Cleveland Browns 2026 Offseason Outlook

It says a lot about the Cleveland Browns organization that when Kevin Stefanski was fired after the 2025 season ended, he immediately became one of the most coveted head coach candidates on the market. What was so appealing about a coach who only made the playoffs twice in his six years with the Browns? Simple: Because those two playoff appearances are two more than the Browns had in the 17 years prior to Stefanski’s arrival.

It wasn’t Stefanski’s decision to acquire Deshaun Watson in one of the worst trades in NFL history — and then pay Watson so much guaranteed money it would cripple the team’s cap situation for years to come.

But it seems the Browns’ front office and ownership were not content to rest with that historically bad move. They gave up on Stefanski, who was then hired by the Atlanta Falcons. Jim Schwartz, who did an excellent job as Cleveland’s defensive coordinator, was passed over for head coach — so he opted to move on. Instead, the Browns hired Todd Monken, who got mixed reviews as the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator the last three years.

So now the Browns will essentially be rebuilding, breaking in a new coaching staff, hoping the defense can remain solid under new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, and — most importantly — still trying to figure out if they have a franchise quarterback in either of their 2025 rookies, Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel.

2025 recap

When the Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round — after taking Gabriel in the third round — it was only a matter of time before the circus broke out. After then-40-year-old Joe Flacco started the first four games of the season, Gabriel made his debut and went 1-5 in six starts. Cleveland was 2-8 when Sanders got his shot, so the fact the Browns went 3-4 in Sanders’ seven starts might be a sign that he will get the first chance to start in 2026. Sanders had a few good moments but was generally shaky. That said, he had very little help at the skill positions, as Cleveland ranked 31st in scoring offense. One of the few bright spots was rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., a third-round pick who caught 72 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns.

The defense held its own, ranking fourth in the NFL in yards allowed. While Schwartz is gone, the defense still features some standout individuals — most notably end Myles Garrett, who set a new NFL record last season with 23 sacks. Linebacker Cory Schwesinger was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Key free agents

G Joel Bitonio
G Wyatt Teller
TE David Njoku
LT Cam Robinson
LB Devin Bush
G Teven Jenkins
RB Jerome Ford

Browns salary cap space

$3,210,721

2026 draft needs

With their offensive line about to be decimated by free agent departures, that will be the priority — either in free agency, the draft or both. The Browns are also in desperate need of skill-position talent. They have two first-round picks — their own at No. 6 and No. 24 from Jacksonville. In his latest mock, Luke Easterling has Cleveland taking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the sixth pick and Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu at No. 24.

2026 opponents

Home:Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas

Away:Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, N.Y. Giants, N.Y. Jets, Tennessee