The Cleveland Browns’ disastrous 2024 season ended with the team at the bottom of the standings and holding a top-three draft pick. A year that began with playoff aspirations crumbled due to a 1-6 start under Deshaun Watson and a 2-7 stretch without him, leaving the team in need of significant changes. As Cleveland prepares for the offseason, here are five players unlikely to return for 2025:
*1. Elijah Moore**
Entering 2024, wide receiver Elijah Moore needed a strong season to secure a future with the Browns. Unfortunately, he struggled, managing just 502 receiving yards and one touchdown. His best moments came with Jameis Winston at quarterback, but even then, he failed to deliver the kind of consistent performances expected of a WR1 or WR2.
With Moore heading into free agency and still searching for stability in his career, the Browns are likely to replace him with a younger, more cost-effective player from the draft, potentially targeting someone like Jalen Royals from Utah State.
2. Jedrick Wills Jr.**
Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. had a disappointing season, earning poor grades in both run and pass blocking. A lingering knee injury sidelined him midseason, further diminishing his value. As an impending free agent, Wills seems unlikely to return, especially with the Browns expected to target a replacement in the draft.
Cleveland will likely invest in a second-round pick to bolster their offensive line, ensuring better protection for their next quarterback and improving their run game behind Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford.
3. Jameis Winston**
Jameis Winston stepped in as the Browns’ starting quarterback after Watson’s injury, starting strong before turnovers derailed his run. Despite his veteran experience and potential value as a mentor for a rookie quarterback, his return depends on whether he agrees to a team-friendly deal.
Given the crowded free-agent quarterback market, Cleveland may opt to move on if Winston demands a significant contract.
4. Germain Ifedi**
Initially brought in as a backup tackle, Germain Ifedi was thrust into a starting role following Dawand Jones’ season-ending injury. However, he failed to capitalize on the opportunity, frequently committing penalties and struggling to perform at a high level.
As a free agent, Ifedi is likely to be replaced by younger talent from the draft. With Jones expected to return next season, Cleveland will focus on developing depth and improving their offensive line.
5. Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson failed to make a case for remaining on the roster. In two starts during 2024, he threw six interceptions with no touchdowns, finishing with a QBR of 18.6. His struggles were compounded by poor offensive line play, but he showed little ability to adapt or improve.
Cutting Thompson-Robinson before training camp could save the Browns over $1 million in cap space. The team is expected to draft a rookie quarterback to serve as a backup, making his role redundant.
As the Browns prepare for an offseason overhaul, these five players are likely to move on, allowing the team to focus on younger talent and more consistent contributors to help rebuild for 2025.
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