Kevin Stefanski takes the fall for chronic dysfunction in Cleveland

Kevin Stefanski takes the fall for chronic dysfunction in Cleveland

NBC Sportssports

Key Points:

  • Four years ago, the Cleveland Browns traded multiple high draft picks and signed Deshaun Watson to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract despite his year-long absence and looming suspension due to numerous sexual misconduct lawsuits.
  • The trade severely depleted the Browns' ability to build a strong roster through the draft, creating a multi-year setback for the franchise despite a brief playoff appearance afterward.
  • Head coach Kevin Stefanski was recently fired, largely blamed for failures linked to the Watson trade, although the initial decision-makers behind the trade remain unclear, with speculation involving the coach, GM Andrew Berry, former executive Paul DePodesta, and owner Jimmy Haslam.
  • Owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledged the impact of the trade on the roster but