5 months, 1 week ago

Cleveland Browns plan to build new $2.4billion domed stadium amid struggles under Deshaun Watson at quarterback

The mayor of Cleveland, Ohio confirmed plans for the Cleveland Browns to depart their current stadium on the shores of Lake Erie for a new domed stadium in the suburbs. Rather than extend their lease at Huntington Bank Stadium - which was opened in 1999 - Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb says that Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam wish to open a new stadium in the suburb of Brook Park. The statement The Cleveland Browns confirmed their intentions to move to the suburbs and a new stadium Further in the statement, Bibb said that if the Haslams were to reconsider moving that the city was 'ready to return to the table and continue working toward a solution that keeps the Browns in the city that has stood by them for decades: Cleveland.' The domed venue, which they hope to build in Brook Park, is estimated to cost $2.4billion The Browns will continue to play in Huntington Bank Stadium until their lease expires in 2028 This has already been a season of struggle for the Browns - who already sit at 1-5 just six weeks into the season.

Stadium Browns Cleveland Cleveland Browns Brook Park Bibb Huntington Bank Stadium lease watson quarterback mayor park browns deshaun stadium plan struggles build domed cleveland haslam team city brook

History of this topic

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Browns restructure Watson’s contract to get under the salary cap, AP source says

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s contract has been reworked again by the Cleveland Browns as the team looks to clear salary cap space with the new league year less than one week away. A person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Thursday that the latest restructuring of the quarterback’s contract will clear nearly $36 million in cap space for …

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Browns restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, create roughly $36M in cap space: Source

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have again restructured the contract of injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, creating around $36 million in salary-cap space for 2025, a team source confirmed. After this restructure and ahead of the potential 2026 cap relief through insurance the Browns had on the contract, the team will still have around $136 million in cap commitments to Watson after the …

2 months, 1 week ago

The Browns gave Deshaun Watson what he wanted. Now they’re paying the price

New York Times

CLEVELAND — To grasp how the Cleveland Browns spiraled into one of the worst teams in the NFL, it’s important to first return to the end of last season. Now as a second Achilles tear leaves Watson’s career in danger, the Browns can begin the painful process of officially moving on from the worst trade and biggest mistake in franchise …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson suffers ‘setback’ in Achilles recovery, ‘too early to tell’ if QB will play in 2025

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a setback during his recovery from his Achilles injury, putting his availability for next season in question, general manager Andrew Berry said Monday. Berry said it’s “too early to tell” if Watson can play in 2025 after Watson told doctors during the quarterback’s end-of-the-season physical that “something didn’t feel right” in his repaired ankle. …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Cleveland threatens to use ‘Modell Law’ to keep Browns from leaving city, playing in proposed dome

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns’ push to move out of the city and play in a proposed domed stadium has encountered a new road block. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb sent a letter to owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, saying the city intends to invoke the “Modell Law” to prevent them from leaving the Browns’ current lakefront stadium. Bibb said he …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

A rush to restore hope: Browns’ most important target dates center around new stadium

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — There is a subtle but important shift about to occur within the Cleveland Browns. The Haslams’ Q score in Cleveland has never been particularly high but it’s even lower than usual in the wake of the Watson debacle and another season of unmet expectations. It doesn’t leave much time to repair quite a bit of PR damage …

5 months ago

What’s Browns’ plan at QB after Deshaun Watson injury? Answers murky for present and future

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The afternoon began with a strategic placement of Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson 10th on the team’s pregame introduction list. GO DEEPER Garrett, Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Watson's injury Winston had to report to the lead referee as part of the NFL’s protocol for an emergency quarterback to be allowed to participate. DTR off …

5 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan (once they finally admit it’s over): Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

Before we sort through end-of-season Deshaun Watson exit strategies for the Cleveland Browns, let’s make one thing clear: Watson remains the starting quarterback. Watson’s EPA per pass play ranks 590th out of 592 quarterbacks who started the first six games of a season since 2000, per TruMedia. GO DEEPER Chargers' Jim Harbaugh returns to sideline vs. Broncos after early exit …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need Deshaun Watson exit strategy fast. And why on earth are they playing him?

