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Cleveland, OH — As the 2025 NFL season approaches, tensions are rising in Berea as analysts and insiders alike have begun calling for the Cleveland Browns to move on from one of their most polarizing recent draft picks Jedrick Wills Jr., the former No. 10 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Wills, who signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $19.7 million rookie deal with a fifth-year option that elevated the total value to nearly $26 million, has failed to live up to expectations since joining the team. Once heralded as a franchise left tackle, Wills has struggled with injuries, inconsistent pass protection, and a seeming lack of development prompting speculation that his time in Cleveland may be running out.
NFL analyst Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently highlighted Wills as a player the Browns “must consider parting ways with” before the 2025 season begins, citing his unreliable performance and the team’s evolving offensive identity under head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“The Browns are no longer in a position where they can afford to wait on Wills to become the cornerstone left tackle they hoped he’d be. With Deshaun Watson’s health and timing being critical to Cleveland’s playoff chances, continuing to rely on subpar protection is a liability,” Sobleski wrote.
In 2023 and 2024, Wills battled injuries and played inconsistently when on the field. Pro Football Focus routinely ranked him among the bottom third of starting tackles in key metrics like pass-block win rate and pressure allowed. His lack of aggression and failure to anchor against top pass rushers has repeatedly drawn criticism from fans and media.
The Browns’ offensive line has otherwise remained a team strength, anchored by Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin. However, with Wills still occupying a critical spot on the blind side, the need for a change is becoming difficult to ignore.
Cleveland could seek a replacement through free agency or a mid-preseason trade, especially if a younger tackle emerges during camp. While cutting Wills outright would trigger dead cap complications, some insiders argue that protecting their quarterback and opening lanes in the run game must take priority.
With playoff expectations and little room for error, the Browns may have no choice but to make a difficult decision in the coming weeks cut ties with Jedrick Wills and move forward.
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