Part of the Cleveland Browns roster returned to the practice field in Berea, Ohio, on Friday as rookie minicamp began.
The Browns had all seven of their draft picks participating, including both quarterbacks: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Now that the rookies are in town—and with most contracts being relatively straightforward—expect deals to start getting finalized soon.
The Browns selected UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger with the 33rd overall pick, the first selection in the second round. Thanks to a prior move by the Houston Texans, finalizing Schwesinger’s contract was relatively simple.
Browns help set a new precedent across the NFL
The Texans signed wide receiver Jayden Higgins to a fully guaranteed contract, and as the next pick, Schwesinger’s negotiating position was clear. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year deal just like the pick behind him did. Additionally, the Browns signed Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson to his rookie contract.
According to Spotrac, Schwesinger’s contract is worth $11.78 million over four years—a significant deal for a former walk-on who became an All-American at UCLA. While the selection initially drew some criticism at No. 33 overall, it makes sense that the Browns stuck to their draft board, especially if they weren’t targeting a quarterback or planning to trade down.
With Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s health in question following the neck injury that sidelined him for much of last season, Schwesinger gives the Browns another impact linebacker to play behind a strong defensive front. It is unknown if JOK will be healthy for the season. As a rookie, expect the Browns to start Schwesinger from Week 1 on I would expect.
If the Browns hope to find success in 2025, their defense—especially the front seven—will need to be the team’s anchor. Now, rookie Carson Schwesinger has a fully guaranteed contract and a major opportunity ahead.