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The number of women who have accused Deshaun Watson in court filings of sexual misconduct is now up to 27. Despite the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, writing in a statement that Watson’s defense team has known about this case for the last 10 months, Watson said Wednesday he didn’t know about it until it was reported in the …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns need the best version of Deshaun Watson if they want to reach their ceiling

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns chose to unveil their new stadium naming rights deal on Tuesday. But it’s fair to think if the Browns remain mostly healthy and get strong play from Watson, they can probably reach their high ceiling. No matter how many times the Browns restructure the cap numbers on Watson’s contract, every dollar remains fully guaranteed. Soon, we’ll see …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns release QB Tyler Huntley, leaving them with 3. Deshaun Watson’s contract reworked for 2024

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — The Browns threw away one of their quarterbacks. Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday, leaving them with three QBs heading into the season after they were forced to start five in 2023 amid a rash of injuries at the position. Huntley threw three touchdown passes last week in Cleveland’s exhibition finale. The Browns will head into …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, release Tyler Huntley

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have restructured the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a team source confirmed, creating about $35 million in 2024 salary-cap space and increasing future cap commitments on the five-year deal he signed in 2022. GO DEEPER NFL QB Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1; Rodgers, Herbert drop out The Browns under general manager Andrew Berry …

7 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson will play in Browns’ preseason finale at Seattle. QB on track to start season opener

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s next start has been penciled in. Cleveland’s quarterback, who hasn’t played in a game since breaking his shoulder in November at Baltimore, is scheduled to play in the Browns’ preseason finale on Aug. 24 in Seattle. Watson did not play in the Browns’ exhibition opener against Green Bay last weekend and will be held out of …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson cleared for contact, but will sit out 2nd straight preseason game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact to his surgically repaired shoulder, but he’ll sit out his second straight preseason game when Cleveland hosts Minnesota this week. Watson spent Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay on the sideline as the Browns were beaten 23-10 by the Packers. However, on a Zoom call Sunday, coach …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ plans for move to new dome stadium hits snag as county backs city’s renovation proposal

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Browns’ proposal to leave the lakefront and play in a new domed stadium in Cleveland’s suburbs has hit a major snag. In a letter sent to team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cuyahoga County officials said Sunday they’re backing a proposed $1.2 billion renovation of the team’s current stadium and are committed to keeping the NFL franchise …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns unveil plans for $2.4 billion dome, team considering move from longtime downtown home

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Browns appear poised to move out of their lakefront home. While they’re considering a $1.1 billion plan from the city of Cleveland to renovate their 25-year-old downtown stadium, the NFL team made it clear on Wednesday that its preference is to build a $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park, Ohio. “Similar to other markets in the Midwest, …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sitting out preseason opener as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson might be ready to play. Watson will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition opener on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to take a cautious approach after the quarterback underwent right shoulder surgery in November. Earlier in camp, Watson said he’s feeling healthy and is aiming this season to “block out noise.” The Browns …

7 months, 3 weeks ago

City of Cleveland offers $461 million to Browns for stadium upgrades as team weighs move to suburbs

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland has given the Browns a proposal to renovate their stadium in hopes of keeping the NFL team downtown rather than seeing it move to a new dome in suburban Brook Park. “We are unified in our belief that transforming the current facility is unquestionably in the best interests of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County,” Bibb …

11 months, 1 week ago

Browns’ draft still affected by Deshaun Watson trade. Team without first-round pick for 3rd year

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for a team that’s never been to one. The team’s franchise-shifting trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson two years ago has once again made the three-day draft almost an afterthought. The team’s massive investment into Watson affects every move the Browns make, …

1 year ago

Browns to sign Tyler Huntley, former Ravens QB gives more depth behind Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Browns are taking the tough lessons they learned last season about quarterbacks to heart. Cleveland agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Baltimore Ravens QB Tyler Huntley on Sunday, adding another veteran to give them more depth and protection behind Deshaun Watson. Huntley is signing at the veteran’s minimum salary with the Browns, who spent …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns coach confident Deshaun Watson will be ‘ready to roll’ after season-ending shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s first two seasons with the Browns have been short, underwhelming and incomplete. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday he’s still confident Watson will bounce back from a shoulder injury that limited him this season and become the elite quarterback Cleveland mortgaged its future to get. “We all know what he’s capable of and we’re excited …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns give their home crowd the playoff-clinching victory it came to see

New York Times

CLEVELAND — Seven months and eight total quarterbacks between the teams ago, the NFL schedule makers chose the New York Jets at Cleveland Browns as the season’s final Thursday night game. GO DEEPER Browns clinch playoff berth as Flacco dominates Jets The 11-5 Browns are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020 — and just the third time …

1 year, 4 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson has shoulder surgery. Team expects full recovery before start of ’24 season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to repair a fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that ended his second season in Cleveland after just nine games. The Browns said shoulder specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery to fix the displaced fracture of Watson’s right glenoid. The 28-year-old will begin rehab later this …

1 year, 4 months ago

Watson rallies Browns from 14 down in 4th to 33-31 win over Ravens, tightening AFC North

