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Cleveland Browns
NFL Team · CLE

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns

NFL team. Team code: CLE.

Quick Facts

2026 Outlook

Draft trade-down math (Aug 2026): Trading from pick 6 to 12 and 20 would net three top-24 selections while saving roughly $1.37M in 2026 cap space and $7.5M in cash over four years—flexibility to add an OT, WR, and optional QB gamble without sacrificing draft capital. (per Trading Down From Six, What Is Realistic For The Cleveland Browns During The NFL Draft - 247Sports)

Offense faces execution issues early in Todd Monken's tenure. OTA reports show interceptions in low-pressure seven-on-seven drills, signaling concern about fundamentals. Most critical: the QB room remains unsettled with no clear starter emerging from Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, and Green. Monken initially hoped to decide the starting QB by the end of mandatory minicamp but reversed course in early June, announcing the QB competition will "bleed into training camp." He stated both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have "played well enough to earn the right to compete" and that he'll need to see full pads and preseason games before deciding. (per Todd Monken might already regret taking Cleveland Browns job, Todd Monken leans daily on Browns' starting-level QB decision, and Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders QB competition will likely bleed into training camp)

Youth movement impact: ESPN ranked the Browns #4 for under-25 talent, a massive jump from #29 last year. The article noted the two young QBs (Sanders, Gabriel) with skepticism—Sanders struggled with 18.9 Total QBR in 2025—but praised the rest of the offensive structure: tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (22, 72 catches for 731 yards as rookie), running backs Quinshon Judkins (22) and Dylan Sampson (21), and young receivers KC Concepcion (21) and Denzel Boston (22). The young O-line features left tackle Spencer Fano (22), while defensive youth is anchored by Carson Schwesinger (23, Defensive Rookie of the Year), defensive tackle Mason Graham (23), and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22). This young skill-position depth explains the draft-class evaluation, though QB uncertainty remains the primary volatility factor (per Ranking NFL teams by under-25 talent: Pats, Texans lead list).

Offensive line is in flux heading into training camp. Multiple position battles at tackle and guard with five new starters projected for 2026 after Joel Bitonio's retirement. Early-minicamp combinations included Spencer Fano at LT, Zion Johnson at LG, Elgton Jenkins at C, Teven Jenkins at RG, and Tytus Howard at RT—all recent acquisitions. Despite three season-ending injuries in his first three years, Dawand Jones remains "very much in the mix" per O-line coach George Warhop, who rejected the "swing tackle" label for him. Parker Brailsford (5th-round center) and KT Leveston (tackle moved to guard) saw first-team reps throughout the week. Monken emphasized he can't finalize the lineup without full pads and preseason. Spencer Fano impressed throughout, with Warhop expecting him to be the starting LT barring injury. (per The quarterback competition isn't the only Browns battle carrying into training camp)

Minicamp finale (June 10): On the final day of mandatory minicamp, Monken made clear the QB decision would not be announced: "I'm not going to name a No. 1." Both Watson and Sanders rotated first-team reps throughout the three days with neither separating. Monken emphasized both "functioned at a high level" but he "can't" make a decision without pads or competitive scrimmages. The decision will now stretch into and possibly through training camp. Until that stabilizes, the entire offense projects as volatile. (per Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson? Browns' Todd Monken still undecided at QB)

August 24 QB decision finalized: HC Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the Browns' starting QB for Week 1 against Jacksonville (Sept. 13). Monken credited Watson's veteran experience and performance throughout training camp and preseason: "We felt over the course of training camp and the offseason that (Watson) was ahead of Shedeur...Shedeur's closed that gap, for sure. And that's a credit to him...But ultimately, we're about Week 1. Putting our best foot forward over the next three weeks." Watson will make his first regular-season start since October 2024 (Achilles tear). Shedeur Sanders will serve as the backup QB, with Monken stating he does "not anticipate" the starting situation changing week-to-week, establishing Watson as the stable starter going forward. Both QBs were benched for the third preseason game, effectively ending the competition debate. (per Browns name Deshaun Watson starting QB for Week 1 of 2026 NFL season)

