Jedrick Wills Jr. #71 of the Cleveland Browns
It seems that Jedrick Wills’ tenure as the Cleveland Browns‘ starting left tackle may be nearing its end. On Saturday, the Browns officially placed Wills on injured reserve, a move that likely signals the conclusion of his season. While there’s a slim chance he could return for the team’s season finale, his ongoing knee issues make that highly unlikely. This injury, coupled with his inconsistent play, raises a significant question: has Wills played his final snap in a Browns uniform?
A Rocky Road for Wills
Wills’ journey with the Browns began with high hopes. Drafted No. 10 overall in 2020, he was viewed as the long-term solution at left tackle, a critical position for protecting the quarterback’s blind side. Over the course of five seasons, Wills started 57 games. However, his play often didn’t match the level of expectation that accompanied his first-round status. Whether due to inconsistent performance or concerns about his effort, the debate surrounding his viability as a future starter has never fully subsided.
Despite being selected to anchor the left side of the offensive line, Wills has been a source of frustration for both coaches and fans alike. He’s flashed moments of brilliance, but those flashes have often been overshadowed by lapses in play. And now, with the Browns electing not to extend his contract this offseason, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the team may be moving on from him.
The Business Decision
The writing appeared to be on the wall even before the injury, with speculation mounting that Wills could be on his way out of Cleveland. One of the key moments that raised eyebrows earlier this season was Wills’ controversial comments about his decision to sit out against the Baltimore Ravens on October 27. The left tackle described his absence as a “business decision,” a phrase that many interpreted as him prioritizing his health and future free-agent prospects over playing for the Browns.
While this raised some eyebrows, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski quickly stepped in to clarify Wills’ remarks, calling them a “poor choice of words.” According to Stefanski, Wills wasn’t suggesting that he was protecting his future at the expense of the team’s needs but rather that he didn’t feel 100% and didn’t want to risk further injury. Still, the damage was done. The perception lingered that Wills was looking out for himself as he heads toward free agency.
What’s Next for Wills and the Browns?
Looking ahead, it’s unlikely that Wills will be back in Cleveland next season—at least not as a starting left tackle. The Browns’ commitment to rookie right tackle Dawand Jones, who will reclaim the left tackle spot once he returns from his broken fibula, is evident. Furthermore, with All-Pro Jack Conklin holding down the right side, the team’s offensive line looks to be set for the immediate future. If Wills does return to the Browns, it may be in a diminished role, possibly as a swing tackle. But given his current injury and the team’s direction, a reunion seems improbable.
It’s also worth noting that Wills will be a free agent this offseason. If Cleveland makes it clear that Jones is the starter moving forward, Wills will likely seek a fresh start elsewhere. Whether he will land a starting role on another team remains to be seen, but given his talent and potential, it’s likely that he’ll have suitors.
A New Look on the Line
With Wills and Jones both sidelined, the Browns have turned to veteran Germain Ifedi to start at left tackle. Ifedi, who was signed in the offseason as depth, has now been thrust into the starting lineup. It’s unclear how long he’ll remain there, but the Browns are getting a valuable opportunity to evaluate their depth along the offensive line as the season reaches its final stretch.
Browns Bolster the Roster
In addition to the news on Wills, the Browns made some key roster moves this week. In a bid to strengthen their receiving corps, they signed wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Michael Woods II to the active roster from the practice squad. Toney, a former first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2021, has had an up-and-down career, but he brings explosive playmaking potential. After two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won two Super Bowls, Toney provides experience and a championship pedigree.
Meanwhile, Woods, a sixth-round pick from Oklahoma in 2022, has shown flashes of potential in his limited playing time. With Cedric Tillman sidelined due to a concussion, the Browns are using this opportunity to evaluate their pass-catchers as they prepare for their crucial matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Wrapping Up
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Browns as they look to finish the season strong and evaluate their future plans along the offensive line. As for Jedrick Wills, his injury may ultimately be the final chapter of his story in Cleveland. His inconsistency, paired with the emergence of Dawand Jones, makes it hard to envision him returning as a starter. The Browns are moving forward with an eye on the future, and Wills, unfortunately, may not be a part of that future.
