Since their return to Cleveland in 1999, the story of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL has been a true ordeal. The franchise has had only four winning seasons during that time. They’ve also drafted four quarterbacks in the first round since 2007, and now, the decision to draft Shedeur Sanders has turned the team into a full-blown spectacle.
There’s no doubt that Andrew Berry, general manager of the Cleveland Browns since 2020, has helped the franchise take several steps forward – including two playoff appearances and the team’s first postseason victory in 26 years. However, there’s been one very costly mistake: parting ways with Baker Mayfield to sign Deshaun Watson for $230 million over five years.
In 2022, after a poor season, the Cleveland Browns moved on from Baker Mayfield with the hope that Deshaun Watson would become the star he once was with the Texans. However, that hasn’t been the case, and the team has suffered tremendously at the quarterback position.
Andrew Berry’s job as GM is in jeopardy
With an academic background in Economics and Computer Science from Harvard and experience as a college player, there’s no doubt Andrew Berry is highly capable. But the decision to pay Deshaun Watson – a move he made alongside team owner Jimmy Haslam – has put his job in serious danger.
Jay Crawford, analyst for the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, heavily criticized the Browns’ GM, especially over what has happened with Deshaun Watson and what the team has become – now with four quarterbacks: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.
“We’ve received assurances that his job is safe, but I don’t believe that for a second,” said Crawford. “If he’s fired here (in Cleveland), which of the other 31 teams is desperate to hire him as GM? His résumé as an NFL general manager right now is about as bad as it gets.”
Maybe Crawford’s comments were harsh, but as they say – you’re only as good as your last play or decision. And paying Deshaun Watson – who is coming off a 3-14 season – is looking worse with time. Projections for 2025 suggest another losing season, so with two first-round picks next year, the Browns’ leadership might be preparing to hit the reset button once again.
Read the full article here