Watson confirmed full health recovery on June 11, stating he's healthy for the first time since a 2023 shoulder injury (nearly 1,000 days), and philosophically accepted he can't recreate his 2020 MVP form. Sanders, meanwhile, took a player-development stance to the QB battle rather than a competitive one, downplaying the "competition" narrative to focus on improving comfort in the Monken system. Monken's deliberate rep-rotation strategy (both QBs alternating starter/second-team work across the three days) suggests he's intentionally gathering information rather than trending toward a decision, pushing the starter determination into full-pads training camp (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors June 11, 2026: The Competition Thing).

By mid-June, ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi observed that Sanders had begun trending upward, appearing "more poised" in Monken's system with noticeable improvements in footwork and processing. Watson showed tactical improvement under Monken, becoming "more willing to push the ball downfield" compared to his work under Kevin Stefanski—a meaningful efficiency shift that could aid his competitiveness in the starter race (per Browns QB Shedeur Sanders looks 'more poised' before training camp).

Defense took a major hit when the Browns traded star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on June 1, 2026 for Jared Verse and draft capital (2027 1st, 2028 2nd, 2029 3rd). This marks a reversal of the front office's strategy—just one year ago they extended Garrett with a record $160M deal and full no-trade clause after he requested out in 2025. Despite his record-setting 23 sacks in 2025 and two-time DPOY honors, the Browns pivoted to prioritize rebuilding assets under new HC Todd Monken. Verse (25, 2024 DROY candidate, 6th in total pressures) and draft picks help accelerate the rebuild, but the league move signals the franchise has abandoned the Garrett-era championship timeline. (per NFL Confidential: Execs, Scouts Crown Winners In Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown Trades).

The acquired 2027 first-round pick from LA opens draft flexibility if the Rams underperform (late first) or the Browns trade up for a QB if one slides. Potential 2027 targets include Notre Dame cornerback DJ McKinney for the secondary, or defensive line reinforcement with players like Miami DT Ahmad Moten Sr. (per NFL Draft Notebook: How the Myles Garrett and A.J. Brown trades could reshape Browns and Eagles draft plans).

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz departed after being passed over for the head coaching role, feeling he "couldn't do his job" after Monken's hiring. Despite overseeing a defense that ranked fifth in EPA/play in 2025 despite the team's 5-12 record, Schwartz felt the organization created an untenable position—asking him to support Monken while having rejected him for the HC job. This removed both the architect of the 2025 defense and continuity from the scheme (per Jim Schwartz breaks silence on Browns exit).

Pass rush free agent misses (August 2026): The Browns lost a recruiting battle for veteran edge depth, hosting visits from two former pass rushers with team history—Jadeveon Clowney and Za'Darius Smith—but losing both to other suitors. Clowney chose Houston (reuniting with the team that drafted him #1 overall in 2014), while Smith signed with Atlanta to reunite with coach Kevin Stefanski. This pattern illustrates the organization's challenge: veteran free agents prefer other destinations, suggesting the Browns' current standing (coaching transition, QB uncertainty, recent rebuild) lacks the appeal needed to lure proven talent to fill roster gaps. (per Cleveland Browns dealt the same kind of tough news for the second time)

Minicamp trend (June 16): Shedeur Sanders appeared to gain momentum over Deshaun Watson during mandatory minicamp. Though Watson showed early OTA momentum, Sanders was "more consistent" during the three minicamp days and appeared to "close the gap." Neither QB clearly separated, but Monken praised Sanders' decision-making and quicker releases—areas needing improvement. If the competition remains close, Monken's bias favors Sanders' theoretical upside as the future over Watson's shorter window. Other offensive bright spots: Quinshon Judkins returned healthy from injury and looked strong; KC Concepcion showed versatility despite drop issues; Denzel Boston impressed receivers group. Defensive notes: LB Carson Schwesinger dominated in reps; pass rush now hinges on Jared Verse, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire and Julian Okwara replacing Garrett's production. (per Browns minicamp 2026: Key takeaways on offense, defense and the QB race)

