Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. said his decision to sit out a recent game due to a knee injury, which he described as a “business decision,” may have led to his benching.
Wills, who had started every game he was healthy for since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, was replaced by second-year tackle Dawand Jones. Jones was moved from right tackle to the left side to help improve a Browns offensive line struggling with injuries.
Wills explained that he chose not to play against Baltimore on October 27 after injuring his left knee—his surgically repaired knee—from a hyperextension in the previous game against Cincinnati.
However, after the Browns’ win over the Ravens with Jones at left tackle, head coach Kevin Stefanski informed Wills that he would no longer start and would serve as a backup “swing” tackle for the following game against the Chargers.
Wills was surprised by the decision. “It was pretty shocking,” he said. “I mean, I decided myself. I made a business decision not to play after the Bengals game going into that Ravens game because I was injured. And then the next week is when I received the news.”
When asked if the Browns misunderstood his decision to sit out, Wills replied, “I’m not sure. Maybe.”
Although Wills said he understood the situation, he admitted it was frustrating. “I think upset isn’t a good word to use,” he said. “I would say it’s more frustrating. But, I mean, it’s not my decision. I can only do what I can do.”
The Browns may have had their own reasoning behind the change, with Wills in the final year of his rookie contract. At 6-foot-8 and 375 pounds, Jones had performed well in relief of an injured Jack Conklin, and the team may be considering him as the future left tackle. Wills’ contract is valued at $14.175 million, and if he doesn’t re-sign, the Browns could face an $11.8 million cap hit in 2025.
Despite the benching, Wills does not regret his decision to sit out. “You wouldn’t want to go out there and put forth 70% of your effort while you’re injured, and then you have somebody else who can go out there and give 100%,” he said. “I don’t want to be out there the whole time thinking about my knee. I got to focus on my assignment.”
Wills emphasized that his decision had nothing to do with his future with the team. “I don’t think I would play hurt regardless of any time it was in my career,” he said. “If I’m healthy enough to play, I’ll play. If I’m not healthy enough to play, then I won’t play.”
While it’s unclear if Wills will return to the Browns next season, he said he still enjoys playing in Cleveland. “I like wherever I’m wanted,” he said. “You know what I mean?”
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