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- Browns’ five-step offseason plan (CBS Sports) - The Cleveland Browns had big expectations for the 2019 season but it ended with an all too familiar feeling for fans: heartbreak. Top-dollar acquisitions and draft choices on both sides of the ball under performed. Injuries and suspensions also hampered the team’s efforts. History will repeat itself in 2020 if the Browns are not careful. Here is a foolproof five-step plan to ensure a 17-year playoff drought comes to an end.
- David Njoku not sure he’ll be back if Freddie Kitchens is (cleveland.com) - Tight end David Njoku is one of a handful of Browns who have fallen out of favor with coach Freddie Kitchens and will likely be gone if he stays.
- 11 questions with Baker Mayfield (clevelandbrowns.com) - Baker Mayfield knows that the Browns didn’t meet their high expectations for this season. Cleveland won’t make an appearance in the playoffs, but Mayfield is ready to begin what he expects to be a busy, productive offseason after the Browns wrap up their season in Cincinnati.
- Decision on Freddie Kitchens’ future hanging over Browns (Beacon Journal) - The Browns will enter Sunday’s season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals in a familiar but awkward spot — inundated with questions about the future of coach Freddie Kitchens.
NFL:
- Ravens, CB Marcus Peters agree to contract extension (Baltimore Sun) - The Ravens have reached an agreement on a contract extension with Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters, the team announced Saturday, rewarding a well-traveled but proven ballhawk who’s helped transform the team’s defense.
- Texans hammer out 4-year deal with Whitney Mercilus (Houston Chronicle) - Texans coach Bill O’Brien was true to his word. One week after saying unprompted that he wanted to re-sign veteran outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, league sources not authorized to speak publicly said that the pass rusher has been locked up to a four-year, $54 million contract extension. The deal includes $24.5 million guaranteed.
- Ron Rivera is primary candidate for Redskins (ESPN) - Multiple league sources believe former Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera is a primary candidate for the Washington Redskins job. Several people involved in league hirings say Rivera has been strongly considered, which a team source also believes to be the case while adding that ownership has been quiet about its plans.
- No decision made on Marrone’s future with Jaguars (NFL.com) - As the Jaguars’ 2019 season nears its end, Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone’s future remains uncertain, but NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports “there’s a real chance he stays.”