Andrew Berry's time as the general manager of the Cleveland Browns has been anything but a smooth ride.
Since Berry's tenure began in 2020, the organization has enjoyed a few highs but many deep lows. A rare bright spot on Berry's resume is the Browns' playoff berth in 2023, but the success is followed only by a disappointing three-win showing the following season.
From a roster standpoint, the Browns have continued to be plagued by a disastrous quarterback situation. Berry hoped to change that in 2022 by boldly trading for Deshaun Watson and his $230 million fully-guaranteed contract, but injuries and off-the-field drama has hindered any benefits with him under center so far.
Entering 2025, the Browns made it clear that the position will require a major decision amid Watson's recovery from an Achilles injury. Drafting two "big-name" rookie quarterbacks and signing two experienced vets makes for an interesting competition at training camp to say the least.
Browns reporter Jay Crawford of the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show labeled Berry as the member of the organization under the most pressure entering this season.
“We’ve had assurances he’s safe but I don’t believe that for one second,” Crawford said. “We have combed over his draft record. We have combed over his free agency record. We have combed over his trade record. He was at the ship’s wheel when the worst transaction in the history of the National Football League happened.
“His job is not only on the line in Cleveland, his career is on the line.
"If fired here, which of the other 31 are clamoring to sign him as a GM?” Crawford said. “His resume as an NFL general manager right now is about as bad as it can get.”
Ultimately, it's coach Kevin Stefanski's decision on whether Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback, but many believe the longterm plan - at least right now - is for either of the latter two to take the reins.
That means Berry is as reliant as ever on this draft class being a hit, unlike those in the past few years. This belief isn't something new.
“Andrew understands how important the draft is this year,” Owner Jimmy Haslem said via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “He’s got to nail it, but he understands how important it is. Everybody in our organization does.”
We may all be on the same page here, but unfortunately for Berry, he is the one likely to face the brunt of things if they don't pan out as intended.