Cleveland Browns: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins, and More

​The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team competing in the American Football Conference (AFC) North division of the NFL. Established in 1946, the Browns have a storied history marked by multiple championships and a dedicated fan base known for their unwavering support.​ 

The Browns' fan base is renowned for its passion and loyalty, often referred to as the "Dawg Pound." This community of supporters is celebrated for their enthusiastic presence at games and their enduring commitment to the team through various highs and lows.​

As the Browns prepare for the 2025 season, the organization and its fans remain hopeful that the recent roster enhancements and strategic changes will translate into improved performance and a return to competitive prominence in the NFL.

Overview of the Cleveland Browns

Historical Background of the Cleveland Browns

Established as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), the Cleveland Browns were named after their first head coach and co-founder, Paul Brown, an iconic figure who revolutionized the game with his innovative strategies and emphasis on discipline and preparation. The Browns were a powerhouse in the AAFC, winning all four of the league’s championships before joining the National Football League (NFL) in 1950. Remarkably, they won the NFL Championship in their very first season and went on to secure additional titles in 1954, 1955, and 1964. During this golden era, the team featured legendary players like quarterback Otto Graham, fullback Marion Motley, kicker Lou Groza, and later, the iconic running back Jim Brown, widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

After their 1964 championship, the Browns remained a competitive team but gradually declined in dominance. The 1980s brought a brief resurgence under coach Marty Schottenheimer and quarterback Bernie Kosar, as the team reached multiple AFC Championship games, only to suffer heartbreaking losses, most notably “The Drive” and “The Fumble” against the Denver Broncos. The franchise faced a major upheaval in 1995 when then-owner Art Modell controversially announced the team’s relocation to Baltimore. Following widespread public outcry and a legal agreement with the NFL, the Browns’ history, name, and colors were preserved, and the team was officially reactivated in 1999 as an expansion franchise. Since their return, the Browns have struggled to regain consistent success but remain known for their passionate and resilient fan base. Their history is a testament to both the highs of early greatness and the enduring spirit of a team and city determined to rise again.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• In the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) Championships, the team secured four consecutive championships from 1946 to 1949 before the NFL-AFL merger in 1970.
• The Browns continued their success by winning the National Football League (NFL) Championships in 1950, 1954, 1955, and 1964.
• The Cleveland Browns’ legendary Hall of Famers start with Otto Graham, who led the team to seven championships in 10 seasons, while Jim Brown, one of the greatest running backs ever, dominated with three MVPs. Paul Warfield and Ozzie Newsome were elite pass catchers, and Lou Groza was both a dominant tackle and a legendary kicker. Marion Motley helped break racial barriers, while defensive stars like Len Ford and Joe Thomas solidified their legacies. 
• Throughout their history, the Browns have made 22 playoff appearances in their first 40 years in the NFL, reflecting their consistent competitiveness. ​
• In the 2020 season, under head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns finished with an 11-5 record, placing third in the AFC North Division. They scored 408 points (averaging 25.5 per game) and allowed 419 points (averaging 26.2 per game).
• In the Wild Card Round, the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37, marking their first playoff victory since their reactivation in 1999. However, their postseason run concluded with a 17-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.

However, the Cleveland Browns have never reached a Super Bowl in NFL history.

Major Rivalries of the Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

One of the AFC North’s fiercest matchups, the Browns and Bengals have been clashing twice a year since 1970. Dubbed the "Battle of Ohio," this rivalry is all about state pride. The series has seen its fair share of wild moments, from Carson Palmer vs. Derek Anderson to Joe Burrow vs. Myles Garrett. Most recently, in December 2024, the Bengals dominated the Browns 24-6, completing a season sweep for the first time since 2017 and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens

This one’s personal. When Art Modell moved the original Browns to Baltimore in 1996, Cleveland fans never forgave him. Since their return in 1999, every matchup against the Ravens has been a grudge match. While Baltimore has had the upper hand over the years, the Browns have pulled off some epic wins, including a dramatic overtime victory in 2023. In January 2025, the Ravens got their revenge, proving just how intense this rivalry still is.

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the NFL’s oldest and most bitter rivalries, the Browns and Steelers have been duking it out since 1950. Pittsburgh has dominated for decades, but Cleveland has had its moments, like the stunning 48-37 playoff win in January 2021. This matchup is always a hard-hitting battle, fueled by passionate fan bases and a deep-rooted hatred between the two cities. With both teams retooling in 2025, expect plenty more drama ahead.

