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A possible Cleveland Browns rebuild is two years away

By Hank Kilburn

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 22: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the bench against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter in the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 22: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the bench against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter in the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Browns may only be a few years removed from an extreme rebuild, but that does not mean they could potentially be far away from another.

There goes that idea all fans despise. Unfortunately, a Cleveland Browns rebuild in the near future is more realistic than people realize…or want to accept.

Baker Mayfield is entering the third year of his rookie contract. While he is already on his fourth head coach, Mayfield is the key to the Browns avoiding the “r” word. He will need to thrive in Kevin Stefanski’s offense and lead the team to playoff runs in order to justify the brass bringing him back on a big contract. Keep in mind Mayfield was a John Dorsey pick, not new general manager Andrew Berry.

Next, we have to look at the players around the quarterback. The idea of Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham is great, but both players are 27-years-old and will be unrestricted free agents in 2023 and 2024. If Mayfield starts slow, Beckham may request a trade before the trade deadline. With Rashard Higgins likely out, that would leave a big hole at the receiver position.

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Then, you have Nick Chubb, whose rookie deal expires in 2022. The belief is teams shouldn’t pay running backs top dollar, but when he’s your best offensive weapon it’s hard to offer him scraps.

Other notable free agents in the next few years are Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, Mack Wilson, and David Njoku. Are the Browns re-signing these guys if they’re no closer to a Super Bowl?

So what would be the strategy for a possible Cleveland Browns rebuild? Judging by the decision-makers in place, the future roster would be data-driven.

The Browns currently hold the 10th pick in this year’s draft after going 6-10. While that may land a solid starter, that pick is too low to draft a franchise quarterback. If Mayfield struggles again this season, analytics may suggest that the Browns tank for Trevor Lawrence.

At this point, the Browns are in a bit of a pickle. You want to have the most success while players are on their rookie deals. On the other hand, you don’t want to come to the realization the team is capped on its potential after signing bad contracts.

Next. Browns should consider signing Jason Peters. dark

The window of opportunity isn’t as open as people think. This season is critical to the future of the Browns.

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