# Cleveland Browns NFL team. Team code: **CLE**. ## Quick Facts - **Team code:** CLE - **Head coach:** Todd Monken (Todd Monken — Cleveland Browns Head Coach) - **Offensive coordinator:** Travis Switzer (Travis Switzer — Cleveland Browns Offensive Coordinator) - **Defensive coordinator:** Mike Rutenberg (Mike Rutenberg — Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator) - **Coaching tree:** see Coaching Trees ## 2026 Outlook Offense faces execution issues early in Todd Monken's tenure. OTA reports show interceptions in low-pressure seven-on-seven drills, signaling concern about fundamentals. Most critical: the QB room remains unsettled with no clear starter emerging from Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, and Green. Monken initially hoped to decide the starting QB by the end of mandatory minicamp but reversed course in early June, announcing the QB competition will "bleed into training camp." He stated both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have "played well enough to earn the right to compete" and that he'll need to see full pads and preseason games before deciding. (per Todd Monken might already regret taking Cleveland Browns job, Todd Monken leans daily on Browns' starting-level QB decision, and Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders QB competition will likely bleed into training camp) Offensive line is in flux heading into training camp. Multiple position battles at tackle and guard with five new starters projected for 2026 after Joel Bitonio's retirement. Early-minicamp combinations included Spencer Fano at LT, Zion Johnson at LG, Elgton Jenkins at C, Teven Jenkins at RG, and Tytus Howard at RT—all recent acquisitions. Despite three season-ending injuries in his first three years, Dawand Jones remains "very much in the mix" per O-line coach George Warhop, who rejected the "swing tackle" label for him. Parker Brailsford (5th-round center) and KT Leveston (tackle moved to guard) saw first-team reps throughout the week. Monken emphasized he can't finalize the lineup without full pads and preseason. Spencer Fano impressed throughout, with Warhop expecting him to be the starting LT barring injury. (per The quarterback competition isn't the only Browns battle carrying into training camp) **Minicamp finale (June 10):** On the final day of mandatory minicamp, Monken made clear the QB decision would not be announced: "I'm not going to name a No. 1." Both Watson and Sanders rotated first-team reps throughout the three days with neither separating. Monken emphasized both "functioned at a high level" but he "can't" make a decision without pads or competitive scrimmages. The decision will now stretch into and possibly through training camp. Until that stabilizes, the entire offense projects as volatile. (per Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson? Browns' Todd Monken still undecided at QB) Watson confirmed full health recovery on June 11, stating he's healthy for the first time since a 2023 shoulder injury (nearly 1,000 days), and philosophically accepted he can't recreate his 2020 MVP form. Sanders, meanwhile, took a player-development stance to the QB battle rather than a competitive one, downplaying the "competition" narrative to focus on improving comfort in the Monken system. Monken's deliberate rep-rotation strategy (both QBs alternating starter/second-team work across the three days) suggests he's intentionally gathering information rather than trending toward a decision, pushing the starter determination into full-pads training camp (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors June 11, 2026: The Competition Thing). By mid-June, ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi observed that Sanders had begun trending upward, appearing "more poised" in Monken's system with noticeable improvements in footwork and processing. Watson showed tactical improvement under Monken, becoming "more willing to push the ball downfield" compared to his work under Kevin Stefanski—a meaningful efficiency shift that could aid his competitiveness in the starter race (per Browns QB Shedeur Sanders looks 'more poised' before training camp). Defense took a major hit when the Browns traded star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on June 1, 2026 for Jared Verse and draft capital (2027 1st, 2028 2nd, 2029 3rd). This marks a reversal of the front office's strategy—just one year ago they extended Garrett with a record $160M deal and full no-trade clause after he requested out in 2025. Despite his record-setting 23 sacks in 2025 and two-time DPOY honors, the Browns pivoted to prioritize rebuilding assets under new HC Todd Monken. Verse (25, 2024 DROY