Lackluster report card adds to Browns' tumultuous offseason
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Head coach Kevin Stefanski has his work cut out for him to turn the Browns around. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
The NFL Players Association released its annual team report cards last week and, shocker, the Browns rank near the bottom.
Why it matters: The report, which is based on anonymous player surveys, could weigh on the minds of potential free agents, while pushing ownership to right the ship on a struggling franchise.
- Cleveland is already having a tumultuous offseason fueled by the team's best player, Myles Garrett, requesting a trade.
The intrigue: The Browns came in 30th out of 32 teams overall. That's down seven spots from the previous season.
- The only teams with lower overall scores were the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots.
Between the lines: Cleveland earned low marks for the quality of its locker and training rooms, travel accommodations and treatment of families. Cleveland was average in food and dining, as well as ownership.
- The Browns did earn high grades for strength coaches and the team's weight room, which was renovated last year.
What they're saying: Browns players said they felt coaches' families were treated better than those of players and that the training room is understaffed.
- Players also said head coach Kevin Stefanski is "moderately receptive" to feedback and owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam are "somewhat committed" to building a competitive team.
Behind the scenes: The Browns received the worst grade (an F-) for its locker room.
- The team is upgrading its practice facility in Berea this offseason, while ownership moves forward with plans to build a domed stadium in Brook Park.
The other side: Stefanski addressed the report during a press conference at the NFL Combine currently taking place in Indianapolis.
- "I ask the players to get better year to year. I certainly hope we're getting better year to year," Stefanski said.
- "And what we do in the offseason is really in search of best practices, if you will, so you're always open to doing things that are better for the football team."
The big picture: Stefanski is in Indianapolis evaluating talent for April's NFL Draft. The Browns have the No. 2 overall pick.
- He's also had to field questions about Garrett, who has two years left on his contract but is reportedly "not open" to an extension.
- "I expect Myles on our team this year, next year, the year after that and so on," Stefanski told reporters. "He's part of the present, he's part of the future."