The Cleveland Browns are at a crossroads, and while Head Coach Kevin Stefanski might be on his way out, the real question is: should General Manager Andrew Berry be held accountable for the team's recent struggles?
It appears that Stefanski's departure is likely, especially considering the Browns' disappointing performance despite a recent win against the Bengals. However, with Berry seemingly safe, many are questioning whether the blame is being placed in the right direction.
Stefanski's inability to secure enough wins is a simple fact, but the question remains, should Berry be held accountable for the team's shortcomings over the past two seasons?
Here's where it gets controversial... The Browns' decision to move on from the failed Deshaun Watson trade, a move that set the franchise back for years, is a key point. Berry's role in this deal, which involved significant investment, is undeniable.
The Browns went all-in on the trade, resulting in only one playoff appearance, where Watson was a non-factor.
Berry has had multiple opportunities to find a franchise quarterback, and his current approach is under scrutiny. His failure to build a strong quarterback room or offense last season, coupled with reliance on an injury-prone offensive line and unrealized potential in the wide receiver group, raises concerns.
Berry's track record includes both successes and failures. While the 2025 draft was strong, and acquisitions like Amari Cooper and Tyson Campbell proved beneficial, he has struggled to build a complete roster capable of consistent competition. The team's quarterback situation, in particular, has been a weakness, with reliance on young players for backup roles.
And this is the part most people miss... The Browns are also dealing with a challenging cap situation due to Watson's contract and other high-cost decisions that mortgaged the future for a roster that didn't live up to expectations.
There's hope that the recent draft indicates Berry has addressed past issues, and that another season will yield positive results. However, the pressure is on Berry to turn things around.
It's also possible that a coach who aligns more with Berry's vision will help the talent he acquired look better.
Ultimately, the spotlight is now on the GM. If a new coach doesn't transform the roster into a winning team soon, Berry's time could be up. The decision to potentially fire Stefanski while keeping Berry is a difficult one, given their intertwined history since 2020.
If a new coach comes in and believes the roster isn't good enough, it could spell the end for Berry and a wasted offseason. While Stefanski may pay the price, Berry's role in the Browns' struggles cannot be ignored.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree that Berry should share the blame for the Browns' recent failures, or do you think he deserves more time to build the team? Share your opinions in the comments below!
