Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. has opened up about why he chose to sit out of a recent game and how that decision seems to have led to his reduced role on the team. The decision, which Wills described as a “business decision,” has now resulted in him losing his starting position to his younger teammate, Dawand Jones.
The Browns recently made a significant lineup change, moving second-year tackle Dawand Jones to the starting left tackle position for their game against the Los Angeles Chargers, which they lost. This move came after Wills decided to declare himself injured on October 27, a choice that may have influenced the coaching staff’s decision to reduce his role on the team.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Wills revealed that he opted to sit out of the October 27 game against the Baltimore Ravens after hyperextending his surgically repaired left knee a week earlier.
He explained that he made the decision to protect himself from further injury and preserve his long-term health. “I made a business decision not to play after the Bengals game going into that Ravens game because I was injured,” Wills said. “And then the next week is when I received the news.” The news he received was that his starting position had been given to the 6-foot-8, 374-pound Dawand Jones.
Typically, NFL players don’t lose their starting roles due to injury, as it’s an unwritten rule in the league that a player should not lose their job simply because they were hurt.
However, Wills noted that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski informed him that he would no longer be starting and would instead serve as a “swing” tackle. In the November 3 game against the Chargers, Wills was a backup for both left tackle Jones and right tackle Jack Conklin.
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When asked if he thought the Browns misinterpreted his decision to sit out, Wills responded, “I’m not sure. Maybe.” While Wills appears to understand the decision, he acknowledged that it hasn’t been easy for him to accept. “I think upset isn’t a good word to use,” Wills said when asked about his feelings regarding the situation. “I would say it’s more frustrating. But, I mean, it’s not my decision. I can only do what I can do.”
From the Browns’ perspective, it may have been a business decision of their own to demote Wills. He is in the final year of his rookie contract, which is valued at $14.175 million. It’s possible that Cleveland’s front office no longer sees Wills as a part of their long-term plans.
Meanwhile, Dawand Jones, who performed admirably as a rookie while replacing an injured Conklin, is being given an opportunity to prove himself as a potential cornerstone on the offensive line.
The team also restructured Wills’ contract to make it more salary-cap friendly, and if he does not re-sign with Cleveland, the Browns will face an $11.8 million cap hit in 2025.
Despite the setback, Wills does not regret his decision to sit out last month. Reflecting on his career, he shared that in the past, he played through injuries, including ankle issues, rather than taking the time to properly recover. “You wouldn’t want to go out there and put forth 70 percent of your effort while you’re injured, and then you have somebody else who can go out there and give 100 percent,” Wills explained. “I don’t want to be out there the whole time thinking about my knee. I got to focus on my assignment.”
Wills was a first-round draft pick for the Browns in 2020, selected out of Alabama. He has started every game in which he was healthy, totaling 57 starts before his recent demotion. His consistency and dedication to his role have been evident throughout his time with the team, making this recent change all the more challenging for him.
For now, Wills is choosing to focus on the present and control what he can. He made it clear that his decision to not play was about prioritizing his health, not about looking ahead to his future with the team. “I don’t think I would play hurt regardless of any time it was in my career,” Wills stated. “If I’m healthy enough to play, I’ll play. If I’m not healthy enough to play, then I won’t play.”
As for his future with the Browns, Wills’ status remains uncertain. However, he maintains a positive attitude about his situation in Cleveland. “I like wherever I’m wanted,” he said with a smile. “You know what I mean?”
Whether his journey continues with the Browns or takes him elsewhere, Wills is determined to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
