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The 2024 Browns were a dumpster fire. The team didn’t get much out of Deshaun Watson before he was lost again to injury. Backup Jameis Winston had some fun moments, but the Browns couldn’t win games. There were too many injuries and too many poor performances. The team finished 3-14 and earned the No. 2 overall draft pick. Will the off-season acquisitions be enough to get them better in 2025? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

Winston moved on, signing with the New York Giants. The Browns also moved on from long-time running back Nick Chubb, who battled injuries the past two seasons. Chubb signed with the Houston Texans. Slot receiver Elijah Moore also departed, signing with the Buffalo Bills. The team also lost safety Juan Thornhill in free agency.

But it wasn’t a one-way street. The Browns re-built the quarterback room, signing veteran Joe Flacco, trading for Kenny Pickett and grabbing former Brown Tyler Huntley. In the draft, the team took Dillon Gabriel in the Third-Round and Shedeur Sanders in the Fifth-Round. Watson is still on the roster, but not expected to play in 2025 as he recovers from a second Achilles tear. The team also added veteran receiver Diontae Johnson.

In the draft, the Browns spent most of their picks to improve the offense, though the First-Round pick went to defensive tackle Mason Graham. The Browns grabbed two running backs—Quinshon Judkins in the Second-Round and Dylan Sampson in the Fourth-Round. Judkins has a legal issue and remains unsigned. Sampson rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024 for Tennessee. He could be a factor in the backfield in 2025. The Browns also added tight end Harold Fannin, Jr.

Fantasy Impact

Who plays quarterback for the Browns? That’s the big question. I suspect Flacco starts Week 1, but I think we’ll see Sanders and possibly Gabriel at some point in the season. I think Flacco is a QB3, and Sanders will be about the same. The backfield is also a question. If Judkins signs and gets into camp, he could contribute. Right now, he’s an unknown. I think Jerome Ford is the main back to start the season, ending as an RB3. I like Sampson to contribute, too. He’s an RB4 for me.

In the passing game, the team will rely on Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Johnson. The question is what Johnson has left. If he returns to form, he could be a flex option. Tillman had flashes in 2024 and could be an intriguing boom-or-bust WR4. Meanwhile, Jeudy had a career year in 2024, finishing as WR12. I like him as a WR2 in 2025. Tight end David Njoku is also a reliable performer. He’s a low-end TE1 for me.

The Bottom Line

The Browns were bad in 2024. They made a lot of changes this off-season but it’s hard to say they’re better. They’re still a mess on offense and though they have a good defense, it doesn’t seem to be enough. I think the Browns will be competitive and fun to watch at times, but still not very good. I suspect another fourth-place finish in the AFC North.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.