NFL
Season Outlook:
The seemingly endless transition for the Browns takes a new turn. Myles Garrett was traded to the Rams in June. Todd Monken replaces Kevin Stefanski as head coach. For a franchise that has just eight wins over the past two years, there is no bigger unknown looming over this team than who will be starting at quarterback.
What's Changed:
GM Andrew Berry had a busy offseason trying to fill the holes on the roster. The biggest shift came when he dealt Garrett to Los Angeles for Jared Verse and three draft picks. The Browns lose a historically elite edge rusher but get a very good one that can keep the defensive line intact. Monken inherits plenty of new faces as he implements a pass-heavy offense he made so successful in Baltimore and Tampa. Among the arrivals include guard Zion Johnson, tackle Tytus Howard, and rookie wideouts KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
Harold Fannin Jr. becomes the primary tight end. He showed enough upside as a rookie that his promotion shouldn’t lead to much dropoff at that position. Quinshon Judkins is another rookie who showed promise. He accounted for 71 percent of Cleveland's rush attempts before a December leg injury cut his 2025 season short. On the defensive line, Mason Graham will have more responsibility on the interior. The fifth overall pick in 2025 started all 17 games and played 72 percent of the snaps.
Key Question:
Who starts at quarterback and does it ultimately matter? The harsh truth is that neither Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel did much of anything to make you believe they could make the Browns a winning team, much less a playoff team. Sanders and Gabriel still have time to improve, while Watson appears to be a high-priced mistake that ownership wants him playing merely to justify the signing.
Prediction:
Cleveland remains last at 6-11. Monken eventually taps Sanders as his starting QB, but there are still struggles that will prevent the Browns from competing. Denzel Boston becomes a breakout star and contends for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The defense remains among the top 10, especially in the secondary, but the lack of the sport’s premier pass rusher shows the limitations among the rest of the front seven.
X-Factor:
Solving the quarterback situation is the primary concern. Surrounding him with talent is nearly as important. The Browns tried to address that with three of their first four draft picks. Concepcion and Boston should improve a receiving unit which finished last in yardage, while third-round selection Austin Barber joins an offensive line in flux. They could help determine if Sanders progresses or Watson can be revived.
Final Scorecard:
- Offense: 5
- Defense: 7
- Coaching: 6
- X-Factor Upside: 5
- Schedule Strength: 6