Latest news with #Browns'
NBC Sports
15 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Denzel Ward: Browns can be best defense in the NFL, I can be Defensive Player of the Year
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward thinks he and his teammates can be the NFL's best this season. Ward said that after the Browns' defense had a down year in 2024, they believe they're going to be the top defense in football in 2025. 'That's our goal, to be the best defensive in the NFL, and we're going to get there. We're going to make it happen,' Ward said. And Ward said he believes he can win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award. 'I think I'm capable. I'm definitely a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber player,' Ward said. 'But I take things a day at a time. Awards and that stuff will come down the road. My focus is just to be the best I can each day.' Ward is a four-time Pro Bowler, but he's never received a single vote for Defensive Player of the Year. That kind of recognition would mean that he, and the Browns, have taken a major step forward.
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
NFL fans had jokes after someone fell into the lake during the Browns' helmet unveiling
Someone fell off the raft when the Browns did the helmet reveal. I just can't 😂😂 The Cleveland Browns are in midseason form, and that's not a good thing. On Wednesday, the Browns joined several teams across the league in unveiling new alternate helmets for the 2025 season. And yeah, the Browns' color scheme doesn't make for the most aesthetically pleasing uniforms, but they decided to go all in on the brown with the helmets. The team even decided to hold an unveiling ceremony on the bank of Lake Erie with a big inflatable helmet, sponsored by Dude Wipes (gross). But, of course, the Browns couldn't even make it through that event without a blooper. Someone who appeared to be filming content lost track of where they were standing and fell right into Lake Erie. Thankfully, it was just a short fall into a water, so this person appeared to be OK. But this would only happen to the Browns. NFL fans had plenty of jokes for the moment. This was how Twitter/X reacted I had to add the music. 😂 Lmao at Chomps throwing them a life jacket This movie is an allegory. This is the Naked Gun of sports franchises 🤦 Would it be the browns without something like this happening 😭😭 Quintessential Browns moment: At least Chomps had a life jacket on hand.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Browns roster review: A dive into Cleveland's 2025 running back room
With the official departure of Nick Chubb, the Browns are looking to revitalize their rushing attack this season on their roster. The team is entering a rebuilding year, with many young players — including two rookie running backs — aiming to make an impact in 2025. Despite the rebuilding nature of the season, the Browns drafted with a clear message: it's time to re-establish the run game. In April, Cleveland selected two highly regarded college running backs, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, with very high hopes. The former national champion and SEC Player of the Year will both look to make a lasting impact on the offense, alongside returning veteran backs Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. The group has limited NFL experience, with only 415 combined carries among the four players, but that won't stop them from utilizing their talents this upcoming season. With nowhere to go but up, all four backs will have plenty of opportunities to prove why they deserve to be Cleveland's starting running back. Now, let's take a deeper dive into each of these players and the impact they're expected to have in the 2025 regular season: Quinshon Judkins It's no secret that fans are waiting on pins and needles to see how the Quinshon Judkins criminal investigation and contract situation will play out. Due to his recent legal troubles, Judkins remains unsigned and will likely remain that way for the time being. He is currently one of just five 2025 NFL Draft picks who have not yet signed their rookie contracts. If and when Judkins is cleared to play for the Browns, he could become one of the team's most explosive offensive weapons. In his lone season as an Ohio State Buckeye, Judkins tallied 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. His efforts in all 16 games helped Ohio State capture a national championship. He's expected to share a significant portion of the workload with fellow rookie Dylan Sampson. Dylan Sampson You could argue that the Browns' most valuable 2025 draft selection was Tennessee Volunteer Dylan Sampson. The 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year was the heart of the Volunteers' offense, rushing for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also averaged 5.8 yards per carry and helped lead his team to a College Football Playoff berth. Sampson is expected to play a key role in the Browns' offense, regardless of what happens with Judkins. The Browns' rushing attack was at its best when they had a strong one-two punch in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. If Judkins' situation is resolved, the team could aim to recreate that successful backfield dynamic. Jerome Ford The Browns' veteran running back is returning for his fourth NFL season in Cleveland. After some negotiations, the team reduced Ford's 2025 salary from $3.86 million to $1.75 million — a move that likely secured his spot on the roster and retained his veteran presence. Despite his experience, he faces young competition for carries. In the Browns' 2024 running back carousel, Ford started six games and appeared in eight others. He totaled 790 yards and averaged a career-best 5.4 yards per carry on 104 attempts. Still, the Browns' rushing attack had a disappointing reputation last season. We'll see if Ford's familiarity with the offense gives him an edge over the rookie backs. Pierre Strong Jr. The running back in this group who will need to fight hardest for a 53-man roster spot is 26-year-old Pierre Strong Jr. Since acquiring him from the Patriots, the Browns have appreciated Strong's versatility on offense and special teams. The question is whether that will be enough to earn a roster spot. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff have not yet revealed how they'll structure the 53-man roster. Unfortunately for Strong, the team carried only three running backs on the Week 1 depth chart in 2024. His chances could improve if the Browns don't sign second-round pick Judkins, but he'll need to stand out during training camp either way.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Browns' highest-paid players in 2025 still headlined by Deshaun Watson
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season with just over $17.5 million in cap space. This came after clearing room on their books with the releases of highly-paid players like defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and safety Juan Thornhill. They then spent modestly in free agency, with their biggest addition being defensive tackle Maliek Collins. Their offseason was highlighted by the mega-deal of star pass rusher and 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who inked a contract netting him $40 million per year. Their highest-paid player, however, is an obvious one as the Browns continue to work through the grimy details of the remainder of quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract. This leaves their books in a bit of a pickle. Who are they paying money to, and who are their highest-paid players? Here are the Browns' highest-paid players entering the 2025 season: Browns highest-paid players in 2025
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Shedeur Sanders helps organize community event after East Cleveland fire
Shedeur Sanders is doing his part to ingratiate himself with his new neighbors. Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round rookie quarterback, helped organize and hosted a community event in East Cleveland on Wednesday, according to ESPN. One of the main goals of the event was to bring together the community after an explosion and fire at an apartment complex in late June killed one man and destroyed more than 40 units. The Garden Valley Fun Fest included free food from food trucks, free haircuts, games and other activities. Sanders, along with Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., reportedly took pictures and chatted with fans for hours before putting together "an impromptu game of football with kids." SHEDEUR SANDERS: Shane Gillis roasts Colorado QB over jersey number retirement during ESPYS "I just wanted a day for everybody to get out here and have some type of enjoyment, excitement, bring just the family atmosphere back," Sanders said, according to News 5 Cleveland. The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft in late April. He said on his introductory press conference call shortly after the Browns drafted him that "I'll be more involved in the community." He's making good on that promise before he has even played a snap. Sanders is expected to battle for the Browns' starting quarterback job throughout training camp and the preseason. He's one of five quarterbacks Cleveland has on its roster, along with veterans Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett, plus fellow rookie and 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. The Browns' rookies are due to report to training camp Friday, with veterans to follow suit on Tuesday, July 22.
