BEREA, Ohio — The choice made by Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. to sit out due to a knee injury during a recent game may have resulted in unexpected consequences.
Wills found himself benched as the Browns opted for second-year tackle Dawand Jones, who shifted from right tackle to the left side to strengthen a Cleveland offensive line plagued by injuries.
Wills explained that his decision not to participate against Baltimore on October 27 stemmed from a hyperextension of his left knee — the same knee he had surgery on last December — which occurred during the game against Cincinnati just a week earlier.
Following the Browns’ (2-7) notable win against the Ravens with Jones in the left tackle position, coach Kevin Stefanski informed Wills that moving forward, he would not be starting and would instead take on the role of a “swing” tackle. In the recent matchup against the Chargers on November 3, Wills served as a backup for both Jones and right tackle Jack Conklin.
Drafted in the first round in 2020 from Alabama, Wills had maintained a starting position for all 57 games he was available until his recent demotion.
“I was pretty shocked,” Wills expressed after the Browns returned from their bye week. “I mean, I made the call myself. I chose not to play due to my injury after the Bengals game leading into the Ravens game, and then the following week is when I learned about my new role.”
When asked if the Browns misread his decision to sit out, Wills replied, “I’m not sure. Maybe.”
Although Wills recognizes the Browns’ standpoint, it does not alleviate the frustration he’s feeling as a 25-year-old who prefers to avoid conflict.
“I think ‘upset’ isn’t quite the right term,” he pointed out. “I would say it’s more frustrating. But, at the end of the day, it’s not my decision. I can only manage what I can control.”
From the Browns’ perspective, upgrading the roster intently may have influenced their decision.
Wills is in the last year of his rookie contract, which is valued at $14.175 million, and it’s possible that the front office may no longer see him as a long-term component of their plans.
Jones, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 375 pounds, showed commendable performance as a rookie while stepping in for an injured Conklin, and the Browns might be aiming to solidify Jones as their cornerstone on the left side.
As Wills explores his options, it is noteworthy that the Browns have altered his contract to lessen its impact on the salary cap, but should he not re-sign with the team, they will face an $11.8 million cap hit in 2025.
Wills doesn’t regret his choice to sit out last month. He recounted playing through ankle injuries earlier in his career, instead of taking a necessary hiatus to recover properly.
“You wouldn’t want to go out there and give just 70% while injured, knowing someone else could give 100%,” he remarked. “I don’t want my focus diverted by thoughts of my knee. I need to concentrate on my assignment.”
At the moment, Wills aims to remain focused on the present. He stressed that his choice to sit out was not linked to his future aspirations.
“I wouldn’t take the field if I wasn’t healthy, regardless of any circumstances in my career,” Wills stated. “If I’m healthy enough to play, I’ll be on the field. If I’m not able, then I won’t.”
The future of Wills with the Browns remains uncertain, yet he insists that he enjoys his time in Cleveland.
“I like being where I feel wanted,” he expressed. “You know what I’m saying?”
In other updates, coach Stefanski confirmed that Jameis Winston will continue as the starting quarterback, having stepped in for Deshaun Watson, who is out for the season. Winston’s next game will be against the New Orleans Saints, where he played for four seasons prior. Additionally, linebacker Jordan Hicks returned to practice following an elbow injury that has kept him out of four out of the last five games.