5 bold 2023 offseason predictions for the Cleveland Browns

3. Jedrick Wills doesn’t get his fifth-year option picked up

Heading into the offseason, there’s already a lot of attention on left tackle Jedrick Wills. The first player ever selected by Andrew Berry, Wills joined the Browns in 2020 as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Alabama star moved from right tackle to the left side and was expected to be the blindside protector for the next decade-plus. He was off to a hot start as a rookie but since then, things have gone in the wrong direction.

Wills struggled with health and consistency throughout the 2021 season and then in 2022, it seemed as though his effort was a major issue. Wills appeared to give up on plays often and his body language was simply terrible.

Now heading into year four, there are questions as to whether or not Cleveland will exercise the fifth-year option in his rookie deal. If they do, it will mean he’s on the books for $14.175 million in 2024. That’s a solid chunk of change but well worth it should the player be a franchise left tackle.

The problem is, Wills hasn’t proven that he can be that. For that reason, this prediction is that Cleveland declines his option. It would be a bold move and could pay off as it might be exactly what’s needed to motivate the young man to take his next step. If so, they can re-visit his contract but for now, they’re probably fine not being committed to him beyond 2023.