2026 Cleveland Browns Season Outlook

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 season in the early stages of a significant organizational reset.

Cleveland finished 5-12 in 2025, struggling to generate consistent offense while rotating young quarterbacks behind an aging and injury-affected offensive line. Shedeur Sanders led the team with 1,400 passing yards, Quinshon Judkins led the rushing attack with 827 yards and rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. led the team with 731 receiving yards.

The offseason brought changes at nearly every level. Todd Monken replaced Kevin Stefanski as head coach, the offensive line was reconstructed, two premium draft choices were used on wide receivers and Myles Garrett was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse and three future draft selections. Cleveland received Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick in the deal.

The Browns are younger, faster and better positioned for the future than they were a year ago. They are not yet a dependable playoff team because quarterback remains unsettled and the offense will be integrating numerous new starters and rookies.

Offense

Quarterback

Quarterback is both Cleveland’s most important competition and its greatest uncertainty.

The Browns enter training camp with four quarterbacks:

• Shedeur Sanders
• Deshaun Watson
• Dillon Gabriel
• Rookie Taylen Green

Sanders and Watson received most of the first-team repetitions during organized team activities and minicamp, but Cleveland continued distributing work among all four quarterbacks. The coaching staff used simultaneous drills during the spring to maximize the number of competitive repetitions.

Sanders should be viewed as the most likely Week 1 starter.

He showed poise and accuracy during portions of his rookie season, including a victory over Las Vegas in his first NFL start. Sanders has enough anticipation and pocket awareness to operate Monken’s passing game, particularly if the rebuilt offensive line gives him more dependable protection.

His next developmental steps are significant:

• Processing pressure more quickly.
• Avoiding unnecessary sacks.
• Becoming more consistent outside the numbers.
• Improving early-down efficiency.
• Creating explosive plays without forcing the ball into coverage.

Watson remains a complicated variable. His availability gives Cleveland an experienced alternative, but injuries and extended inconsistency make it difficult to project him as the unquestioned starter.

Gabriel appeared in multiple games during 2025 and completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He offers mobility and preparation value but has not established a clear advantage over Sanders.

Green was selected in the sixth round after starting 24 of 25 games during two seasons at Arkansas. He threw for 5,868 yards and 34 touchdowns during that period and offers the greatest size-and-mobility combination in the quarterback room. He should be treated as a developmental prospect rather than an immediate starter.

Cleveland may eventually need to reduce the competition to two quarterbacks so the projected starter receives enough preparation time. The safest projection is Sanders opening the season, Watson serving as the experienced alternative and Gabriel or Green occupying the developmental reserve role.

Running back and fullback

Quinshon Judkins is expected to return as Cleveland’s lead runner after a season-ending injury interrupted an encouraging rookie year.

Judkins rushed for 827 yards in 2025 and demonstrated the power, vision and contact balance necessary to handle a substantial workload. His return is particularly important because Jerome Ford departed during free agency.

Dylan Sampson provides a quicker complementary option. He can threaten the perimeter, contribute in the passing game and give the offense more speed when Judkins is resting.

Cleveland also added veteran fullback Michael Burton. His presence indicates that Monken intends to use more physical personnel groupings and create downhill running opportunities behind the rebuilt line.

The remainder of the competition includes TJ Harden, Raheim Sanders, Davon Booth and Ahmani Marshall.

Judkins should receive the majority of conventional early-down carries, with Sampson functioning as the change-of-pace and receiving complement. Cleveland should nevertheless manage Judkins carefully during the opening month rather than immediately returning him to a maximum workload.

Wide receiver

No position group received more draft investment.

Cleveland selected KC Concepcion with the 24th overall pick and Denzel Boston with the 39th selection, giving the offense two young receivers with contrasting styles.

Concepcion is the more versatile and explosive option. During his final college season at Texas A&M, he caught 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 75 rushing yards and another score. He can align outside, in the slot or in the backfield and should receive manufactured touches immediately.

Boston is the larger boundary target. He finished his Washington career with 132 receptions, 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns. His size and catch radius give Cleveland a potential possession and red-zone receiver who can complement Concepcion’s movement ability.

The rookie pair joins a group that includes Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Tylan Wallace and several developmental receivers.

Jeudy remains the most established veteran and should begin as the primary route-running option. His ability to separate on intermediate routes will be valuable to a young quarterback.

Tillman has the physical tools to contribute outside but now faces greater competition following the investment in Concepcion and Boston.

Wallace was added after serving as a receiver and special-teams contributor in Baltimore.

The likely opening hierarchy is:

1. Jerry Jeudy
2. KC Concepcion
3. Denzel Boston or Cedric Tillman
4. The remaining Boston-Tillman option
5. Tylan Wallace or another special-teams receiver

This room is considerably deeper and more athletic than the 2025 version. Its weakness is inexperience. Cleveland may rely heavily on two rookies while its quarterbacks are also learning a new offense.

