Cleveland Browns Offseason Outlook

Deshaun Watson was out all of 2025 recovering from his achilles injury that occurred in during the 2024 season. The Browns decided to draft two rookie quarterbacks, ultimately Shedeur Sanders ended the season as the starter. The consensus is that Sanders will head into camp as QB1, but this offseason could refute that. The team is looking to potentially add another quarterback to the room. Whether it’s a free agent like Malik Willis or giving Deshaun Watson another chance, Sanders will have to compete to win the starting job this summer.

When the Browns handed Sanders the QB1 job, the energy shifted around Cleveland. The turnovers weren’t great, but you could see potential and explosiveness he brings. The 3-4 record was a positive change from what we saw with Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel to begin the season. Looking back at the resources and weapons Sanders had to work with, you can’t help but be excited for what he could do with real playmakers.

If the quarterback battle is amongst the guys in the room currently, it should come down to Sanders versus Watson. Dillon Gabriel got his chance last season, and showed many of the concerns scouts had about him. At 5’11, Gabriel struggles in the pocket, with that he takes a lot of check downs and the offense lacks the downfield passing attack. So it comes down to whether Watson can ever find it and return back to the Texans form that landed him in Cleveland.

Free Agency Predictions

Heading into Free Agency Cleveland could see a lot of turnover. Much of it could be on the offensive line with veterans such as Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic on their way out. 7x Pro Bowler Joel Bitonio is the name to watch whether he retires or returns to Cleveland in 2026. Outside of the offensive line, they will lose David Njoku to Free Agency after 9 seasons in Cleveland. On the defensive side, they have most of their key players under contract. Other players that will hit Free Agency are Devin Bush and Ronnie Hickman. Whether they decide to re-sign those guys or not, could tell a lot about their draft plans.

In terms of cap space, the Browns will have more than previous seasons. They aren’t expected to pursue any of the top free agents, but expect them to be active nevertheless This offseason will be very one sided for Cleveland. The majority of the resources will be spent on fixing the offense and giving whoever is at quarterback a fighting chance. The receiver room struggled mightily in 2025 and the offensive line was arguably worse.

What the Browns should look to this Free Agency is getting quality veterans option on the offensive line and inquiring about the WR trade market. A name that keeps coming up on the line is Rasheed Walker from the Green Bay Packers. Walker is only 26 years old and won’t be cheap, but would be an immediate upgrade at tackle. The Browns will still have the Draft to get better, but a couple quality free agents will go along way.

Looking to the WR market, the Free Agent class is expensive and a bit older than the Browns timeline. The trade market offers more of what the Browns are looking for, and Cleveland has the draft capital to get a deal done. The name that is most intriguing is Marin Harrison Jr. Marvin is a former top pick from Ohio State, and the fit in Arizona has not worked out like they expected. The Browns have plenty of picks to send and Harrison is still on his rookie deal. That could be a move that completely transforms the Browns offense in 2026.

The NFL Draft Plan

The Browns go into the 2026 NFL Draft with ten total picks, two of those picks are both in Round 1. The mock drafts are in full affect and you won’t find one with the Browns not taking two offensive players. The order may change, but the plan remains the same which is drafting offensive lineman and receivers. Some of the names that are floating around are Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Spencer Fano, and Jordyn Tyson.

Many reports recently have talked about the Browns listening to trade offers to move down from Pick #6. Many teams behind them have significant interest in players like Caleb Downs as well as David Bailey and could be willing to give up assets to move up. The Browns should be all ears with the amount of holes they could fill with even more high picks. It’s combine week, but draft season is here and the Browns will evaluate tons of prospects with the hope of improving this roster.

End of My Cleveland Browns Rant

This offseason for the Browns will be eventful to say the least. Many veterans that were here for years will depart and new young players will take their roles. 2026 could be a big year for the Browns if they handle the offseason the right way. Once training camp arrives, the attention will be on the QB battle between Shedeur Sanders and whoever they decide to bring in. Looking back to 2025, Andrew Berry had the best draft of his career, and Browns fans hope he does more of that this offseason. In conclusion, keep your eyes on the Cleveland Browns this offseason and heading into the 2026 season.