candidate, 6th in total pressures) and draft picks help accelerate the rebuild, but the league move signals the franchise has abandoned the Garrett-era championship timeline. (per NFL Confidential: Execs, Scouts Crown Winners In Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown Trades). The acquired 2027 first-round pick from LA opens draft flexibility if the Rams underperform (late first) or the Browns trade up for a QB if one slides. Potential 2027 targets include Notre Dame cornerback DJ McKinney for the secondary, or defensive line reinforcement with players like Miami DT Ahmad Moten Sr. (per NFL Draft Notebook: How the Myles Garrett and A.J. Brown trades could reshape Browns and Eagles draft plans). Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz departed after being passed over for the head coaching role, feeling he "couldn't do his job" after Monken's hiring. Despite overseeing a defense that ranked fifth in EPA/play in 2025 despite the team's 5-12 record, Schwartz felt the organization created an untenable position—asking him to support Monken while having rejected him for the HC job. This removed both the architect of the 2025 defense and continuity from the scheme (per Jim Schwartz breaks silence on Browns exit). **Minicamp trend (June 16):** Shedeur Sanders appeared to gain momentum over Deshaun Watson during mandatory minicamp. Though Watson showed early OTA momentum, Sanders was "more consistent" during the three minicamp days and appeared to "close the gap." Neither QB clearly separated, but Monken praised Sanders' decision-making and quicker releases—areas needing improvement. If the competition remains close, Monken's bias favors Sanders' theoretical upside as the future over Watson's shorter window. Other offensive bright spots: Quinshon Judkins returned healthy from injury and looked strong; KC Concepcion showed versatility despite drop issues; Denzel Boston impressed receivers group. Defensive notes: LB Carson Schwesinger dominated in reps; pass rush now hinges on Jared Verse, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire and Julian Okwara replacing Garrett's production. (per Browns minicamp 2026: Key takeaways on offense, defense and the QB race) Betting context: Win total 6.5 (analysts favor Under). Browns sit near basement of AFC (Jets and Dolphins only lower) at +15000 Super Bowl odds. Analyst sees "no way of knowing" if Monken can unlock offensive success; recommends sprinkle on aggressive Over 7.5 at +300 or better. Path to playoffs exists with schedule (Jets, Raiders, Giants winnable) but depends on three factors: Monken's competence, QB emergence (Watson, Sanders, Gabriel), and defense maintaining performance without Schwartz/Garrett. (per Betting the Browns in 2026) **Salary cap constraints (July 12):** The organization faces significant salary cap headwinds in 2026, carrying $116.82M in total dead cap (42 players league-wide carry eight-figure dead-cap charges; Cleveland has four of them). Watson's contract alone accounts for the bulk of this burden—the $230M deal signed in 2022 is ranked the worst contract in the entire NFL. While $86M+ of Watson's dead cap is expected to drop over the next two years, the relief doesn't arrive until after 2026. This means the Browns are essentially locked into supporting the QB competition winner (Watson or Sanders) with significantly constrained roster flexibility. The cap crunch will limit the team's ability to add veteran depth at receiver, defensive line, or safety despite recent draft investments at those positions. (per Cleveland Browns News and Rumors 7/12/26: The Bill Always Arrives) **Training camp trends (July 9):** As training camp opens in three weeks, Bleacher Report's James Palmer reports the QB competition has tightened considerably. Shedeur Sanders has "closed the gap" on Deshaun Watson, showing marked improvement in pocket presence, progression reading, and decision-making through OTAs and minicamp. While Watson appeared to hold the upper hand through May, Sanders' late-minicamp momentum and demonstrated learning curve improvements have made the competition genuinely competitive. Neither QB has separated, setting up a legitimate full training camp battle. (per Analyst gives insight into Browns QB battle with training camp next, Shedeur Sanders May Have Inside Track in Cleveland Browns' Starting QB Battle) **League sentiment shifts (July 11):** Yahoo Sports analyst Frank Schwab raised a stark warning about Watson winning the starting job, arguing that Sanders' on-field performance and Watson's troubled history with Cleveland make Sanders the preferable starter. Schwab stated: "It will be very unpopular if Watson actually wins the Browns' starting