 1, the Browns had 14 players over 30, the most in the league.

Here’s a closer look at the aging roster that could see significant changes in the offseason.