Betting context: Win total 6.5 (analysts favor Under). Browns sit near basement of AFC (Jets and Dolphins only lower) at +15000 Super Bowl odds. Analyst sees "no way of knowing" if Monken can unlock offensive success; recommends sprinkle on aggressive Over 7.5 at +300 or better. Path to playoffs exists with schedule (Jets, Raiders, Giants winnable) but depends on three factors: Monken's competence, QB emergence (Watson, Sanders, Gabriel), and defense maintaining performance without Schwartz/Garrett. (per Betting the Browns in 2026)

Salary cap constraints (July 12): The organization faces significant salary cap headwinds in 2026, carrying $116.82M in total dead cap (42 players league-wide carry eight-figure dead-cap charges; Cleveland has four of them). Watson's contract alone accounts for the bulk of this burden—the $230M deal signed in 2022 is ranked the worst contract in the entire NFL. While $86M+ of Watson's dead cap is expected to drop over the next two years, the relief doesn't arrive until after 2026. This means the Browns are essentially locked into supporting the QB competition winner (Watson or Sanders) with significantly constrained roster flexibility. The cap crunch will limit the team's ability to add veteran depth at receiver, defensive line, or safety despite recent draft investments at those positions. (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors 7/12/26: The Bill Always Arrives)

Training camp trends (July 9): As training camp opens in three weeks, Bleacher Report's James Palmer reports the QB competition has tightened considerably. Shedeur Sanders has "closed the gap" on Deshaun Watson, showing marked improvement in pocket presence, progression reading, and decision-making through OTAs and minicamp. While Watson appeared to hold the upper hand through May, Sanders' late-minicamp momentum and demonstrated learning curve improvements have made the competition genuinely competitive. Neither QB has separated, setting up a legitimate full training camp battle. (per Analyst gives insight into Browns QB battle with training camp next, Shedeur Sanders May Have Inside Track in Cleveland Browns' Starting QB Battle)

Training camp imminent (July 23): With training camp opening in three days (July 28), ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi reported that Monken has been "impressed with both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders during the offseason workout program," with particular praise for Sanders' "grasp of the offense in recent months" and improved ability to "decipher through a pass rush and make smart decisions." While Watson remains the organizational favorite due to veteran status and recent health confirmation, Sanders has maintained momentum heading into full-pads practice. The QB competition will "bleed into training camp" with pads-on practice and preseason games determining the Week 1 starter, likely by late August. (per Browns' Shedeur Sanders Receives High Praise From Coaches Ahead of Training Camp, Browns' Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders fuel ongoing QB debate, Browns QB Competition Deeper Than Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson)

Aug 4 external scrutiny mounts: As training camp enters Day 8, rival evaluators and defensive coordinators have weighed in with harsh assessments via Sports Illustrated's executive poll. Sanders ranked No. 35 with scouts criticizing his accuracy, footwork, and processing speed. Watson fared slightly better at No. 31, suggesting both QBs face durability or performance concerns across the league. Notably, Monken has publicly countered external skepticism, emphasizing Sanders' "impressive" improvement trajectory over the past four months—a coaching staff confidence that may reflect scheme fit better than league-wide evaluation consensus. This dynamic creates a potential mismatch: if Sanders wins the starting role and struggles early, the external narrative will quickly pivot to validation of rival scouts' concerns, potentially influencing fan/media pressure and locker-room cohesion. (per NFL Executives Slam Shedeur Sanders in Latest Quarterback Poll - Sports Illustrated)

Late July prediction markets — Watson pulls ahead: By late July 2026, prediction markets favored Deshaun Watson with approximately 71% implied probability to be the Browns' Week 1 starter, while Shedeur Sanders had fallen to around 21%. Despite Sanders' strong showing in early training camp (winning the moment on Aug 4), Watson's veteran experience and recovery from his Achilles injury drove market confidence. Both remain unsettled heading into preseason games, with Kenny Pickett traded to Las Vegas and Joe Flacco no longer on the roster. Dillon Gabriel (2025 3rd-round pick) and 2026 6th-rounder Taylen Green round out the QB room (per Browns Starting QB 2026: Watson vs. Sanders, Depth Chart & Odds).

