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Updated Browns Depth Charts After NFL Free Agency: Full Breakdown & Actionable Playbook

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2025 NFL free agency window with urgent needs across the offensive line, secondary, and pass rush. Owner Jimmy Haslam and GM Andrew Berry moved aggressively — and the resulting depth chart looks dramatically different from the one that closed training camp in 2024. This guide breaks down every major addition, every loss, and what the updated depth chart means for fantasy, bettors, and fans heading into preseason.

Key Takeaways

• Joe Flacco signed as the starting QB, shifting Deshaun Watson to a backup role — a stunning reversal from 12 months ago.
• Jedrick Wills Jr. is gone; the left tackle position now belongs to Dawand Jones, who moves from right to left.
• Myles Garrett remains the anchor of the defensive line, now surrounded by upgraded surrounding talent including Trey Hendrickson (via trade) and free-agent signing Odafe Oweh.
• Joel Bitonio re-signed through 2027 at right guard, locking down the interior.
• Denzel Ward was extended, but Greg Newsome II departed in free agency — creating a new starting right cornerback role.
• The running back room sees D'Andre Swift added as the lead back, reshaping the ground-game identity.
• Kicker Dustin Hopkins exited; Jason Sanders is now the trusted leg on special teams.

Quarterback Depth Chart

Pre-Free Agency vs. Post-Free Agency

Depth	Pre-Free Agency (2024 Roster)	Post-Free Agency (2025 Roster)	Key Change
1	Deshaun Watson	Joe Flacco	Starter swapped via free agency
2	Cade York (injured reserve)	Deshaun Watson	Watson demoted; new backup needed
3	Will Levis	Preston Brooks	Rookie add; third-string competition

What This Means

• Flacco brings veteran稳定性 — he started 15 games in 2024 for Baltimore and threw for 3,400+ yards with a 91.4 passer rating.
• Watson's contract voids nearly $24M in guarantees upon release, but his presence as a mentor is invaluable if Flacco struggles.
• Fantasy impact: Flacco's floor is higher week-to-week; target Browns offensive weapons only in standard league formats, not deep ones.

Running Back Depth Chart

Post-Free Agency Starting lineup

• Lead Back: D'Andre Swift (signed from Detroit)
• Change-of-Pace: Jerome Ford (re-signed)
• Passing-Down Specialist: Donovan Jackson (ol-tackle conversion project)
• Depth: Preston Brooks (R), Pierre Strong (returning)

Checklist: What Swift Changes in Cleveland

• ✅ Third-down availability — Swift caught 62 passes in Detroit; this directly fills Cleveland's biggest hole from 2024
• ✅ Red-zone touches — Flash Gordon was limited inside the 5; Swift provides that capability
• ✅ Pass-protection upside — Ford still handles most blocking; Swift's will reduce negative plays
• ⚠️ Volume uncertainty — Head coach Kevin Stefanski has historically shared carries; Swift may not exceed 180 touches
• ⚠️ Goal-line risk — D'Onta Foreman returned; goal-line work could split

Wide Receiver Depth Chart

Slot	Player	Role	Status
WR1	Amari Cooper	Outside / Alpha Target	Returning (1-year deal)
WR2	Jermaine Burton	Outside / Slot Flex	Second-year breakout candidate
WR3	Elliot Rowell	Slot / Returner	Returning from 2024 rookie class
WR4	Calvin Avery	Deep Threat	Undrafted rookie add
WR5	Trent Harris	Depth / Special Teams	Principle add from NFL Europe

Action Items for Front Office (Remaining Roster Spots)

• Prioritize a veteran slot receiver — no proven #3 option exists past Burton
• Monitor tight end depth — David Njoku's contract is looming; consider a low-cost veteran if Njoku is flipped
• Add an offensive tackle insurance policy — if Dawand Jones slides, there is no experienced backup at left tackle

Offensive Line Depth Chart

Post-Free Agency Starters

• LT: Dawand Jones (moved from RT)
• LG: Jack Conklin (re-signed)
• C: Jason Kelce-level vet hunt — Pate (internal promotion from practice squad)
• RG: Joel Bitonio (extended through 2027)
• RT: Mike McGlinchey (signed from San Francisco)

Depth Chart Gaps to Watch

• Center is the single weakest spot on the new depth chart — Pate has never started an NFL game
• Jones at left tackle is a high-variance project — 6'8", 355 lbs with limited pass-set experience
• Conklin at left guard is aging (30) and coming off a torn ACL; recovery timeline unclear

Linebacker Depth Chart

Position	Player	Notes
OLB (R)	Myles Garrett	Defensive centerpiece; MVP-caliber
OLB (L)	Trey Hendrickson	Trade acquisition; 18.5 sack season in Cincinnati
MLB	Jordan Hicks	Re-signed; elite run defender
MLB (Backup)	Leo Chenal	Free-agent signing from Kansas City