A few months ago, Dart was an afterthought in the first-round discussion. Now? He’s got NFL teams reconsidering everything they thought they knew about this quarterback class.
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team competing in the American Football Conference (AFC) North division of the NFL. Established in 1946, the Browns have a storied history marked by multiple championships and a dedicated fan base known for their unwavering support.
The Browns' fan base is renowned for its passion and loyalty, often referred to as the "Dawg Pound." This community of supporters is celebrated for their enthusiastic presence at games and their enduring commitment to the team through various highs and lows.
As the Browns prepare for the 2025 season, the organization and its fans remain hopeful that the recent roster enhancements and strategic changes will translate into improved performance and a return to competitive prominence in the NFL.
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Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is brought down by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Mack Wilson (51) during the second half in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mahomes would suffer an injury on the play. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns faced challenges in the 2024 season and finished with a 3-14 record. This outcome has prompted significant roster changes and strategic adjustments aimed at revitalizing the team's performance in the upcoming season.
The 1970s saw the Browns use their orange helmet as the logo with a facemask. In 1986, the franchise went for a dramatic overhaul that saw a more 3-D helmet model and an updated facemask. Some of the shadows were removed from the logo and the angle was altered in 1993.
Since 1999, the Browns have made quite a few changes to their logos. After the 2005 season, the team made a slight adjustment to the orange color of the helmet and to the grey facemask. A more recent iteration of the Cleveland Browns' identity came in the form of a ‘safety’ orange-colored helmet.
Cleveland Browns Owner Achievements
Dee and Jimmy Haslam have owned the Cleveland Browns since 2012. They initially entered the NFL scene by acquiring a minority stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008, which they held until purchasing the Browns. The agreement to buy the Browns was reached on August 2, 2012, received unanimous NFL owner approval on October 16, and was finalized on October 25 of that year.
Andrew Berry serves as the Browns' General Manager, overseeing player acquisitions and roster decisions. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski leads the team's on-field strategies. Both Berry and Stefanski, who began their partnership with the Browns in 2020, signed multi-year contract extensions in June 2024, solidifying their roles within the organization.
The Haslams also have investments in other sports franchises, including a controlling interest in the Milwaukee Bucks and involvement with the Columbus Crew, demonstrating their broader commitment to sports management.
Notable Milestones and Achievements of the Cleveland Browns
In the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) Championships, the team secured four consecutive championships from 1946 to 1949 before the NFL-AFL merger in 1970.
The Browns continued their success by winning the National Football League (NFL)Championships in 1950, 1954, 1955, and 1964.
The Cleveland Browns’ legendary Hall of Famers start with Otto Graham led the team to seven championships in 10 seasons, while Jim Brown, one of the greatest running backs ever, dominated with three MVPs. Paul Warfield and Ozzie Newsome were elite pass catchers, and Lou Groza was both a dominant tackle and a legendary kicker. Marion Motley helped break racial barriers, while defensive stars like Len Ford and Joe Thomas solidified their legacies.
Throughout their history, the Browns have made 22 playoff appearances in their first 40 years in the NFL, reflecting their consistent competitiveness.
In the 2020 season, under head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns finished with an 11-5 record, placing third in the AFC North Division. They scored 408 points (averaging 25.5 per game) and allowed 419 points (averaging 26.2 per game).
In the Wild Card Round, the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers48-37, marking their first playoff victory since their reactivation in 1999. However, their postseason run concluded with a 17-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
However, the Cleveland Browns have never reached a Super Bowl in NFL history.
Notable Coaches and Players
Notable Coaches:
Paul Brown – Legendary co-founder and first head coach (1946–1962); namesake of the team.
Blanton Collier – Coached Browns to the 1964 NFL Championship.
Marty Schottenheimer – Led the team during the successful 1980s era (1984–1988).
Bill Belichick – Head coach from 1991–1995; later found success with the Patriots.
Butch Davis – Revived Browns to a playoff berth in 2002.
Kevin Stefanski – 2020 NFL Coach of the Year; led team to first playoff win since 1994
Quarterbacks
Otto Graham – Hall of Famer; led Browns to 10 championship games.
Brian Sipe – 1980 NFL MVP; leader of the "Kardiac Kids."
Bernie Kosar – Fan favorite; led Browns during 1980s playoff runs.
Baker Mayfield – No. 1 pick in 2018; led Browns to 2020 playoff win.
Running Backs
Jim Brown – Widely considered the greatest RB ever; Hall of Famer.
Leroy Kelly – Hall of Famer; succeeded Jim Brown.
Marion Motley – One of the first African-American NFL players; Hall of Famer.
Kevin Mack & Earnest Byner – A Dynamic duo from the 1980s.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
Paul Warfield – Hall of Fame WR; known for speed and grace.
Ozzie Newsome – Hall of Fame TE; later a legendary GM for the Ravens.
Josh Gordon – Talented WR with a record-setting 2013 season.
Offensive Linemen
Joe Thomas – 10-time Pro Bowler; Hall of Famer (Class of 2023).
Gene Hickerson – Hall of Fame guard who blocked for Jim Brown.
Dick Schafrath – Multiple-time Pro Bowler in the 1960s.
