Time for a New Era: Ask the Haslams to Sell the Cleveland Browns


Time for a New Era: Ask the Haslams to Sell the Cleveland Browns
The Issue
Cleveland Browns fans deserve transparency, accountability, and ownership that puts the city first.
For more than a decade under Jimmy and Dee Haslam’s ownership, the Browns have cycled through coaches, front-office rebuilds, and expensive missteps — yet the results remain the same: lost seasons, damaged trust, and uncertainty about the team’s future in Cleveland.
Below are the major issues that have eroded confidence in the Haslam era:
1️⃣ The Deshaun Watson trade and contract
The Browns traded multiple first-round picks (2022, 2023, 2024) and other selections for quarterback Deshaun Watson, then gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. His off-field controversies, injuries, and inconsistent play have made the move a massive disappointment — even Jimmy Haslam later called it “a big swing and miss.”
(Sources: WKYC, BrownsZone, Axios)
2️⃣ Replacing Baker Mayfield prematurely
Letting Mayfield go in favor of Watson was widely seen as a mistake. Since leaving Cleveland, Mayfield has found new success elsewhere while the Browns remain unsettled at quarterback.
(Sources: BrownsZone, WKYC)
3️⃣ Micromanagement and front-office interference
Reports describe Haslam’s hands-on involvement in draft picks, coaching hires, and executive decisions, leading to instability. Former CEO Joe Banner’s exit reportedly followed owner-driven disagreements.
(Sources: Axios, CBS Sports, WKYC)
4️⃣ Poor hiring decisions and persistence with failing coaches
Hue Jackson’s tenure is often cited as a top example — a move allegedly pushed by Haslam against front-office advice, followed by delayed accountability even amid record-setting losses.
(Sources: Dawgs By Nature, CBS Sports, WKYC)
5️⃣ Draft blunders and roster mismanagement
From Johnny Manziel to Justin Gilbert, questionable draft picks have plagued the Haslam era. Letting offensive standouts like Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz leave without proper replacements hurt competitiveness.
(Sources: CBS Sports, Dawgs By Nature, WKYC, Axios)
6️⃣ Stadium relocation and transparency concerns
Fans and city leaders have criticized the push for a domed suburban stadium rather than a downtown renovation, citing lack of transparency and community input. The possibility of moving from downtown has fueled distrust as the current lease nears its 2028 expiration.
(Sources: Axios, BrownsZone)
7️⃣ Silence and lack of accountability
The Haslams have been largely absent from public dialogue during controversies — including the Watson trade and stadium plans — leaving fans without clear explanations or reassurance.
(Sources: CBS Sports, BrownsZone, WKYC)
Cleveland deserves better.
This isn’t about hate or harassment — it’s about leadership and stewardship. We call on Jimmy and Dee Haslam to consider selling the Cleveland Browns to owners who prioritize transparency, winning, and the city of Cleveland.
If you agree it’s time for change, sign and share this petition. Together, Browns fans can send a clear message: we expect accountability, community investment, and a brighter future for our team.

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The Issue
Cleveland Browns fans deserve transparency, accountability, and ownership that puts the city first.
For more than a decade under Jimmy and Dee Haslam’s ownership, the Browns have cycled through coaches, front-office rebuilds, and expensive missteps — yet the results remain the same: lost seasons, damaged trust, and uncertainty about the team’s future in Cleveland.
Below are the major issues that have eroded confidence in the Haslam era:
1️⃣ The Deshaun Watson trade and contract
The Browns traded multiple first-round picks (2022, 2023, 2024) and other selections for quarterback Deshaun Watson, then gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. His off-field controversies, injuries, and inconsistent play have made the move a massive disappointment — even Jimmy Haslam later called it “a big swing and miss.”
(Sources: WKYC, BrownsZone, Axios)
2️⃣ Replacing Baker Mayfield prematurely
Letting Mayfield go in favor of Watson was widely seen as a mistake. Since leaving Cleveland, Mayfield has found new success elsewhere while the Browns remain unsettled at quarterback.
(Sources: BrownsZone, WKYC)
3️⃣ Micromanagement and front-office interference
Reports describe Haslam’s hands-on involvement in draft picks, coaching hires, and executive decisions, leading to instability. Former CEO Joe Banner’s exit reportedly followed owner-driven disagreements.
(Sources: Axios, CBS Sports, WKYC)
4️⃣ Poor hiring decisions and persistence with failing coaches
Hue Jackson’s tenure is often cited as a top example — a move allegedly pushed by Haslam against front-office advice, followed by delayed accountability even amid record-setting losses.
(Sources: Dawgs By Nature, CBS Sports, WKYC)
5️⃣ Draft blunders and roster mismanagement
From Johnny Manziel to Justin Gilbert, questionable draft picks have plagued the Haslam era. Letting offensive standouts like Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz leave without proper replacements hurt competitiveness.
(Sources: CBS Sports, Dawgs By Nature, WKYC, Axios)
6️⃣ Stadium relocation and transparency concerns
Fans and city leaders have criticized the push for a domed suburban stadium rather than a downtown renovation, citing lack of transparency and community input. The possibility of moving from downtown has fueled distrust as the current lease nears its 2028 expiration.
(Sources: Axios, BrownsZone)
7️⃣ Silence and lack of accountability
The Haslams have been largely absent from public dialogue during controversies — including the Watson trade and stadium plans — leaving fans without clear explanations or reassurance.
(Sources: CBS Sports, BrownsZone, WKYC)
Cleveland deserves better.
This isn’t about hate or harassment — it’s about leadership and stewardship. We call on Jimmy and Dee Haslam to consider selling the Cleveland Browns to owners who prioritize transparency, winning, and the city of Cleveland.
If you agree it’s time for change, sign and share this petition. Together, Browns fans can send a clear message: we expect accountability, community investment, and a brighter future for our team.

35
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Petition created on October 6, 2025