The Cleveland Browns announced a surprising addition to the team's ownership group this week with Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson joining the team. It is an extremely minor stake with Woodson reportedly investing $5 million into his ownership stake. Woodson is remembered for his time with the Las Vegas Raiders and Green Bay Packers. The defender was a part of the 2021 Hall of Fame class.
Woodson would earn one Super Bowl ring in his impressive career, accomplishing this in the 2011 season with Aaron Rodgers' Green Bay Packers. It was the final complement to what was a truly impressive career. Spanning from 1998-2015. Woodson was a respected leader and outspoken voice for the players. This makes the addition of the former defensive star a slam dunk for a franchise that is consistently lost.
Charles Woodson's Leadership Could Aid the Cleveland Browns in Finally Turning the Corner
The Cleveland Browns bringing in Woodson does lend itself to wonder how much of a voice the controlling ownership group will give the respected player. Perhaps it is just an investment, or maybe Woodson is looking to help a cursed franchise steady itself. The Deshaun Watson debacle is the most recent example of a frustrating team that continually makes poor decisions at the quarterback position.
Appearing ready to throw every option at the wall to answer this issue, the Browns made the offseason decision to bring Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett. It appears the belief is that at least one of these names will become a reliable starting option.
This still leaves defensive concerns for the front office to continue to address. Perhaps Woodson's expertise could be used to help rebuild the unit and find the type of players that are pivotal for a franchise to complete a turnaround.
Regardless, it is a noteworthy addition of a respected former player who could offer valuable insight. Woodson only adds to Cleveland's offseason excitement that perhaps this franchise is finally turning a corner and starting to make impactful moves.