Ohio lawmakers proposed a $600M grant for a new Browns stadium on June 19. The team also signed TE Sal Cannella, adding depth behind David Njoku. Read more!
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Forget minicamp chatter for a moment, Browns fans. The biggest news on Thursday dropped not from Berea, but from Columbus. A bombshell proposal in the Ohio Senate could inject a staggering $600 million into a new, state-of-the-art stadium for the Browns, potentially turning the dream of a domed home into a tangible reality.
A proposed plan in the Ohio Senate would allocate $600 million from unclaimed funds toward a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns.
The proposal, part of a massive $1.7 billion package for sports and cultural venues, is both exciting and controversial. The plan would tap into Ohio's unclaimed funds to finance a significant portion of the new stadium. While this move could secure the Browns' future in Northeast Ohio for decades, it's already sparking debate over the ethics of using such funds for a private enterprise. Whether the stadium ends up downtown or in Brook Park, this is the first major legislative step towards a new home, a story every fan will be watching closely.
While lawmakers debated the big picture, GM Andrew Berry was focused on the 90-man roster. The Browns officially signed tight end Sal Cannella, a standout performer from the UFL. Known for his reliable hands and impressive play this spring, Cannella brings fresh competition to the tight end room behind David Njoku. To make space, the team waived Tre' McKitty. This is a classic low-risk, high-reward move, giving a spring league star a chance to prove he belongs at the NFL level and adding valuable depth for training camp.
On the other end of the news spectrum, fifth-round rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is learning that the spotlight shines bright in the NFL, both on and off the field. Sanders was ticketed for speeding by Strongsville Police for the second time this month. While it's a minor infraction, it's an unforced error for a young player battling for a roster spot. The team will surely want him focused on the playbook, not on paying traffic fines. It's a small but notable reminder of the discipline required to succeed as a pro.
From the statehouse to the back end of the roster, Thursday was a reminder that building a franchise is a complex, year-round effort. The stadium saga is just beginning, representing a monumental shift for the future. Meanwhile, the quest for talent never stops, and the development of young players remains paramount. As we head towards the quiet of July, the Browns have given us plenty to talk about, setting the stage for a training camp filled with new faces and massive long-term questions.