Tight end

Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as Cleveland’s most productive receiver during his rookie season.

Fannin caught 72 passes, the most by a rookie in franchise history, and finished with 731 yards and six touchdowns. He also ranked among the league’s leading rookies in receptions and receiving touchdowns.

Fannin’s versatility makes him an ideal piece for Monken. He can align as an H-back, in the slot, attached to the formation or in motion. His ability after the catch gives Cleveland a dependable underneath target regardless of which quarterback starts.

David Njoku remains the more established traditional tight end. Njoku provides size, athleticism and red-zone value, though the presence of Fannin may allow Cleveland to distribute the receiving workload rather than depending on Njoku for every difficult matchup.

The Browns signed Jack Stoll for blocking depth and drafted Joe Royer and Carsen Ryan. Royer caught 79 passes for 937 yards during two seasons at Cincinnati, while Ryan finished his college career with 74 receptions for 1,020 yards.

Monken should use frequent two-tight-end formations involving Fannin and Njoku. Both can catch, block in space and move across the formation, making it difficult for defenses to identify the play through personnel.

Offensive line

Cleveland completely rebuilt the offensive line.

Longtime guard Joel Bitonio retired, and the Browns responded by acquiring or signing Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Zion Johnson and Teven Jenkins. They then selected Spencer Fano ninth overall, Austin Barber in the third round and Parker Brailsford in the fifth.

The most likely starting combination is:

• Left tackle: Spencer Fano
• Left guard: Elgton Jenkins or Zion Johnson
• Center: Elgton Jenkins, Parker Brailsford or Luke Wypler
• Right guard: Zion Johnson or Teven Jenkins
• Right tackle: Tytus Howard

Fano is the centerpiece. He started at both tackle positions during his Utah career and allowed only five pressures, no sacks and no quarterback hits during the 2025 college season.

Howard was acquired from Houston and signed to a multiyear extension. He provides experience at tackle and guard, although Cleveland should prefer to settle him at one position rather than repeatedly moving him.

Elgton Jenkins gives the Browns rare flexibility. He has starting experience throughout the offensive line and could stabilize center if the younger players are not ready.

Zion Johnson started 65 of 66 games during four seasons with the Chargers and has played both guard positions.

Brailsford is the developmental center. He allowed 10 pressures, including one sack, during his final season at Alabama. Barber started 39 college games, primarily at left tackle, and gives Cleveland another potential long-term option.

The talent level is improved, but continuity will be a challenge. The line will feature a new coach, a new scheme and potentially four new starters. Cleveland’s offensive outlook improves dramatically if Fano is immediately dependable and the interior combination settles early.

Defense

Defensive transition

The defense is beginning a new era without Myles Garrett.

Trading the reigning Defensive Player of the Year would ordinarily signal a complete rebuilding phase, but the inclusion of Jared Verse substantially changes the evaluation. Cleveland did not simply replace Garrett with draft capital; it acquired a young, established edge defender capable of becoming a foundational star.

The defense still contains high-level talent at edge rusher, linebacker and cornerback. It should remain the stronger side of the roster.

Defensive end

Jared Verse becomes the centerpiece of Cleveland’s pass rush.

Verse brings power, effort, edge-setting ability and a proven capacity to generate pressure. He is not yet as individually dominant as Garrett, but he is younger and fits the timeline of the Browns’ developing roster.

Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire and several younger defenders will compete for work opposite Verse. Logan Fano, Spencer Fano’s brother, joined the roster as an undrafted free agent after recording 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks during his final college season.

Cleveland lacks an established second premium edge rusher. Opponents will devote considerable attention to Verse until Wright, McGuire or another player proves capable of consistently winning isolated matchups.

Defensive tackle

Mason Graham remains one of the defense’s most important young players.

Graham offers power, leverage and disruptive potential from the interior. His ability to collapse the pocket will be particularly important now that Garrett is no longer commanding constant protection adjustments.

Mike Hall Jr. provides another athletic interior option. The Browns also have Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, Elijah Chatman and Sam Kamara in the rotation. Collins began training camp on the active/PUP list after appearing in 12 games during 2025.

The interior has enough depth to rotate, but Cleveland needs Graham and Hall to develop into consistent impact players. Verse will be easier to contain if quarterbacks can step forward into a clean pocket.

Linebacker

Carson Schwesinger is already one of the franchise’s most important defenders.

Schwesinger won Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading all NFL rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He also tied for third among rookies in interceptions.

His range and processing ability give Cleveland a modern three-down linebacker who can defend the run, cover and communicate the front.

The Browns signed Quincy Williams to add speed and veteran experience. Williams has prior familiarity with linebackers coach Mike Rutenberg and should begin as a starting option beside Schwesinger.

