Are Browns leaving Cleveland? Mayor Justin Bibb announces $2,400,000,000 plans for new stadium
The Cleveland Browns have made a decision about where they'll play once their downtown lease expires in 2024. Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam issued a statement on Thursday to announce that the team would be leaving downtown Cleveland to build a $2.4 billion dome stadium in the suburbs.
"We have communicated to the Mayor and his team at every step of the process regarding our mutual efforts to keep the stadium downtown and we conveyed to them yesterday, our most impactful investment for our region is to focus on making a dome stadium and adjacent development in Brook Park a reality."
"With the funding mechanisms we continue to work on, this stadium will not use existing taxpayer-funded streams that would divert resources from other more pressing needs," the statement reads (per theclevelandbrowns.com).
The AFC North team was reportedly trying to get up to $1.2 billion in public funding support for this project, but Mayor Justin Bibb and the city were offering nearly $500 million.
Bibb said the decision was 'frustrating and profoundly disheartening,' but said that he and his staff would be willing to re-engage in conversations if the Brook Park project falls apart. Back in August, the Haslams shared images of their dome proposal, making it clear that they preferred to move the team's games to the suburbs after studying their options at Brook Park.
NFL insider explains where Browns stand with Myles Garrett after Amari Cooper trade
After parting ways with their WR1 Amari Cooper on Tuesday, the NFL world has wondered whether the Cleveland Browns would want to make more changes to the roster and part with their best defensive player.
NFL insider Adam Schefter joined Thursday's edition of 'Get Up' to discuss the latest on a potential Myles Garret trade.
"I don't see them trading Maxx Crosby, and I don't see the Browns trading Myles Garrett," Schefter said. "I don't care if neither one of those teams wins any games up until the trade deadline. I don't think their stance changes." [5:26]
The Browns had huge expectations after overachieving and reaching the playoffs in 2023. They recovered several key players to improve their level, but after a 1-5 record after six weeks, their future isn't that promising.
Kevin Stefanski could be on the hot seat as we speak and if the season doesn't improve, not only him but Deshaun Watson will be under fire.