After all the quarterback drama the Browns have been involved in this offseason, the franchise finally gets some good news. Ohio lawmakers have approved a state budget that includes $600 million in public funds for the Browns’ proposed new indoor stadium in Brook Park.
The budget package was approved by both chambers this Wednesday, and the funds will be drawn from Ohio’s $4.8 billion Unclaimed Funds account. However, the bill will only become law once Governor Mike DeWine signs it.
As part of this decision, the Ohio legislature also made a significant amendment to the state’s “Art Modell Law,” originally designed to prevent professional sports teams from leaving taxpayer-funded stadiums.
The amendment was one of nearly 600 changes to the state budget, according to Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan. It clarifies that the intent of the Modell Law was to prevent pro sports teams from leaving the state-not their cities.
According to Ruiter, the Browns plan to close on the purchase of 176 acres in Brook Park this week. The state will give $600 million but the team will need to pay for the rest of the millionaire project.
Shedeur and Dillon coming to Brook Park
Brook Park is 13 miles from Cleveland, the Browns’ home since 1944, and the stadium is scheduled to open in 2029.
With that in mind, only two of the current quarterbacks are expected to still be with the team -if they’re not traded- and they are the rookie duo of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Both quarterbacks signed four-year contracts this offseason that would keep them on the roster through the 2029 season.
Meanwhile, Joe Flacco signed a one-year deal, Kenny Pickett is scheduled to hit free agency in 2026, and Deshaun Watson’s five-year contract also expires in 2026. The future of the team lies outside of Cleveland-and with two young quarterbacks, it’s up to them to seize the opportunity.
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