Jerome Ford’s Time in Cleveland Appears to Be Over - What’s Next for the Browns’ Backfield?
The writing’s been on the wall for Jerome Ford in Cleveland for quite some time, and now it looks like the end has officially arrived. The Browns placed the veteran running back on injured reserve with a shoulder injury on December 9, effectively closing the book on his 2025 season-and likely his tenure in Cleveland as well.
This isn’t exactly a shocking development. The signs started back in April when the Browns used draft picks on not one but two running backs: Quinshon Judkins out of Ohio State and Dylan Sampson from Tennessee. That kind of investment at the position usually signals a shift in direction, and for Ford, it meant the clock was ticking.
Now in the final year of his rookie deal, Ford is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. And after being relegated to third on the depth chart, it’s clear he’ll be looking for a fresh start-somewhere with more opportunity and a better fit for his skill set.
A Downward Spiral in Usage
Ford’s role in the offense steadily declined as the season wore on. Early in the year, he was logging a solid 40.1% of offensive snaps through the first six games.
But from Week 7 to Week 14, that number dropped to just 21.7%, according to Fantasy Points data. That’s not just a dip-it’s a clear shift in usage that reflects how the coaching staff saw the pecking order evolving.
Judkins took over as the early-down hammer, while Sampson carved out a niche as the go-to option in passing situations. That left Ford in a tough spot-no clearly defined role and fewer and fewer touches to make an impact.
Missed Opportunities in the Return Game
What’s puzzling is that the Browns didn’t explore more creative ways to keep Ford involved. Given his speed and burst, using him in the return game seemed like a natural pivot. Special teams often offer a lifeline to players whose offensive roles are shrinking, and Ford certainly has the traits to be dangerous in that third phase of the game.
But the Browns barely went down that road. Ford fielded just 13 kickoffs all season and didn’t return a single punt. For a player with his athleticism, that’s a head-scratcher-and it raises questions about how the coaching staff, led by Kevin Stefanski, managed his skill set down the stretch.
A Quiet End to a Solid Run
Ford’s time in Cleveland didn’t end with fireworks, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t valuable. A fifth-round pick in 2022, he gave the Browns some important reps in tough spots and flashed enough talent to suggest he can still be a contributor elsewhere. He’s not a star, but he’s a capable back who can bring depth and versatility to a new backfield.
As for the Browns, their backfield future now clearly rests in the hands of Judkins and Sampson. Both rookies showed enough this season to justify the team’s investment, and the front office appears ready to move forward with a younger, more dynamic duo.
Ford, meanwhile, will hit the open market with something to prove. He’s still just 25, has low mileage, and should draw interest from teams looking to bolster their running back depth. His time in Cleveland may be over, but his NFL journey is far from finished.