NFL Rumors: Browns, Cowboys, Giants

Browns

• According to Ian Rapoport, Browns HC Freddie Kitchen’s future in Cleveland is “undecided” at this point. However, Rapoport says it appears as though the desired outcome from Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is to keep Kitchens.
• Rapoport mentions that Kitchens has done a much better job in the second half of the year in terms of helping players and instilling discipline.
• While it remains to be seen what Cleveland will do, Rapoport says those involved seem to think he’ll return for the 2020 season.
• Tony Pauline of PFN hears Browns GM John Dorsey isn’t guaranteed to be back with the team next year and “several” people seem to think he could be fired this week.
• Should the Browns retain Kitchens, Pauline says he may have to relinquish the play-calling duties and/or hire a new offensive coordinator to call plays.
• Another possibility for Cleveland, per Pauline, could be to fire Kitchens and then hire a new head coach. Pauline mentions that several people have suggested Mike McCarthy as a “definite possibility.”

Cowboys

• Ian Rapoport confirms that the Cowboys expected to move on from coach Jason Garrett with a loss to the Redskins Sunday and/or if the team is eliminated from the playoffs.
• Garrett’s contract is up at the end of the season, so the Cowboys wouldn’t have to fire him to make a change.
• According to Rapoport, names to watch as potential targets for Dallas include Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley, Baylor’s Matt Rhule, former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and possibly Ron Rivera among others.
• Rapoport also tosses out Mike Zimmer in the event the Vikings decide to move on from him.

Giants

• According to Ian Rapoport, the Giants figure to be among the interested teams in hiring former Panthers HC Ron Rivera if they retain GM Dave Gettleman.
• Rapoport says Pat Shurmur’s status in New York is in doubt and it appears as though president and CEO John Mara is uncertain about making a move while co-owner Steve Tisch seems to be in favor of a change.
• Rapoport adds that Giants ownership is set to discuss Gettleman’s status after Sunday’s game.