Cleveland Browns 2025 Preseason Preview: Rookie QBs, Schedule Surprises, and Why Hope Springs Eternal (Sort Of)

It’s that magical time of year again in Northeast Ohio—where hope, skepticism, and a healthy dose of gallows humor blend together in anticipation of another Cleveland Browns season. As your local agent (and lifelong Browns survivor), I’m here to walk you through the storylines that matter, the schedule ahead, and a little real estate tie-in for good measure. Let’s dive in.

Rookie Quarterback Roundup

This offseason, the Browns doubled down on the most Cleveland thing imaginable: drafting not one, but two rookie quarterbacks - neither of which was worthy of the first round. Dillon Gabriel (third round, by way of Oregon) arrives with more questions than answers. At barely six feet tall and considered a reach by most draft experts, Gabriel’s selection was met with the sort of collective eyebrow raise only Browns fans can deliver. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders (fifth round from Colorado, but universally considered underdrafted after that historic draft slide) brings his own intrigue. He’s got a famous last name, an accurate arm, and the swagger to match. Will either QB be the answer? Well, if history is any indication…let’s just say we’re not holding our breath. We like what we've seen from Sanders, but it's entirely possible the Browns will have their eyes on a QB in the first round next April.

Schedule Preview: Buckle Up

The 2025 schedule is a gauntlet. Or at least it starts that way. The Browns face the usual gritty AFC North divisional slate and a few (maybe) winnable matchups scattered like Easter eggs throughout the later portion of the season. Expect some classic heartbreakers, maybe a surprise win here and there, and, hopefully, another December snow game that reminds us what we'll be missing after they move into their "barndominium" in Brook Park. If you’re planning your open house schedule around Browns games, might I suggest the early season schedule gauntlet, where they're not supposed to be very competitive anyway and the rookies will still be on the sidelines, holding clipboards and watching an aging Joe Flacco try to preserve himself behind an aging offensive line.

Why Stefanski and Berry Aren’t Going Anywhere (for now)

Despite the noise, don’t expect major shakeups in the front office. Kevin Stefanski has kept the locker room seemingly steady through the franchise's usual turmoil, and Andrew Berry—while his draft record is, let’s say, less than inspiring—has proven to be a trade magnate (minus the...well, you already know where I'm going with that), keeping the Browns semi-watchable during the post-Baker era slide. Ownership has doubled down on the current regime and clearly values stability. And unless things truly fall apart, both men are likely to stick around through at least another cycle with the draft capital they accrued this past offseason by trading the #2 pick (and therefore the rights to Travis Hunter) for the #5 pick (used to select DT Mason Graham) and Jacksonville's 2026 first round pick. With this ammunition, it is more likely that Jimmy and Dee Haslam will grant Kevin and Andrew the time necessary to re-configure the roster in the wake of the disastrous 2022 trade for "he-who-shall-not-be-played."

Season Outlook: Lowered Expectations, Higher Draft Picks

Let’s be honest: Vegas isn’t bullish on Cleveland this year, and neither am I. My prediction? A 4-13 finish with more job security baked-in than anyone on Cleveland radio will care to acknowledge. But here’s the silver lining: with two first round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns may very well be picking at #1 overall next April— with or without a trade. And if Arch Manning decides to turn in his textbooks and take his talents to the North Coast, maybe he’ll call me and I’ll have some luxury properties to show him.

Remember: we may be losers...but at least we're not Detroit.

Browns Fans & Real Estate: The Ultimate Home Team

Browns fans are nothing if not resilient—just like Northeast Ohio’s housing market. Whether you’re buying in Chagrin Falls or selling in Pepper Pike, it’s all about believing in the big picture. If you’re ready to make your next move (and maybe upgrade your gameday viewing experience), let’s find you a home that’s built to last longer than the average Browns playoff run.

And if, by some chance, you're reading this, Arch...call me when you're ready to see some Northeast Ohio property.