Associated Press

BALTIMORE — The Cleveland Browns have received a lot of ridicule for the massive contract they gave Deshaun Watson last year. Watson completed every pass he threw after halftime, and Cleveland made all the important plays down the stretch, rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Ravens 33-31 on Sunday. “That’s something that would have been very valuable …

1 year, 5 months ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson out Sunday, P.J. Walker to start vs. Seahawks: Why it’s a good move for Cleveland

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is out for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a shoulder injury, and backup quarterback P.J. — Zac Jackson, Browns beat writer Resting Watson shouldn’t come as a surprise Watson clearly is injured, and he never looked close to comfortable in two series in Indianapolis. Stefanski said the hit that Watson took last week …

1 year, 5 months ago

The Browns after 4 games: Looking at the offense and defense, team MVPs and more

New York Times

Through four games, the Cleveland Browns are still forcing opponents to go three-and-out more than they’re not, and they’re camping out in opposing backfields. Deshaun Watson continuing to improve in the Browns’ offense is key to the team’s success this season. The MVPs The Browns’ best players through four games have been, in no particular order, Garrett, Chubb, Cooper and …

1 year, 6 months ago

Browns desperately need Deshaun Watson to play like a franchise QB after Nick Chubb injury

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — The grass inside Acrisure Stadium has served as 100 yards of graves to Cleveland careers for more than two decades. Stefanski acknowledged the obvious: that Chubb’s season is over and imaging will likely confirm Chubb’s entire knee was shattered on a hit by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick early in the second quarter. Watson was responsible for four touchdowns …

1 year, 6 months ago

Wherever Browns QB Deshaun Watson goes, he’s taking Kevin Stefanski with him

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — The new captain of the Cleveland Browns took his rightful place at the front of the class, a towel draped over his head as his teammates lined up and began to stretch around him. GO DEEPER The time for Browns QB Deshaun Watson to deliver 'fireworks' has finally arrived Stefanski’s best season in Cleveland was his first. …

1 year, 6 months ago

Browns expecting big things with Deshaun Watson on field from start after suspension-altered season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Everything hinges on QB Deshaun Watson, who begins his first full on-field season with Cleveland after serving an 11-game NFL suspension in 2022 following accusations by more than two dozen women of sexual harassment when he played in Houston. NEW FACES: WR Elijah Moore, DE Za’Darius Smith, S Juan Thornhill, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Shelby Harris, Defensive …

2 years, 2 months ago

Jackson: Browns’ offseason uncertainty begins with looming coaching staff decisions

New York Times

It wouldn’t be fair to say the Browns are limping to the end of the season. It would be much more accurate to say the Browns are winding their way through their final practice week much in the way they’ve done through this roller-coaster of a season. All involved hope Deshaun Watson is just getting started and that the Browns’ …

2 years, 5 months ago

Deshaun Watson set to return to Browns during 11-game ban

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns expect Deshaun Watson to return to their facility on Monday as the polarizing quarterback continues serving his 11-game NFL suspension for alleged sexual misconduct. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday that he’s eager to reunite with Watson, who won’t be eligible to practice until next month. “I have not talked to him since the day …

2 years, 7 months ago

Deshaun Watson hasn’t hurt Browns’ bottom line, but are they ‘falling behind?’

New York Times

Laura Heinz was driving near her home 15 miles south of Cleveland when she first heard the news about her beloved Browns trading for Deshaun Watson. Follow our live coverage of Deshaun Watson’s suspension and settlement When Cleveland traded for Watson on March 18, he faced civil lawsuits from 24 female massage therapists who described various levels of sexual misconduct …

2 years, 7 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson Suspended For 6 Games: Report

Huff Post

Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 30, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. Nick Cammett via Getty Images Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended for six games Monday for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct made against him by two dozen women …

2 years, 7 months ago

Questions facing the Cleveland Browns after the suspension of Deshaun Watson

New York Times

Arguably the biggest news of the NFL offseason came Monday when former federal judge Sue L. Robinson decided that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The Browns’ complicated and controversial pursuit of Watson began last November with general manager Andrew Berry overseeing what the team referred to as “a …

2 years, 8 months ago

Browns head to camp unsure of Deshaun Watson’s availability

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS CAMP SITE: Berea, Ohio LAST YEAR: Expected to make a run at the AFC title, the Browns flopped. There was distracting drama, costly injuries and questionable strategy as coach Kevin Stefanski’s second season was completely opposite from his first, when the Browns won a playoff game. IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: QB Deshaun Watson, WR Amari Cooper, rookie K Cade York, …

2 years, 9 months ago

Jackson: With Browns minicamp on deck, still questions aplenty about Deshaun Watson