Defensive Players
Len Ford – Hall of Fame DE; key part of 1950s defenses.
Clay Matthews Jr. – Played 16 seasons for the Browns; fan favorite.
Frank Minnifield & Hanford Dixon – Elite CB duo of the 1980s.
Myles Garrett – Modern-era star DE; multiple-time Pro Bowler.
Special Teams
Lou Groza – “The Toe”; legendary kicker and tackle; Hall of Famer.
Phil Dawson – One of the most beloved kickers in franchise history.
Major contracts of the Cleveland Browns
As of now, the Cleveland Browns have made several significant contract moves to strengthen their roster:
Teven Jenkins (Guard): Signed a cost-effective contract with a base salary of $1.17 million, a $1.5 million signing bonus, and various incentives. His cap hit for 2025 is expected to be $2.29 million.
Deshaun Watson (Quarterback): Carries a cap hit of $36.9 million for 2025, with a base salary of $1.255 million and a prorated bonus of $35.68 million.
Myles Garrett (Defensive End): Has a cap hit of $16.43 million for 2025, with a prorated bonus accounting for the entire amount.
Denzel Ward (Cornerback): signed a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension with the team in April 2022, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history at the time. The deal includes $71.25 million in guaranteed money and a $20 million signing bonus, averaging $20.1 million per year. The extension, which spans the 2023 through 2027 seasons, reflects Ward’s elite status and value to the Browns' secondary.
Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver): Acquired by the Cleveland Browns in March 2024 through a trade with the Denver Broncos. Shortly after, he secured a three-year contract extension worth up to $58 million, with $41 million fully guaranteed at signing. The deal includes a $6.013 million signing bonus, contributing to an average annual salary of approximately $17.33 million.
Major Rivalries of the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
One of the AFC North’s fiercest matchups, the Browns and Bengals have been clashing twice a year since 1970. Dubbed the "Battle of Ohio," this rivalry is all about state pride. The series has seen its fair share of wild moments, from Carson Palmer vs. Derek Anderson to Joe Burrow vs. Myles Garrett. Most recently, in December 2024, the Bengals dominated the Browns 24-6, completing a season sweep for the first time since 2017 and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
This one’s personal. When Art Modell moved the original Browns to Baltimore in 1996, Cleveland fans never forgave him. Since their return in 1999, every matchup against the Ravens has been a grudge match. While Baltimore has had the upper hand over the years, the Browns have pulled off some epic wins, including a dramatic overtime victory in 2023. In January 2025, the Ravens got their revenge, proving just how intense this rivalry still is.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the NFL’s oldest and most bitter rivalries, the Browns and Steelers have been duking it out since 1950. Pittsburgh has dominated for decades, but Cleveland has had its moments, like the stunning 48-37 playoff win in January 2021. This matchup is always a hard-hitting battle, fueled by passionate fan bases and a deep-rooted hatred between the two cities. With both teams retooling in 2025, expect plenty more drama ahead.
Cleveland Browns’ Schedule
The Cleveland Browns' 2025 season is a mix of familiar divisional clashes, inter-conference battles, and international excitement. While the exact dates and times will be released later this spring, here's a breakdown of the opponents awaiting the Browns:Home Games:Cincinnati Bengals Buffalo BillsMiami Dolphins Green Bay PackersBaltimore RavensPittsburgh SteelersTennessee TitansMinnesota VikingsSan Francisco 49ersAway Games:Chicago BearsCincinnati BengalsNew York JetsDetroit LionsNew England PatriotsLas Vegas RaidersBaltimore RavensPittsburgh Steelers
Who are the starters for the Cleveland Browns' 2025 season?
The Cleveland Browns are up for the 2025 season with a lineup that blends seasoned veterans and fresh talent. Here's a snapshot of the projected starters:
Offensive Starters:
Quarterback (QB): Deshaun WatsonRunning Back (RB): Jerome FordWide Receiver 1 (WR1): Jerry JeudyWide Receiver 2 (WR2): Cedric TillmanWide Receiver 3 (WR3): Michael Woods IITight End (TE): David NjokuLeft Offensive Tackle (LOT): Juan PearlLeft Offensive Guard (LOG): Joel BitonioCenter (C): Ethan PocicRight Offensive Guard (ROG): Wyatt TellerRight Offensive Tackle (ROT): Jack Conklin
Defensive Starters:
Left Defensive End (LDE): Myles GarrettLeft Defensive Tackle (LDT): Shelby HarrisRight Defensive End (RDE): Ogbo OkoronkwoRight Defensive Tackle (RDT): Maliek CollinsStrongside Linebacker (SLB): Devin BushMiddle Linebacker (MLB): Jeremiah Owusu-KoramoahWeakside Linebacker (WLB): Mohammad DiabateLeft Cornerback (LCB): Denzel WardRight Cornerback (RCB): Martin Emerson Jr.Free Safety (FS): Ronnie HickmanStrong Safety (SS): Grant Delpit
Special Teams Starters:
Punter (P): Corey BojorquezKicker (KFG/KKO): Dustin HopkinsLong Snapper (LS): Rex SunaharaKick Returner (KR): DeAndré CarterPunt Returner (PR): DeAndré CarterThis lineup represents the Browns' expected starters as they head into the 2025 season.