Major Contracts of the Cleveland Browns in 2025

As of March 27, 2025, the Cleveland Browns have made several significant contract moves to strengthen their roster:​

• Teven Jenkins (Guard): Signed a cost-effective contract with a base salary of $1.17 million, a $1.5 million signing bonus, and various incentives. His cap hit for 2025 is expected to be $2.29 million. ​
• Deshaun Watson (Quarterback): Carries a cap hit of $36.9 million for 2025, with a base salary of $1.255 million and a prorated bonus of $35.68 million.
• Myles Garrett (Defensive End): Has a cap hit of $16.43 million for 2025, with a prorated bonus accounting for the entire amount. 
• Denzel Ward (Cornerback): signed a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension with the team in April 2022, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history at the time. The deal includes $71.25 million in guaranteed money and a $20 million signing bonus, averaging $20.1 million per year. The extension, which spans the 2023 through 2027 seasons, reflects Ward’s elite status and value to the Browns' secondary.
• Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver): Acquired by the Cleveland Browns in March 2024 through a trade with the Denver Broncos. Shortly after, he secured a three-year contract extension worth up to $58 million, with $41 million fully guaranteed at signing. The deal includes a $6.013 million signing bonus, contributing to an average annual salary of approximately $17.33 million.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Paul Brown – Legendary co-founder and first head coach (1946–1962); namesake of the team.
• Blanton Collier – Coached Browns to the 1964 NFL Championship.
• Marty Schottenheimer – Led the team during the successful 1980s era (1984–1988).
• Bill Belichick – Head coach from 1991–1995; later found success with the Patriots.
• Butch Davis – Revived Browns to a playoff berth in 2002.
• Kevin Stefanski – 2020 NFL Coach of the Year; led team to first playoff win since 1994
• Otto Graham – Hall of Famer; led Browns to 10 championship games.
• Brian Sipe – 1980 NFL MVP; leader of the "Kardiac Kids."
• Bernie Kosar – Fan favorite; led Browns during 1980s playoff runs.
• Baker Mayfield – No. 1 pick in 2018; led Browns to 2020 playoff win.
• Jim Brown – Widely considered the greatest RB ever; Hall of Famer.
• Leroy Kelly – Hall of Famer; succeeded Jim Brown.
• Marion Motley – One of the first African-American NFL players; Hall of Famer.
• Kevin Mack & Earnest Byner – A Dynamic duo from the 1980s.
• Paul Warfield – Hall of Fame WR; known for speed and grace.
• Ozzie Newsome – Hall of Fame TE; later a legendary GM for the Ravens.
• Josh Gordon – Talented WR with a record-setting 2013 season.
• Joe Thomas – 10-time Pro Bowler; Hall of Famer (Class of 2023).
• Gene Hickerson – Hall of Fame guard who blocked for Jim Brown.
• Dick Schafrath – Multiple-time Pro Bowler in the 1960s.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

​The Cleveland Browns are up for the 2025 season with a lineup that blends seasoned veterans and fresh talent. Here's a snapshot of the projected starters:​

Offensive Starters

• Quarterback (QB): Deshaun Watson
• Running Back (RB): Jerome Ford
• Wide Receiver 1 (WR1): Jerry Jeudy
• Wide Receiver 2 (WR2): Cedric Tillman
• Wide Receiver 3 (WR3): Michael Woods II
• Tight End (TE): David Njoku
• Left Offensive Tackle (LOT): Juan Pearl
• Left Offensive Guard (LOG): Joel Bitonio
• Center (C): Ethan Pocic
• Right Offensive Guard (ROG): Wyatt Teller
• Right Offensive Tackle (ROT): Jack Conklin

Defensive Starters

• Left Defensive End (LDE): Myles Garrett
• Left Defensive Tackle (LDT): Shelby Harris
• Right Defensive End (RDE): Ogbo Okoronkwo
• Right Defensive Tackle (RDT): Maliek Collins
• Strongside Linebacker (SLB): Devin Bush
• Middle Linebacker (MLB): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
• Weakside Linebacker (WLB): Mohammad Diabate
• Left Cornerback (LCB): Denzel Ward
• Right Cornerback (RCB): Martin Emerson Jr.
• Free Safety (FS): Ronnie Hickman
• Strong Safety (SS): Grant Delpit

Special Teams Starters

• Punter (P): Corey Bojorquez
• Kicker (KFG/KKO): Dustin Hopkins
• Long Snapper (LS): Rex Sunahara
• Kick Returner (KR): DeAndré Carter
• Punt Returner (PR): DeAndré Carter

This lineup represents the Browns' expected starters as they head into the 2025 season.

The Schedule of the Cleveland Browns in 2025

The Cleveland Browns' 2025 season is a mix of familiar divisional clashes, inter-conference battles, and international excitement. While the exact dates and times will be released later this spring, here's a breakdown of the opponents awaiting the Browns:​

Home Games:

• Cincinnati Bengals 
• Buffalo Bills​
• Miami Dolphins​ 
• Green Bay Packers
• Baltimore Ravens
• Pittsburgh Steelers​
• Tennessee Titans
• Minnesota Vikings
• San Francisco 49ers​

Away Games:

• Chicago Bears
• Cincinnati Bengals
• New York Jets
• Detroit Lions
• New England Patriots
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Baltimore Ravens
• Pittsburgh Steelers