Last year was quite a disaster for the Cleveland Browns. The defense led by Myles Garrett looked great for most of the season, but was let down by the worst offense in the sport at almost every turn. That being said, the plan moving forward is pretty simple: improve the offense at all costs.
It hasn’t been the flashiest upgrades for the Browns, but you can absolutely say that entering the start of 2026, the Cleveland Browns are a better football team than the year prior.
The Browns’ biggest concern starts and ends with the offensive line. Cleveland had a historically bad offensive line last year and should be vastly improved this season. I doubt they have an elite unit up front, but whoever is taking snaps behind that offensive line should be in a much better position than the rotating cast calling plays last year.
Spencer Fano is the “flashiest” addition to this offensive line. Fano is projected to be the Browns starting left tackle this year, but I’m not sure if that will be his forever position. He has a smaller frame and shorter arms for a left tackle, but his tape was great at Utah last year. No matter the case, he will be an immediate improvement for the Browns.
Cleveland continued with their o-line overhaul by signing veterans Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson. These two were slightly overpaid, but the Browns needed so much help that it doesn’t really matter how they got it done. The last big addition on the line was trading a 5th-rounder to the Texans for Tytus Howard. Houston felt like they wouldn’t be able to afford Howard, so it was a no-doubt move for the Browns.
It’s not the first time these two teams have traded; the more well-known move was Houston’s trade of Deshaun Watson to the Browns. That move has been a well-documented disaster, but with the added offensive line help and two solid receiver picks early in the draft in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, Cleveland will be more potent on offense, with Watson or Shedeur Sanders playing quarterback.
Finally, the defense didn’t need a ton of help, but after losing Devin Bush to the Bears, immediately solving that issue by adding Quincy Williams was a great move.
Do I think the Browns will contend in the AFC North, or a Wild Card spot? No, not really, but this team will be far more watchable than last season. Also, if these moves end up working, you might be able to go all in on a quarterback you like in the draft. Things could be looking up in Cleveland.