The draft added Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson in the fifth round. Jefferson recorded 149 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks and three forced fumbles during his college career.

Jordan Hicks, Mohamoud Diabate and several younger players provide additional competition.

The Schwesinger-Williams pairing should be a strength. Schwesinger supplies instincts and leadership; Williams supplies pursuit speed and experience. The principal issue is depth if either misses time.

Cornerback

Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell give Cleveland a strong veteran starting combination.

Ward recorded 39 tackles, one interception and nine passes defensed in 2025. His 104 passes defensed since entering the league are the most by any NFL player since 2018.

Campbell joined Cleveland through a midseason trade and quickly became an important starter. In 12 games, he recorded 52 tackles, an interception returned for a touchdown, 12 passes defensed and a forced fumble. He finished tied for third in the league with 18 total passes defensed.

Martin Emerson Jr. departed in free agency. Cleveland added veteran depth and re-signed several reserve corners, but the third cornerback and nickel roles remain less settled.

Ward and Campbell give the Browns enough talent to play aggressive coverage outside. The defense becomes more vulnerable in three- and four-receiver formations if no dependable nickel option emerges.

Safety

Grant Delpit remains the leader of the safety group.

Delpit recorded 89 tackles, three sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2025. His ability to play near the line, pressure the quarterback and match tight ends makes him one of the defense’s most versatile veterans.

Cleveland selected Emmanuel McNeil-Warren with the 58th overall pick. McNeil-Warren recorded 214 tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles during his Toledo career. He allowed a 56.5 opposing passer rating when targeted during his final college season.

Ronnie Hickman returns after receiving a tender, while Daniel Thomas was signed to provide defensive and special-teams depth.

The likely starting pair is Delpit and McNeil-Warren, with Hickman rotating in selected packages. That combination offers considerable athleticism, but a rookie safety in an aggressive defense will inevitably experience communication and recognition mistakes.

Special teams

Dustin Hopkins’ status and competition will help determine the kicking outlook. Cleveland needs greater consistency in routine field-goal and extra-point situations because the offense may play numerous low-scoring games.

Corey Bojorquez has been one of the league’s stronger directional punters and remains capable of changing field position. During the 2024 season, he led the NFL in punts placed inside the 10-yard line and set a franchise record with 36 punts inside the 20.

KC Concepcion has the skill set to contribute in the return game, but Cleveland may limit his special-teams workload if he immediately becomes a major offensive player. Tylan Wallace and several reserve defensive backs provide alternatives.

The coverage units should benefit from Williams, Jefferson, Thomas, Wallace and the younger linebackers and defensive backs.

Most important offseason additions

• DE Jared Verse: Young foundational pass rusher acquired in the Garrett trade.
• OT Spencer Fano: Ninth overall selection and projected starting left tackle.
• WR KC Concepcion: Versatile first-round playmaker.
• WR Denzel Boston: Large boundary and red-zone receiver.
• OT/G Tytus Howard: Experienced line starter acquired from Houston.
• OL Elgton Jenkins: Versatile veteran capable of starting at multiple positions.
• G Zion Johnson: Former first-round guard with extensive starting experience.
• LB Quincy Williams: Fast, experienced complement to Schwesinger.
• FB Michael Burton: Physical blocker and special-teams contributor.
• WR Tylan Wallace: Receiver and coverage-unit depth.

Most important departures

• DE Myles Garrett: Traded to the Rams.
• G Joel Bitonio: Retired.
• RB Jerome Ford: Departed in free agency.
• CB Martin Emerson Jr.: Departed in free agency.
• Several veteran offensive linemen: Replaced as Cleveland rebuilt the position group.
• Various depth players: The roster shifted toward younger draft picks and multiyear developmental pieces.

Garrett is obviously the most important loss, but Verse and the future draft capital make the trade more defensible than a conventional superstar departure.

Bitonio’s retirement may have the greater immediate effect on offensive continuity. Cleveland is replacing both his performance and his leadership.

Draft-class outlook

Cleveland selected 10 players:

Round	Player	Position	Projected early role
1	Spencer Fano	Offensive tackle	Starting left tackle
1	KC Concepcion	Wide receiver	Immediate offensive weapon
2	Denzel Boston	Wide receiver	Starting or major rotational receiver
2	Emmanuel McNeil-Warren	Safety	Starting competition
3	Austin Barber	Offensive tackle	Swing tackle and developmental starter
5	Parker Brailsford	Center	Center competition and future starter
5	Justin Jefferson	Linebacker	Special teams and defensive depth
5	Joe Royer	Tight end	Receiving depth and special teams
6	Taylen Green	Quarterback	Developmental quarterback
7	Carsen Ryan	Tight end	Developmental receiving tight end

This class is central to Cleveland’s entire rebuilding plan.

