Image Source: Jori Epstein
Key Takeaways
- The Cleveland Browns are committed to investing in their offense, particularly at the quarterback position, in the upcoming offseason.
- The team’s general manager, Andrew Berry, and owner, Jimmy Haslam, have not endorsed any of the current quarterbacks on the roster as the definitive starter for the 2026 season.
- The Browns are likely to hire an offensive-minded head coach to develop their quarterback, but the new coach will have significant input in determining the starter.
- The team recognizes the importance of finding a stable and elite quarterback to achieve sustained success in the NFL.
- The Browns are expected to explore all options, including free agency and the draft, to address their quarterback needs.
Introduction to the Browns’ Offseason Plans
The Cleveland Browns are embarking on a critical offseason, with a focus on revamping their offense and finding a long-term solution at the quarterback position. As general manager Andrew Berry stated, "The offense, it’s no secret that’s where we’re going to invest most of our resources this offseason." This commitment to improving the offense is evident, and the team’s owner, Jimmy Haslam, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We have a lot of work to do on the roster, particularly on the offensive side of the roster." The Browns’ emphasis on offense is a clear indication that they recognize the need for significant improvement in this area.
The Quarterback Conundrum
The Browns have a trio of quarterbacks on their roster, including Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson, but none of them have been crowned as the definitive starter for the 2026 season. As Berry noted, "We believe in competition in every room on the roster, and quarterback’s no different. Quarterback is the most important position in sports. We all know that. And part of the equation with quarterback is the evaluation part. Part of it is the development part as well." This approach suggests that the Browns are open to exploring all options and are not committed to any one quarterback. Sanders, who started the final seven games of the season, acknowledged that "when it comes to those grown-up decisions, that’s not me." This lack of clarity at the quarterback position is a significant concern for the Browns, and it will be a key area of focus in the offseason.
The Importance of Finding a Franchise Quarterback
The Browns recognize the importance of finding a stable and elite quarterback to achieve sustained success in the NFL. As seven-time Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio said, "At the end of the day, the National Football League is a quarterback league, right? If you have an elite quarterback in this league, it allows you to be a little bit more sustained in your success." Bitonio’s comments highlight the critical role that a franchise quarterback plays in determining a team’s success. The Browns’ inability to find a consistent and reliable quarterback has hindered their progress in recent years, and addressing this need is essential to their future success.
Evaluating the Browns’ Quarterback Options
The Browns drafted two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Gabriel in the third round and Sanders in the fifth. While both quarterbacks showed promise, their performance was mixed, and neither has been endorsed as the starter for the 2026 season. As Berry said, "We saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position. He’s still very much a work in progress, like many rookie quarterbacks are." However, Berry also noted that the team will "do our work on the quarterback market" and that the new head coach will have significant input in determining the starter. This approach suggests that the Browns are open to exploring all options and are not committed to any one quarterback.
The Coaching Search
The Browns are currently searching for a new head coach, and the team’s general manager, Andrew Berry, has emphasized the importance of finding the right coach to lead the organization. As Berry said, "I think they just need to find the best coach possible. You just need to hire the best guy for each job of the organization vs. being predetermined to get a QB guru or whatever you think you need stylistically." This approach suggests that the Browns are prioritizing finding a coach who can lead the team and develop the quarterback, rather than simply hiring a coach who specializes in quarterback development. The team’s search for a new head coach will be a critical factor in determining the direction of the franchise and the future of the quarterback position.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the Cleveland Browns are at a critical juncture in their franchise’s history, and the upcoming offseason will be pivotal in determining their future success. The team’s commitment to investing in their offense and finding a long-term solution at the quarterback position is evident, and the search for a new head coach will be a key factor in achieving these goals. As the Browns navigate the complex landscape of the NFL, they must prioritize finding a stable and elite quarterback to achieve sustained success. With a strong coaching staff and a commitment to developing their quarterback, the Browns can overcome their current challenges and build a winning franchise. Ultimately, the Browns’ future success will depend on their ability to find the right coach and quarterback to lead the team, and the upcoming offseason will be a critical step in this process.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/what-does-browns-firing-kevin-stefanski-mean-for-shedeur-sanders-062323054.html