Cleveland Browns players reportedly want out, culture at all-time low
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns culture seems to be at an all-time low as several players reportedly want out of Cleveland and made it known Week 15.
The Cleveland Browns slim playoff are almost completely diminished following their Week 15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. However, that is not the worst news for the organization as they traveled back to Cleveland.
The tumultuous season with more lows than highs has several players wanting out, including Jarvis Landry. According to NFL Network’s Mike Silver, Landry and “multiple” Browns players were telling the Cardinals to “come get” them.
That is the same statement Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly made in October to several teams prior to the trade deadline. Beckham claims he is happy in Cleveland, but made his future with the team seem rather uncertain.
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It is clear the players are not happy, and it appears that most of, if not all of their frustrations are directed at the coaching staff. Several players have had issues with head coach Freddie Kitchens, including Landry. Landry has had several outbursts with Kitchens on the sidelines, with the most recent being on Sunday.
When meeting with the media on Monday, Browns safety Damarious Randall would not comment on if the team still believed on Kitchens. Randall has had issues with the team this season because of the way they have handled his injuries and when he did not fly with Pittsburgh for the Week 13 game against the Steelers.
Whether it be Landry, Beckham, Randall, or Rashard Higgins, there are several players who are not happy with Kitchens. Kitchens’ inexperience is clear and it has cost the Browns games. But he also does not have the respect of the players, and their effort on some Sunday’s is evidence of that. Kareem Hunt even said Monday that Browns players were taking plays off against the Cardinals.
This is the most talented team the Browns have put together since the return to Cleveland in 1999. However, it is clear there is a culture problem. When players are practically quitting on the season in a must-win game with the playoffs still on the line, there is a major issue. Even when the Browns put together rosters designed to lose, they were not quitting and their effort was keeping them in games.
Kitchens has not been able to keep his team focused and is not letting the outside noise create chaos in the locker room. The players are frustrated and they are making it known they want change. And if the organization does not make a change, then the players wishing to get out of Cleveland could try to force their way out.
Next. Kareem Hunt calls out Browns teammates lack of effort. dark
Cleveland’s culture is at an all-time low, which is telling considering the Browns are just a few years removed from an 0-16 season. The Browns need a coach who can help instill a new culture, and it is evident Kitchens cannot build the culture the Browns need.