CLEVELAND — The Browns appear poised to move out of their lakefront home.
While they’re considering a $1.1 billion plan from the city of Cleveland to renovate their 25-year-old downtown stadium, the NFL team made it clear on Wednesday that its preference is to build a $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park, Ohio.
In a letter to season-ticket holders that included renderings, the Browns outlined plans for the a state-of-the-art facility, which they believe will allow Cleveland to attract and host other major events such as the Super Bowl and Final Four.
The team’s lease at its current stadium expires after the 2028 season.
“Similar to other markets in the Midwest, this proposed domed stadium would catalyze our region in a major way,” David Jenkins, chief operating officer of Haslam Sports Group, wrote in the letter. “The stadium’s year-round activity would anchor a large-scale lifestyle and entertainment district, including experiential retail, residential space, hotels and other unique products, drawing visitors throughout the year and driving substantial fiscal impact for our region.
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“While significant work remains, the more we have explored the Brook Park option, the more attractive it has become.”
Last week, the city proposed funding $461 million — splitting the cost with the Browns — to upgrade the current stadium and re-develop its surrounding property along Lake Erie.
Ravens’ Maulet to get knee scoped
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet is having his knee scoped, coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday.
Harbaugh said Maulet’s issue shouldn’t be a long-term one and the team will revisit it as the start of the season gets closer. The 31-year-old Maulet is entering his second season with the Ravens.
Maulet played in 14 games last season, starting three. He had one interception.
“A clean-up type of a situation,” Harbaugh said. “It’ll keep him out for a little while.”
No clarity on Broncos’ QB depth chart
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The only clarity in the Denver Broncos’ quarterback competition two weeks into training camp is that no clear-cut leader has emerged.
Jarrett Stidham was listed first on the team’s initial depth chart this week, followed by Zach Wilson at second-string and rookie Bo Nix behind him.
That led to quite a national conversation noting Nix’s supposed standing before coach Sean Payton stepped up to the podium two hours later and pretty much called the order meaningless.
He noted that not only did he list all his rookies last at their positions as a matter of principle but he only spent a few minutes on the depth chart and only because the NFL mandates it ahead of teams’ preseason openers.
Jets activate Williams from PUP list
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets activated wide receiver Mike Williams from the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday after he passed his physical.
Williams, who signed with the Jets as a free agent in March, tore the ACL in his left knee in the third game last season while with the Los Angeles Chargers. He had a strong start before the injury, catching 19 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown.
He opened training camp on the PUP list, meaning he could start participating in practice when he was medically cleared. Coach Robert Saleh said Tuesday that Williams was “progressing” and had a few visits with doctors scheduled.
Reid, Chiefs to limit starters in preseason
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are sticking to their routine for preseason games when the Super Bowl champs take the field Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Ones for a quarter, twos in the second quarter, threes the third quarter, the fours in the fourth quarter,” Reid said Wednesday on how he plans to split up playing time against the Jaguars. “We’ll just keep with that.”
Reid’s philosophy on preseason preparation is perhaps in contrast to multiple teams when it comes to preseason games.
FALCONS: Atlanta wide receiver Rondale Moore was carted off the field with a leg injury during the team’s joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday. Athletic trainers placed an air cast on Moore’s leg as both teams immediately rushed to be near the injured player.
COLTS: Indianapolis wide receiver Josh Downs needed help to get off the field after injuring his ankle Wednesday in practice. He left the field on a golf cart.
