Four Burning Browns queries: Who Should Referee the Offensive Plays?
The Browns have officially filled the majority of their open assistant coaching staff positions as Super Bowl Week approaches, and they will shortly be turning their focus to the NFL Combine and free agency. These are some pressing issues that the franchise must address.
As Super Bowl week approaches, the Browns’ offseason continues. On Monday, new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey had his first press conference. With free agency quickly approaching, many unanswered questions remain, ranging from play-calling to the Browns’ most pressing needs. We’ll address the most important queries the franchise has as they prepare for 2024 every week. Now let’s address number four!
In 2024, who will call the offensive plays for Cleveland?
I will continue to say that Kevin Stefanski ought to continue calling plays until 2024. With all due respect, Ken Dorsey’s offense did lead the league in a few categories when compared to Buffalo; but, a closer look at his offense exposes some alarming disparities. After Dorsey left, Bills running back James Cook improved because of his offense’s disregard for tight ends. Star quarterback Josh Allen also did it, albeit more as a runner.
While I believe Dorsey will provide valuable insights to offensive sessions regarding how to maximize Deshaun Watson’s potential as a quarterback, I also believe that’s where his involvement should end. It’s a circumstance when you know the devil. Stefanski has demonstrated
What is the Browns’ most pressing need for the offseason?
Here, there are several alternatives. With so many players from the team from the previous season expected to become free agents, the club might assume it has defensive line issues. I believe it to be wide receiver. Simply put, last year’s Elijah Moore experiment didn’t exactly work out. Although he may still play a part in this scheme, it seems like Cleveland should put more emphasis on giving Watson an additional outside weapon in addition to Amari Cooper. In addition, Cooper is in the last year of his contract and about to enter his 30th season. Eventually, it might make sense to bring in a player who can assume the role of No. 1 wide receiver.
Could Deshaun Watson’s contract be restructured before the Browns play in the upcoming season?
This inquiry stems from a discussion that Browns general manager Andrew Berry had over the weekend at the Senior Bowl with Athletic player Zac Jackson. According to Berry, reorganizing Watson’s contract and shifting more money into vacant years at the conclusion of the agreement is “not a necessity”. There’s no doubt Berry could find additional ways to reallocate funds, freeing up the cap space required for important acquisitions and perhaps carrying some over into the upcoming offseason. Having said that, I think it’s quite improbable that he won’t use Watson’s contract to do the same.
Next year, the Browns quarterback is scheduled to earn almost $63 million. That surpasses the 2024 cap hits for Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Burrow, and Josh Hurts. It’s crucial to note, though, that when the Browns added empty years to Watson’s contract in the first place, they undoubtedly envisioned him staying longer than the first five years. This puts them in risky area. That might still be the case, but if he doesn’t improve the next season, Cleveland may have to consider carefully how much longer to commit to Watson. In light of that, it could be wise to try to consume as much of his cap hit as possible this season to prevent
Just based on the Browns’ requirements and habits from prior seasons under Berry, a few names spring to mind. First, Cleveland supporters ought to be well acquainted with Ohio State defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr.There might be a good fit there because Berry usually appears to be looking to add depth along the defensive line and Hall might wind up being a day two guy. Johnny Dixon of Penn State could make sense in one of the latter rounds; defensive backs, especially corners, are another position Berry often seems to target. The Browns might also be interested in BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia, though they might need to move up to acquire him. This combat course
