With NFL offseason programs kicking into high gear, storylines around the league are beginning to take shape. The Cleveland Browns are not short on intriguing talking points for pundits and fans around the country as they boast one of the league’s most impressive rosters on paper. With that said, here are the top 5 Cleveland Browns storylines heading into the heart of the offseason program.
Courtesy of Forbes.com
There are a few prominent members of the Browns that are due for contract raises and extensions soon. These players include Nick Chubb, Denzel Ward and Baker Mayfield.
When asked by press members about their status, both Chubb and Ward deferred to their agents, which is a common practice among players. However, Chubb did disclose that there has been some contact between his agent and the Browns, and that Cleveland has been an ideal spot for him thus far in his career. Ward also said there has been contact between his agent and the Browns, and that his looming extension is not a distraction to him if it does not get done before the season begins. Mayfield was not present at mini camp, as he and some of the other starting offensive players were working out in Austin, Texas.
Courtesy of cleveland.com
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the offseason for the Browns fans was the overhaul of a defense that dealt with personnel and injury issues all throughout 2020. Andrew Berry was quick to address those needs by bringing in the likes of John Johnson, Troy Hill, Jadeveon Clowney and Anthony Walker.
John Johnson has already been heralded as a leader of the defense according to Denzel Ward, as he can be seen getting guys into the correct spots before the play begins. Its is still unclear who will be the on field signal caller for the Cleveland defense. They have a few options though with Johnson and linebacker Anthony Walker being excellent on field communicators.
The Cleveland swiss army knife coach unfortunately received a recent DUI which resulted in her being suspended from team activities. The team decided to keep Brownson despite the fact that she drove over two times the legal limit for blood/alcohol content. The decision to keep her is not only a reflection her work, but the fact that the organization believes this will be an isolated incident and that she will receive the personal help that she needs. In the past, this type of incident would permeate through the entire building, but the Browns are now indeed in a healthier place.
Baker Mayfield’s numbers last season were extremely impressive once he began to form a rapport with play caller and head coach Kevin Stefanski. It will be crucial for Mayfield to build on the successes of last season as he finally has a play caller that will be in the organization for years to come. There will not be a learning curve between the two like there was in the early portion of last year, where Mayfield struggled to find consistent rhythm.
Courtesy of cleveland.com
Perhaps the top storyline heading into 2021 for the Browns is the return of Odell Beckham Jr. from his torn ACL. The star wideout made his first public appearance at the Jarvis Landry celebrity softball game and looked to be in terrific shape already. When asked about the status of his best friend, Landry told reporters that Beckham has been doing some activities, and looks great doing them. If the Browns want to live up to their full potential, they will certainly need Beckham to be in top form.
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