Sat Jan 04 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Browns End Disastrous Season with Zappe at Quarterback; Future Uncertain
**Baltimore, MD** – The Cleveland Browns (3-13) conclude a disappointing season this Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens (11-5), marking the end of a year riddled with quarterback instability and raising serious questions about the team’s future. Bailey Zappe, signed off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad in October, will make his ninth career start and become the Browns’ 40th starting quarterback since 1999. This is the second consecutive season the Browns have cycled through at least four starting quarterbacks.
The game holds significant stakes for both teams. A Ravens victory secures the AFC North title and a home playoff game. A Browns loss, however, virtually guarantees them a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially even the No. 1 pick depending on other Week 18 results.
Zappe’s start highlights the Browns’ ongoing quarterback woes. He was even cut briefly by the team in December before being re-signed. Head coach Kevin Stefanski hinted at playing both Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was benched after two underwhelming starts.
Meanwhile, star defensive end Myles Garrett is vying for his first sack title, currently tied for the league lead with 14 sacks. He recently achieved the milestone of 100 career sacks, becoming the youngest player ever to do so. Garrett’s future with the Browns, however, remains uncertain, as he expressed a desire to be part of a winning team and will meet with team leadership in the offseason to evaluate their plan.
The Browns’ struggles extend beyond the quarterback position. The team’s offense has been consistently underwhelming, prompting a change in play-calling in October. Special teams have also underperformed. The team’s significant spending this season, which included a controversial trade for Deshaun Watson with a massive contract, has left the organization with over $170 million committed to him in future cap space.
The Browns’ disappointing performance raises questions about the future of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, both of whom received contract extensions last spring. While there’s been no public indication of changes, the team’s performance and the failures of the Watson trade likely necessitate some level of restructuring. The team’s ability to effectively utilize their draft picks – particularly after the three first-rounders spent in the Watson trade – is also a major concern.
Several Browns players will be key free agents this March, including starters and significant contributors, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s offseason planning. The Browns face a pivotal offseason, needing to address their quarterback situation, rebuild a struggling offense, and decide on the future of key players and coaches if they hope to return to playoff contention.
First Piper 