Why the Browns Super Bowl Window Could Already Be Closing
Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns believe that they have a legitimate chance to win a Super Bowl in 2024, after their 11-6 2023 season. The Browns dealt with a series of injuries in 2023 that kept them from reaching their peak, so if all goes smoothly, things should only get better, right? Sure, but this 2024 team is only a couple of things going the wrong way from having their Super Bowl window slam shut before it fully opened in the first place.
Taking a look at the Browns roster, there are a few cornerstones that are key to their Super Bowl winner, including Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, and Myles Garrett. Garrett is 28 years old, and he is the only real guarantee for this Browns team for their supposed Super Bowl window. The rest of this core has major question marks.
Let’s start with Watson, who is coming back from a right shoulder injury that most believe he will fully recover from. Still, there is never a guarantee that he will be the same player he was before the injury. Even when Watson was healthy last year, he was inconsistent at best. There are also the allegations for which Watson already served an 11-game suspension, but the NFL has stated that if more come out, he could be resuspended. The Browns still have Watson under contract for three more years, and with a cap hit of almost $64 million each year, so finding a new quarterback isn’t exactly an easy feat. If Watson doesn’t return to his Pro Bowl level (Last seen: 2020) this year, the Super Bowl window will be closed quickly.
Nick Chubb has been a key piece of the Browns since they took him in the second round of the 2018 Draft, and he is also a question mark. Chubb is trying to work his way back from a devastating ACL injury, and it’s unclear if Chubb is going to be ready for the start of the season. Even if he is, what type of running back can he be? Chubb is only 28 years old, but in running back terms, 28 is the new 33, especially coming off such an impactful injury. Even if Chubb is back to full strength for 2024, it’s hard to imagine him having many good years left, and whenever Chubb exits his prime will be a rough time for Cleveland’s window.
Most Super Bowl teams have a star wide receiver, and Amari Cooper fills that role. The problem with Cooper is that he’s 30 years old, and he is still holding out for a new long-term contract. The chatter this offseason has been about the two sides reaching a long-term deal, but what if that doesn’t happen that offseason? Would he be willing to sit out part of the season to get the deal done? Last season, Amari Cooper caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns. The Browns brought in Jerry Juedy this offseason, but Cooper is someone the Browns need to open their Super Bowl window. Needless to say, if he’s not there, the window isn’t even open in 2024.
Myles Garrett is the fourth key to the Browns’ Super Bowl hopes, and he’s been consistent since coming into the league. Garrett is probably their best player, so it’s comforting that he’s the least of the Browns’ concerns in terms of winning the ultimate prize. The Browns have also discovered that Garrett, as much of a cornerstone that he has been to this team, isn’t enough by himself.
2024 really feels like the year the Browns can break through to become steady contenders, but if everything goes wrong, the Super Bowl window could be closed up before it starts. Watson’s shoulder could crumble, or his play on the field could continue to be subpar. Chubb’s return could be delayed, or his play could suffer. Cooper could also decide that until he gets a new deal done, he won’t play in Cleveland. If any of that happens, you can wave goodbye to the Lombardi Trophy this year. Garrett can only do so much to lead the defense, and the offense needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The Browns are only a couple of things going their way to winning a Super Bowl, but they are only a few bad breaks away from being in the basement of the NFL again.
Up Next