Cleveland Browns Face Turning Point Amid Injuries, Pro Bowl Snubs, and Future QB Questions
As the 2025 NFL season winds to a close, the Cleveland Browns find themselves at a critical crossroads. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and looming questions about the future of the franchise have created a complex landscape for Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry, and the rest of the Browns front office. Let’s break down where things stand - and where they might be headed.
Deshaun Watson’s Status: Shut Down for 2025, But Still in the Plans
The Browns have made a definitive call on Deshaun Watson: he won’t be activated for the final two games of the season. After opening his 21-day practice window earlier this month, there was some hope that he might return. But head coach Kevin Stefanski put that speculation to rest, confirming that Watson will remain on the physically unable to perform list.
What’s more telling is what this decision says about the team’s long-term commitment. Despite the injury setbacks, the Browns reportedly plan to keep Watson on the roster through 2026.
That’s a clear sign they’re not ready to move on - at least not yet. But with Watson’s availability in 2025 already in doubt, it raises the stakes for the front office heading into what could be a defining offseason.
Stefanski and Berry: Tied at the Hip
As rumors swirl around the futures of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, the consensus is that their fates are likely aligned. That makes sense. Stefanski and Berry have worked in lockstep since arriving in Cleveland, building a roster that - when healthy - has shown flashes of being a legitimate contender.
But two straight seasons at the bottom of the AFC North have cooled the optimism. If ownership decides to make a change, it’s hard to imagine one staying without the other. The next few months will be pivotal, not just for the coaching staff, but for the entire direction of the franchise.
Pro Bowl Recognition: A Mixed Bag
It’s been a down year for the Browns, and the Pro Bowl results reflect that. Only two players earned Pro Bowl nods this season, a sharp contrast from previous years where Cleveland had a more robust presence.
Still, there’s a silver lining: three rookies were named as alternates. That’s a promising sign for the team’s young core, and a testament to the front office’s eye for talent in the draft. While the Pro Bowl isn’t the ultimate measure of success, it does offer a glimpse into how the rest of the league views your roster - and right now, the Browns are flying under the radar.
Week 16 vs. Bills: A Tale of Two Halves
Cleveland’s Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills was a rollercoaster. The defense came out flat, surrendering touchdowns on each of Buffalo’s first three drives.
But then, almost inexplicably, they flipped the switch. After that rough start, the Browns’ defense clamped down and held the Bills scoreless the rest of the way.
Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t capitalize. While there were some promising drives - signs of rhythm and cohesion - turnovers proved costly.
Cleveland lost the turnover battle and couldn’t mount a comeback in the fourth quarter. It was a game that summed up their season: moments of hope, undone by inconsistency.
Looking Ahead: Shedeur Sanders and the 2026 Draft
With Deshaun Watson’s future murky and the team out of playoff contention, attention naturally shifts to the quarterback position. Rookie Shedeur Sanders has shown growth throughout the season, and while he didn’t earn a Pro Bowl nod, he’s clearly a part of the Browns’ plans moving forward.
That said, the 2026 NFL Draft looms large. Prospects like Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza are already generating buzz, and Cleveland could find itself in position to take one of them.
But regardless of what happens in the draft, Sanders has carved out a role for himself. Whether as a starter, backup, or developmental project, he’s not going anywhere just yet.
Franchise Value vs. On-Field Results
Despite the on-field struggles, the Browns remain one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. That’s a testament to the team’s passionate fanbase, historic brand, and market potential. But value doesn’t win games - and fans are hungry for results.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Offseason Ahead
The Browns are heading into what might be their most important offseason in years. From quarterback decisions to potential front office changes, every move will be scrutinized. The core question remains: can this team finally turn talent into sustained success?
We’ll find out soon enough.