Fano must become a dependable starting tackle. Concepcion and Boston need to modernize an offense that lacked explosive receiving production. McNeil-Warren has an immediate path to the starting lineup.

Barber and Brailsford give the Browns multiple opportunities to develop long-term offensive-line starters, while Green provides another quarterback option without requiring an immediate commitment.

Schedule assessment

Cleveland’s schedule is more manageable than those of several AFC contenders, but the Browns must navigate a difficult division.

The season begins with consecutive road games against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay before Cleveland returns home to face Carolina and Pittsburgh. The Browns later face Baltimore twice, Cincinnati twice and Pittsburgh twice inside the AFC North.

The first half also includes road games against the Jets, Tennessee, Pittsburgh and New Orleans. That portion offers opportunities, but it places a developing offense away from home frequently.

The Week 11 bye is well positioned. Cleveland plays five home games beginning in Week 10, including matchups with Houston, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Indianapolis.

The closing schedule is less forgiving. The Browns travel to Baltimore in late December and finish the regular season at Cincinnati.

Important schedule characteristics include:

• Two road games to begin the season.
• A Thursday divisional home game in Week 4.
• Five road games during the first nine weeks.
• A favorable Week 11 bye.
• Five second-half home games.
• Road divisional games against Baltimore and Cincinnati near the end.
• No international travel.

The schedule gives Cleveland a path to improve its record. The Browns do not face the concentration of established elite teams assigned to several first-place finishers. Their problem is that Baltimore and Cincinnati remain significantly stronger on paper.

Final prediction

Projected record: 7-10

Projected AFC North finish: Fourth place

Cleveland should be more competitive than its divisional placement suggests.

Baltimore and Cincinnati are legitimate AFC contenders, while Pittsburgh retains enough defensive talent and organizational stability to remain difficult. The Browns have the least certainty at quarterback and are making the greatest number of structural changes.

Their realistic range is approximately 5-12 to 9-8.

The upper end becomes attainable if:

• Sanders establishes himself as a capable starting quarterback.
• Fano plays well immediately.
• The reconstructed offensive line develops quickly.
• Judkins returns at full strength.
• Concepcion and Boston become immediate contributors.
• Verse reproduces high-level edge pressure.
• Graham and Hall create interior disruption.
• Ward and Campbell remain healthy.

The lower end becomes possible if the quarterback competition continues too long, the offensive line lacks chemistry or the young receivers struggle to adjust.

Postseason probabilities

Outcome	Estimated probability
Make the playoffs	22%
Win the AFC North	8%
Earn a top-two AFC seed	1%
Win first playoff game	30% if participating
Win divisional round	13% if participating
Win AFC Championship Game	5% if participating
Win Super Bowl LXI	2% if participating
Overall probability of winning Super Bowl LXI	Below 1%

These are analytical preseason estimates rather than sportsbook odds.

Most likely postseason result

The most likely outcome is an improved but losing season that provides meaningful evidence about the franchise’s future.

The Browns are unlikely to reach the playoffs unless one quarterback decisively exceeds expectations. A 9-8 season could place them near the wild-card conversation, but the AFC contains too many established contenders for Cleveland to depend on an average record being sufficient.

If the Browns unexpectedly qualify, they would probably enter as a low wild-card seed and face an elite quarterback on the road. Cleveland’s defense could keep such a game competitive, but the offense would need to develop much faster than projected to win multiple postseason rounds.

Overall verdict

The Browns are rebuilding in a more coherent way than their recent records indicate.

Their greatest strengths are:

• A young defensive foundation led by Verse, Graham and Schwesinger.
• Two high-level starting cornerbacks.
• Grant Delpit’s versatility.
• Harold Fannin Jr.’s emergence.
• Quinshon Judkins’ power and upside.
• Two premium rookie receivers.
• Major investment along the offensive line.
• A deep 10-player draft class.
• Significant future draft capital acquired for Garrett.
• A schedule containing several winnable non-divisional games.

The principal risks are:

• No established starting quarterback.
• A four-player quarterback competition.
• Multiple new offensive-line starters.
• Replacing Bitonio’s leadership.
• Relying heavily on rookie receivers.
• Judkins returning from a major injury.
• Losing Garrett’s game-changing production.
• Limited established edge-rush depth opposite Verse.
• A rookie starting safety.
• Competing in the AFC North.

Final forecast: 7-10, fourth in the AFC North and outside the playoffs.

Cleveland should be more competitive, more explosive and better positioned for 2027 than it was entering last season. The immediate goal is not necessarily a deep playoff run. It is identifying a quarterback, developing Fano and the rookie receivers and confirming that Verse, Graham and Schwesinger can become the foundation of the next contending Browns team.