Browns will be the NFL's most dramatic offseason soap opera
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The future is now or never. Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
The Browns' season is over, but the team's offseason drama will likely hit soap opera levels.
Why it matters: Front office decisions over the next few months will determine whether Cleveland can turn things around or if an already despondent fanbase should prepare for more disappointment.
State of play: The Browns lost Saturday to the Baltimore Ravens, finishing the season 3-14 and in last place in the AFC North.
- Following the loss, Cleveland fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson.
What they're saying: Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, said last month he doesn't want to be part of a potential "rebuild."
- "I'm trying to win right now," Garrett told reporters. "And I want that to be apparent when the season is over and we have those discussions."
Catch up quick: Just after Christmas, the Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson agreed to restructure his contract — signaling his likely return next season despite poor play.
- Cleveland could potentially sign quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is likely to be cut by the Atlanta Falcons.
- Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was Cousins' offensive coordinator when the latter made the Pro Bowl with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019.
Between the lines: Off the field, Mayor Justin Bibb last week informed Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam the city will invoke the "Modell Law" to keep the team from moving to a new stadium in Brook Park when its downtown lease expires in 2028.
- The law was passed after former owner Art Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore in 1996.
- It states no owner of an Ohio professional sports team using a "tax-supported facility" can move the team without six months' notice and giving locals a chance to buy the team.
Fun fact: The law was last used in 2018 to keep the Columbus Crew soccer team from moving to Austin, Texas. The Haslams wound up buying the team.
The latest: The Browns filed a federal suit seeking clarification of the "Modell Law," Ideastream reports.
The bottom line: Cleveland will face questions about every aspect of its organization this offseason with seemingly no easy answers.