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Browns could make stunning move involving Andrew Berry
The Cleveland Browns front office could look much different in 2026.
Cleveland’s front office has already seen some changes. Paul DePodesta joined the Browns in 2016 as the Chief Strategy Officer, as he was a high-ranking executive for multiple MLB teams.
After some time with the Browns, DePodesta is leaving Cleveland to run the Colorado Rockies‘ baseball operations department. It’s a big loss to the Browns’ front office, and now the team could make another significant change.
Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland believes general manager Andrew Berry could get a promotion this offseason, leaving the team to hire a new GM.
“This move presents the opportunity for Jimmy Haslam to restructure his organization,” Grossi said. “One possibility, he could promote Andrew Berry to a higher-level position and then create the opportunity to hire a new general manager. What that would mean for coach Kevin Stefanski is still to be determined with nine games left. At the very least, we are going to see some changes in Jimmy Haslam’s football organization as a result of Paul DePodesta leaving for Major League Baseball.”
Berry has been the Browns’ general manager since 2020 and has had mixed results. Although he’s been helping Cleveland rebuild, many fans have called for him to be fired.
Yet, it appears Berry could actually get a promotion and have more say in the Browns’ front office. But that would mean Cleveland would hire a new general manager ahead of a pivotal offseason where the Browns have the chance to select their franchise quarterback.
One Insider Doesn’t Believe Berry Should Remain as GM
Although Grossi believes Berry could get a promotion, another Browns insider doesn’t think that should happen.
Berry hasn’t helped Cleveland get over the hump since taking over as GM, and the team is still searching for its franchise quarterback. With that, Browns insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic doesn’t think Berry should select the next quarterback for the Browns.
“The Joe Flacco trade of 10 days ago might eventually change things for his path,” Jackson wrote. “But I tend to agree with you at the moment: This team is back in the quarterback derby next year based on how things stand now, and what that means for temporary starter Dillon Gabriel and Sanders is as uncertain as who will be making the selection.
“Because absolutely zero about this current group’s quarterback track record says they should get to make the next pick. That’s true even if I’m right about Sanders eventually being a starting-quality player. I don’t yet know if I’m right about that. And the more I watch this offense trudge its way around, I’m not quite sure what anyone involved knows about anything.”
Although Jackson doesn’t think Berry should be able to take a new quarterback, it does appear that he will remain in the front office.
Browns Used Bye Week to Recharge
Cleveland is off to a lackluster start, and the Browns used the bye week to recharge.
The Browns are off to a 2-6 start, and head coach Kevin Stefanski wants the team to have more success down the stretch.
“Yeah, I think the bye week, regardless of where it comes, you have to recharge, and I think our guys did that,” Stefanski said on Wednesday. “Obviously have a nine-game season coming up here after eight in the book. So have to make sure that they’re ready in mind, body and spirit for the run.”
Cleveland is on the road to play the New York Jets on Sunday.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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