AFC North
Cleveland Browns
AI Summary
Cleveland enters 2026 in full rebuild mode under first-year head coach Todd Monken, hired after Kevin Stefanski's January firing, with an unresolved quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and second-year passer Shedeur Sanders headlining camp. The offseason was defined by the shocking trade of longtime face-of-the-defense Myles Garrett to the Rams for Jared Verse and a haul of future draft picks, leaving a defense that must reload under new coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Oddsmakers have set Cleveland's win total at just 5.5, among the lowest in the league, after an offense that finished 2025 dead last in yards per play and 31st in scoring.
Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026
Key Storylines
- New HC Todd Monken (ex-Ravens OC) overseeing open Watson-vs-Sanders QB competition; Watson started the preseason opener at Chicago, Sanders set to start Week 2 vs. Buffalo
- Myles Garrett traded to the Rams for Jared Verse plus 2027 1st-, 2028 2nd-, and 2029 3rd-round picks, ending his run as Cleveland's defensive centerpiece
- Defense transitions to first-year coordinator Mike Rutenberg without Garrett, leaning on Verse to anchor the pass rush
- Offensive line could feature as many as five new starters entering the season
- Rookie WRs KC Concepcion (Round 1) and Denzel Boston (Round 2) join second-year WR Isaiah Bond to remake the receiving corps
Injury Report
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah · LB
Reserve/PUP
Placed on reserve/PUP list and set to miss a second straight season due to a lingering neck injury suffered in October 2024.
Maliek Collins · DT
Questionable
Entered camp with uncertain status while recovering from a Week 13 2025 knee injury that ended his prior season early.