Aug 4 training camp assessment — Sanders winning the moment but rotation format questioned: Through five days of training camp, Sanders has made more big plays than Watson, capping a two-minute drill with accuracy and deep-ball placement to receivers like Tylan Wallace and Gage Larvadain. However, beat reporters questioned whether Monken's alternating-day rep structure (one QB getting starters one day, the other the next) is optimal for either player's development. The concern: rhythm and timing are critical for QB development, and building consecutive-day continuity with the same offensive group could improve consistency. Neither QB gets that currently under the rotation structure, potentially "artificially compressing the development of both." Sanders has particularly benefited from chemistry with rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston—both working primarily with second-team reps alongside him—and that trio's success together could factor into the final decision if Sanders continues "lighting it up" with his receiving group. On Day 5 (first day in full pads), Watson struggled with multiple interceptions in the no-pads segment while Sanders outperformed him, though Watson didn't throw an interception during pads, suggesting both QBs face inconsistency concerns heading into preseason games. (per The 1 thing about the Browns' QB rotation that could be hurting both Watson and Sanders, Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders: Who won Day 5 of Browns training camp)

League sentiment shifts (July 11): Yahoo Sports analyst Frank Schwab raised a stark warning about Watson winning the starting job, arguing that Sanders' on-field performance and Watson's troubled history with Cleveland make Sanders the preferable starter. Schwab stated: "It will be very unpopular if Watson actually wins the Browns' starting job, considering his off-field past and how badly he has played in Cleveland since the Browns traded three first-round picks and more to the Texans for him." This negative framing positions the QB competition with a new narrative: Watson is no longer the presumed favorite but faces perceptual headwinds alongside Sanders' demonstrated improvement. The sentiment underscores the stakes for both QBs heading into training camp (per Browns should heed warning amid Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB competition).

Draft class ranked #1 nationally (July 14): Sports Illustrated's pre-training-camp draft re-ranking placed the Browns' 2026 class at #1 overall. GM Andrew Berry traded down but still acquired franchise left tackle Spencer Fano while addressing receiver need with first-round picks KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. The evaluation also highlighted SI's strong grade on safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, acquired in Day 2, and their affinity for late-round selections like cornerback Chandler Rivers and running back Adam Randall. The top-ranked class suggests strong player evaluation and scheme fit for Monken's system despite the franchise's broader instability around the QB competition (per Re-Ranking Every 2026 NFL Draft Class From Best to Worst Before Training Camp Starts).

Aug 15 preseason game vs Bears — Watson edges Sanders in first game (34-10 loss): The Browns' preseason opener saw Deshaun Watson lead the first half with two scoring drives (field goal and TD from KC Concepcion) while completing 11 of 15 for 126 yards. Watson was sacked once with a fumble recovery by Chicago. Shedeur Sanders entered the third quarter and struggled with a fumbled snap and interception, completing 6 of 11 for 79 yards. The game left both QBs appearing underwhelming but reinforced Watson's organizational edge heading into Sanders' start vs. Buffalo next week. The Browns' offensive line, despite the #1 draft class, struggled with execution and protection lapses, indicating full-pads consistency remains a work in progress (per Deshaun Watson outplays Shedeur Sanders in preseason opener, but Browns QB battle...).

Fantasy Footprint

The Browns significantly upgraded their receiving corps by drafting KC Concepcion (#24 overall) and Denzel Boston (#39 overall) in the first two days, addressing a critical receiver depth need. GM Andrew Berry publicly endorsed Jerry Jeudy as the "bell cow" of the group despite the draft additions, signaling confidence in Jeudy's ability to return to his 2024 form (90 rec, 1,200+ yards) after a disappointing 2025. The three-receiver group under Todd Monken's offense—which excels at "getting to the best plays" and maximizing personnel—should create improved matchups and efficiency across the board. (per Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is used to change, but a familiar face could help him return to his 2024 form)

