In Cleveland, things haven’t stopped spinning since Baker Mayfield left. From Dehsaun Watson’s $230 million contract, Joe Flacco’s 2023 savior stint to now, a QB room that has more players in it than it can accommodate. The Browns enter 2025 with more questions than answers, especially when you consider that their wide receiver just returned from a three-team world tour and that the front office is still plagued by ‘what could’ve been.’ So, if Kevin Stefanski looks stressed out this summer, it’s not because of the heat.
And of course, he would be. The season starts in just two months, and they still have the question hanging: who will be their starting QB? And that doesn’t seem like an ideal situation if you really want to make it to the playoffs. But amid all this chaos, there’s at least one name that is beginning to emerge from the muddle.
Kevin Stefanski made his first definitive move of the offseason—Yes, finally. As the Browns announced the termination of defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo’s contract while signing kicker Andre Szmyt, who previously spent time on their practice squad and the UFL’s Battlehawks. “We’ve signed K Andre Szmyt and terminated the contract of DE Ogbo Okoronkwo.” Ogbo, who just a year ago was one of the team’s prized free-agent additions. The former Ram and Texan came to Cleveland on a 3-year, $19 million deal, intended to form a deadly edge duo with Myles Garrett. What they got instead was an inconsistent pass rush, 7.5 sacks over 30 games, and a pectoral injury that benched him for a chunk of 2023.
We’ve signed K Andre Szmyt and terminated the contract of DE Ogbo Okoronkwo
» https://t.co/4cBqQeJxGI pic.twitter.com/YmTAk00qgh
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 26, 2025
The Browns decided that potential upside now lives in younger legs. Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, and new additions Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Julian Okwara. With Ogbo owed zero guaranteed money in 2025, the decision was more about economics than emotion. Still, he left a note: “Love to the Land,” Ogbo posted on X, showing more closure than some of Cleveland’s previous breakups. But as one door closed, a kicker kicked his way back in.
Andre Szmyt, former Syracuse legend and Lou Groza Award winner, was brought back after a stint in the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks. He’s no stranger to the Browns, as he spent time on their practice squad in 2024. With Dustin Hopkins still around, this could be more than just a camp body signing. And Szmyt has a leg and a college resume that demands attention: 85 career field goals, 199 PATs, and Syracuse’s all-time scoring record. Oh, and don’t forget his kickoffs—he averaged 61.5 yards per kick in 2021. However, the center of attention remains the QB battle. And as per Browns WR, that seems to be decided.
Kevin Stefanski settles the QB battle
WR Diontae Johnson just spilled the beans on the QB1 plan. Johnson casually mentioned on the Sports and Suits podcast that Kevin Stefanski is clear on who is going to be the starter. “I think they are going to roll with Kenny for right now.” Kenny Pickett, traded in from Philly and formerly the Steelers‘ supposed savior, now finds himself as Cleveland’s latest QB1 experiment. He’s young. He’s started games. And hey, he can spin it.
Let’s not forget: Johnson and Pickett had chemistry in Pittsburgh. Over two seasons, Johnson caught 137 passes for 1,599 yards with Pickett under center. So his endorsement isn’t coming from nowhere—it’s coming from experience. But Johnson was cautious enough not to miss out on Joe Flacco. “I think they are going to stick with him [Pickett] through the preseason. Then you know they can live with Joe and what he brings to the table.”
The wildcards? Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel—rookies with upside but currently living in the shadow of Cleveland’s veteran fallback plan. For now, Kevin Stefanski’s bet is clear: let Pickett prove himself while everyone else watches and waits. So, the Browns may not have solved the QB puzzle yet—but at least they’ve started clearing the board.
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