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have reached the end of their formal offseason program and will conduct their mandatory minicamp from June 14 to 16. Every week Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is asked about Watson’s standing and the team’s background research on Watson, and every week Stefanski delivers a standard non-answer about the Browns being respectful of the legal process. Stefanski always …

2 years, 10 months ago

Watson on field with Browns as legal storm swirls around QB

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson was impossible to miss in his orange jersey, pants and helmet — the one with “Watson” taped on the front just in case anyone wasn’t sure. On Tuesday night, Ashley Solis and Kyla Hayes, two of the 22 women fighting Watson with civil lawsuits alleging he sexually assaulted or harassed them while he played for …

2 years, 10 months ago

Browns’ Watson caps busy week as NFL investigation continues

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s week included meeting with NFL investigators and golf in the Bahamas with his new Browns teammates. Some of the women who have accused Cleveland’s quarterback of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions while he was with Houston have been interviewed by HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” Per a release from the network on Friday, “several” …

2 years, 11 months ago

Watson trade pushes Browns out of usual spotlight in draft

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Welcoming hosts a year ago, when they helped the sports world get back to some pre-pandemic normalcy, the Cleveland Browns will have a much lower profile in this year’s NFL draft. Deshaun Watson’s arrival via the blockbuster trade from Houston cost the Browns a first-round pick this year and for the next two drafts. Along with “adding as …

2 years, 11 months ago

Deshaun Watson reports to Browns for first offseason program

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson walked through snow on the way to his first day of work with the Browns. Watson reported to Cleveland’s offseason program Tuesday to restart his career with the Browns, who mortgaged their short-term future by acquiring the controversial quarterback accused of sexual misconduct in a trade last month. The Browns convinced Watson to join him and …

3 years ago

Browns’ front office, owners ‘got comfortable’ with Deshaun Watson during ‘5-month odyssey’ of pursuing him

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — With general manager Andrew Berry as the frontman, the Browns formally introduced their new quarterback, Deshaun Watson, on Friday. The Browns had a formal visit with Watson four days later and, then, in what was considered a stunning reversal, Cleveland got Watson’s endorsement to complete the trade on March 18. But long before that visit with Watson …

3 years ago

Trade for Watson ends up costing Browns a little more

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The price for Deshaun Watson went up for the Cleveland Browns in 24 hours. Cleveland’s trade for the legally entangled quarterback became official Sunday, when the Browns finalized the complex deal and released statements from owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam explaining their decision to add him to their roster following the team’s own extensive investigation. Watson is scheduled …

3 years ago

AP source: Browns make pitch to QB Watson, Mayfield reacts

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns made their sales pitch to Deshaun Watson, who despite ongoing legal entanglements is getting to choose where he plays next. The person who spoke with the AP said the Browns, who passed on taking Watson in the 2017 draft, are doing their due diligence and wanted to get to know him better, Watson met with …

3 years, 11 months ago

Browns enter draft with Super Bowl expectations, needs on D

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Browns are hosting the NFL draft this year. After finally ending their nearly two-decades-old postseason drought last season, winning their first playoff game since 1994 — over dreaded archrival Pittsburgh — and establishing themselves as one of the NFL’s rising teams, the Browns are legitimate contenders. The Browns enter this year’s draft, which will be held along …

10 years, 4 months ago

Column: Cleveland Browns are giving city a reason to rejoice

LA Times

The Cleveland Browns are doing so well these days that one of their biggest fans never wants to show his face. Gus Angelone, who goes by “Pumpkinhead” and wears a maniacal jack-o’-lantern painted like a Browns helmet, almost wishes he never had to take it off. “Coming to work on Monday, I don’t have to hold my head low,” said …

29 years, 4 months ago

Browns Abandon Cleveland : Pro football: Art Modell signs a 30-year lease with Baltimore and expects his fellow NFL owners to approve team’s move.

LA Times

TIMES STAFF WRITER Led by a police escort, the black Cadillac arrived to applause and “We love you, man” signs Monday--an obvious contrast to the Mayflower vans that carried away the Colts in the dead of night 11 years ago--and delivered Art Modell and a signed lease for his Cleveland Browns to play here for the next 30 years. “It’s …

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3 weeks, 6 days ago

The Browns could be facing a total rebuild, even if they keep Myles Garrett

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — Let’s gather around the NFL Scouting Combine bonfire, pour some hot chocolate and locate a chair so we can have an uncomfortable conversation about the state of the Cleveland Browns. I understand not wanting to use the word “rebuild.” I understand why general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski would publicly resist it — mostly, they’d presumably …

Trade Team Quarterback Nfl Browns Cleveland Watson

1 month ago