Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Bengals’ 2025 opponents. We will start with Cincinnati’s first and last opponent of the upcoming season, the Cleveland Browns.
2024
The Browns finished with a 3-14 record last season, including two losses to the Bengals. The team had wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cleveland started four different quarterbacks over the course of the year and finished with the fewest points per game (15.2) and the fifth-fewest yards per game (300.8). Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was a bright spot in the offense, tallying 90 receptions and over 1,200 yards through the air. Defensively, the Browns allowed the fifth-most points per game (25.6).
Offseason Changes
Cleveland made a few big adjustments this offseason, prominently to its quarterback room. The Browns let Jameis Winston, who started seven games in 2024, walk in free agency. They brought in veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett and drafted Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Incumbent QB Deshaun Watson is working his way back from injury but remains on the roster.
The Browns locked up former first overall pick Myles Garrett this offseason, signing the edge rusher to an extension that averages $40 million per year.
Cleveland held the second overall pick in the draft but traded it for significant picks that included the fifth overall selection and a 2026 first-round pick. They selected DT Mason Graham out of Michigan with the fifth pick, added Gabriel and Sanders in the third and fifth rounds, respectively, and drafted two running backs: Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins and Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson. Both backs will compete with Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. after the team parted ways with Nick Chubb.
LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list in May, ending his 2025 campaign before it began. The Browns drafted UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger 33rd overall, and the rookie could see a lot of early playing time as a result of Owusu-Koramoah’s absence.