July 3 potential Diggs interest: Sports Illustrated identified Cleveland as a secondary option for unsigned WR Stefon Diggs, positioning a signing as meaningful for young QB Shedeur Sanders' development. Diggs would bring veteran presence alongside unproven first-two-round draft picks Concepcion and Boston, stabilizing Sanders' receiving room during his critical "prove-it" competition with Deshaun Watson. While Washington and Baltimore remain more likely landing spots, the article notes the fit could unlock upside if Sanders wins the starting job—pairing an elite veteran route technician with a second-year QB in a system change, mirroring Diggs' success with Drake Maye in 2025 (per Who Will Sign Stefon Diggs?: 3 Potential Suitors And Their Fantasy Football Impact).

Brandon Aiyuk has emerged as a potential trade target. Cleveland has previously made passes at acquiring Aiyuk and is known for giving second chances to disgruntled players. Aiyuk would add substantial WR depth and provide weapons for the unsettled QB room (Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, or Green). However, his $26+ million salary cap hit and ongoing ACL/MCL recovery from 2024 injuries present risk. (per NFL Trade Rumor: Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders emerge as strong landing spots...)

Players (Fantasy-Relevant)

Coaches

Team Defense as a Fantasy Unit

Defense is in transition with question marks at safety and edge following the Myles Garrett trade. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg will oversee a younger secondary that lost James Schwartz's scheme continuity. Safety position is unsettled with Grant Delpit on the final year of his contract (no guaranteed money), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as the draft-picked replacement, and Ronnie Hickman in a cost-controlled role. Edge depth is depleted after Garrett's departure—the Browns acquired Jared Verse but will rely heavily on younger rushers. Defense should remain top-10 due to talent retention in the secondary (Denzel Ward, recent additions Myles Bryant) but is vulnerable to schemes and coverage breakdowns during the Rutenberg/Monken transition.

Defensive core reinforced (late July-early August): The Browns extended both Denzel Ward ($31.1M AAV, making him top-paid CB in NFL) and Grant Delpit through 2029, signaling a pivot from full rebuild toward near-term competition. Despite trading away Myles Garrett in early June, the organization doubled down on retaining its secondary anchors. However, Ward's August 2 statement—"I want to be [in Cleveland], but I can still be traded"—suggests the team's defense could remain unsettled if the 2026 season spirals. The cornerback market is heating up with Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez both pursuing record extensions, establishing the $31M+ AAV benchmark that elite corners now demand. (per Browns CB Denzel Ward: 'I Can Still Be Traded')

At cornerback, the Browns have been adding depth signings during training camp camp preparation, including veteran free agent Damarri Mathis, who recovered from an ACL tear suffered with Carolina in 2025. Mathis, originally a 2022 fourth-round pick by Denver, provides experience despite falling down the depth chart previously (per recovered-from-torn-acl-ex-broncos-cb-returns-to-nfl-with-new-team-broncos-wire).

Roster Cuts Coming

The Browns face significant roster cuts ahead of training camp, with several veterans in expiring contracts without guaranteed money facing the axe. Key targets for trade/release include Grant Delpit (5th-highest cap hit at $12M), Cedric Tillman (non-guaranteed $3.6M), Denzel Ward (potential trade target if a contender bids), and reserve tight ends Jack Stoll and fullback Michael Burton. The organization has embraced a youth movement and is prioritizing roster spots for draft picks like KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on cheap rookie contracts. (per 10 Browns players whose contracts could make them expendable in 2026)

August 25 trade market exploration: Ahead of cutdown day, the Browns are actively exploring trade options to address three specific roster gaps: tight end depth (beyond starter Harold Fannin Jr.), defensive end replacement (Derek Barnett came in to offset Alex Wright's injury), and cornerback depth (despite Ward/Campbell as starters). While free agency has "scraped the bottom of the barrel," trade rumors may swirl as teams prepare for Week 1. The team is unlikely to find quality depth via free agency and may need to swap roster positions to fill weakness before the regular season begins. (per NFL trades: 3 roster positions the Browns should be looking to upgrade)

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