Which Cleveland Browns are on a ‘Prove-It’ season?
By Shane Carter
The Cleveland Browns have high expectations following their performance in Week 1 of the preseason, but some on the team are playing for more than just the 2019 season
“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
– Winston Churchill
Fans and supporters of the Cleveland Browns have been waiting for a team like this; Potentially, for a season like this; For anything remotely close to this, for nearly two decades.
Now, the 2019 Browns have star power, national attention and something other than obvious jokes. This team is ready to prove itself.
Last years 7-8-1 team was the cheddar biscuits to what looks like could be a delicious meal this season. This team has more studs at starter positions than question marks.
What’s going to have a big impact will be the players who are playing not just for this team but for their future. Whether it’s for financial reasons, or just simply not being good enough, there’s a lot of players fighting for their futures.
Players Fighting for a New Contract
There’s plenty of starters on this year’s team with contracts that expire this season. In no particular order:
Greg Robinson, Joe Schobert, J.C. Tretter, Rashard Higgins, Damarious Randall, Jermaine Whitehead, Greg Joseph and Kareem Hunt (restricted FA) are the most notable. These players combine for a cap number exceeding $27 million.
Players like Schobert, Tretter, and Randall could all be in a position to get a major contract extension. Randall, being the most notable, attempting to get paid along with the highest-paid players at his position. Tretter and Schobert are both among the underrated at their positions but should still secure hefty paydays.
Rashard Higgins and Greg Robinson are both quality players who can start on this team and others. Whether they’re playing for a deal in Cleveland, or elsewhere, 2019 is the money year.
Kareem Hunt is an interesting choice since the team already has Nick Chubb, and will have to wait for eight games before he’ll see any carries. Realistically, Hunt could be playing for a chance on another team if Nick Chubb continues to shine, but could bring a decent draft pick assuming.