Cleveland Browns Left Tackle Jedrick Wills Opens Up About His Decision to Sit Out a Game and Its Impact on His Role with the Team

Jedrick Wills Jr., left tackle for the Cleveland Browns, recently opened up about his choice to sit out of a game, a decision that has since impacted his role with the team.

This shift saw second-year player Dawand Jones taking his place in a loss to the LA Chargers, and Wills is now speaking out about the changes and challenges he’s experiencing.

A Personal Decision Leads to Demotion

Wills revealed that he made a “business decision” to bench himself on October 27, after hyperextending his surgically repaired left knee a week earlier.

Concerned about aggravating his injury, he chose not to play against Baltimore, only to find out later that he had lost his starting spot to Dawand Jones, the towering 6-foot-8, 374-pound tackle.

“It was pretty shocking,” Wills admitted, sharing that his intention was to protect his knee, not to forfeit his starting role.

However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski informed him that he would now be a “swing” tackle, backing up both Jones and right tackle Jack Conklin.

Uncertainty Over Team’s Interpretation of His Choice

When asked whether his choice to sit out may have been misunderstood by the Browns, Wills responded with uncertainty, saying, “Maybe.”

Despite his understanding of the situation, Wills, now 25, expressed that the outcome has been more frustrating than anything else.

“I would say it’s more frustrating. But, I mean, it’s not my decision. I can only do what I can do.”

Browns’ Business Decision and Wills’ Future

The Browns may have their own reasons for moving Wills to a secondary role.

With Wills in the final year of his rookie contract—worth $14.175 million—the team might be reevaluating his place in their lineup.

The Browns have already seen impressive performances from Dawand Jones, who stepped up when Conklin was injured.

It’s possible the Browns are testing Jones as a potential long-term anchor on the left side.

Restructuring Wills’ contract made it more cap-friendly, but if the Browns decide not to renew it, the team will face an $11.8 million cap hit in 2025.

Wills Reflects on His Choice to Prioritize Health

Looking back, Wills stands by his decision to prioritize his health, recalling times early in his career when he played through ankle injuries.

“You wouldn’t want to go out there and put forth 70 percent of your effort while you’re injured,” he explained, adding that he didn’t want his knee injury to affect his focus on his assignments.

As a former first-round draft pick out of Alabama, Wills had started in all 57 games he was healthy for until this recent demotion.

Now, he’s staying focused on the present, emphasizing that his decision to sit out wasn’t a calculated move for his future.

“If I’m healthy enough to play, I’ll play,” Wills stated. “If I’m not healthy enough to play, then I won’t play.”

Looking Ahead with the Browns

Wills’ future with the Browns remains uncertain.

Despite the changes, he insists he’s still content with the team.

“I like wherever I’m wanted,” he said.

For now, he seems intent on proving himself, though only time will tell if he’ll remain with the Browns or find new opportunities elsewhere.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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