The Cleveland Browns started their offseason with organized team activities this week, signaling the beginning of preparations leading into summer training camp. Despite these developments, the full roster for the 2025 season remains uncertain, as the team may make several cuts or trades after June 1 to manage the salary cap effectively. Among the players likely to be affected is tight end David Njoku, who could be a top candidate for release or trade.
Evaluating Key Players Facing Possible Release or Trade
David Njoku has been a consistent target for quarterback Deshaun Watson over recent seasons, yet changes are on the horizon with Watson expected to miss the 2025 season. Additionally, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is projected to become the focal point of the Browns’ offense, regardless of the quarterback situation. Njoku’s current contract will expire after the 2025 season, and the drafting of Harold Fannin Jr. in the third round indicates the team may be preparing to transition away from Njoku, whose performance declined last year as he approaches 29 years old.
Despite Watson’s probable absence from play, cutting him remains unlikely due to the significant contractual obligations the Browns carry. Instead, the Browns’ depth chart features four other quarterbacks who may vie for roles this season. Among them, recent draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel benefit from cost-effective rookie contracts, increasing their chances to stay. However, the team faces a tough decision between veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, with Flacco’s leadership during the 2023 playoff run and his rapport with fans possibly securing his roster spot over Pickett.
Another significant player spotlighted is cornerback Greg Newsome, who was notably absent from the optional organized team activities. Newsome’s absence is intriguing, especially considering his underwhelming 2024 season and his approaching final contract year. With both Newsome and Martin Emerson Jr. set to reach free agency after next season, the Browns will likely choose to retain the more affordable Emerson to manage costs and maintain defensive depth.
Contracts Likely to Be Restructured or Cut for Salary Relief
Defensive player Ogbo Okoronkwo represents a straightforward candidate to free cap space if necessary. Designating him as a post-June 1 cut could save the Browns approximately $3 million. Another player in a precarious position is offensive lineman Joel Bitonio. A seven-time Pro Bowler since 2014, Bitonio, now 33, is showing signs of physical decline with only a year left on his contract. Cutting Bitonio after June 1 could free more than $8 million, a significant financial relief for the team’s salary cap concerns.
Roster Impact and What Lies Ahead for the Browns
The Cleveland Browns face a pivotal offseason balancing player performance, team needs, and salary cap limits. David Njoku’s uncertain future exemplifies this tension, as the team weighs his declining output against the opportunity to invest in new talent like Harold Fannin Jr. Quarterback decisions will also play a critical role, with the veterans Pickett and Flacco in competition and rookie contracts providing flexibility elsewhere.
Defensive and offensive veterans such as Greg Newsome and Joel Bitonio may see their roles reduced or eliminated as the Browns aim to reshape their roster for sustained competitiveness and cap management. These decisions will likely influence the Browns’ strategic direction for 2025 and beyond, determining which players remain, who departs, and how the team allocates resources moving forward.