job, considering his off-field past and how badly he has played in Cleveland since the Browns traded three first-round picks and more to the Texans for him." This negative framing positions the QB competition with a new narrative: Watson is no longer the presumed favorite but faces perceptual headwinds alongside Sanders' demonstrated improvement. The sentiment underscores the stakes for both QBs heading into training camp (per Browns should heed warning amid Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB competition). ## Fantasy Footprint The Browns significantly upgraded their receiving corps by drafting KC Concepcion (#24 overall) and Denzel Boston (#39 overall) in the first two days, addressing a critical receiver depth need. GM Andrew Berry publicly endorsed Jerry Jeudy as the "bell cow" of the group despite the draft additions, signaling confidence in Jeudy's ability to return to his 2024 form (90 rec, 1,200+ yards) after a disappointing 2025. The three-receiver group under Todd Monken's offense—which excels at "getting to the best plays" and maximizing personnel—should create improved matchups and efficiency across the board. (per Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is used to change, but a familiar face could help him return to his 2024 form) **July 3 potential Diggs interest:** Sports Illustrated identified Cleveland as a secondary option for unsigned WR Stefon Diggs, positioning a signing as meaningful for young QB Shedeur Sanders' development. Diggs would bring veteran presence alongside unproven first-two-round draft picks Concepcion and Boston, stabilizing Sanders' receiving room during his critical "prove-it" competition with Deshaun Watson. While Washington and Baltimore remain more likely landing spots, the article notes the fit could unlock upside if Sanders wins the starting job—pairing an elite veteran route technician with a second-year QB in a system change, mirroring Diggs' success with Drake Maye in 2025 (per Who Will Sign Stefon Diggs?: 3 Potential Suitors And Their Fantasy Football Impact). Brandon Aiyuk has emerged as a potential trade target. Cleveland has previously made passes at acquiring Aiyuk and is known for giving second chances to disgruntled players. Aiyuk would add substantial WR depth and provide weapons for the unsettled QB room (Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, or Green). However, his $26+ million salary cap hit and ongoing ACL/MCL recovery from 2024 injuries present risk. (per NFL Trade Rumor: Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders emerge as strong landing spots...) ## Players (Fantasy-Relevant) - **QB:** Dillon Gabriel (PPR #NR), Shedeur Sanders (PPR #NR), Deshaun Watson (PPR #NR) - **RB:** Quinshon Judkins (PPR #63), Dylan Sampson (PPR #140), Jerome Judkins (PPR #NR) - **WR:** KC Concepcion (PPR #136), Jerry Jeudy (PPR #150), Denzel Boston (PPR #160), Cedric Tillman (PPR #NR), Isaiah Bond (PPR #NR) - **TE:** Harold Fannin Jr. (PPR #71) ## Coaches - Head coach: Todd Monken (Todd Monken — Cleveland Browns Head Coach) - Offensive coordinator: Travis Switzer (Travis Switzer — Cleveland Browns Offensive Coordinator) - Defensive coordinator: Mike Rutenberg (Mike Rutenberg — Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator) ## Team Defense as a Fantasy Unit Defense is in transition with question marks at safety and edge following the Myles Garrett trade. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg will oversee a younger secondary that lost James Schwartz's scheme continuity. Safety position is unsettled with Grant Delpit on the final year of his contract (no guaranteed money), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as the draft-picked replacement, and Ronnie Hickman in a cost-controlled role. Edge depth is depleted after Garrett's departure—the Browns acquired Jared Verse but will rely heavily on younger rushers. Defense should remain top-10 due to talent retention in the secondary (Denzel Ward, recent additions Myles Bryant) but is vulnerable to schemes and coverage breakdowns during the Rutenberg/Monken transition. ## Roster Cuts Coming The Browns face significant roster cuts ahead of training camp, with several veterans in expiring contracts without guaranteed money facing the axe. Key targets for trade/release include Grant Delpit (5th-highest cap hit at $12M), Cedric Tillman (non-guaranteed $3.6M), Denzel Ward (potential trade target if a contender bids), and reserve tight ends Jack Stoll and fullback Michael Burton. The organization has embraced a youth movement and is prioritizing roster spots for draft picks like KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on cheap rookie contracts. (per 10 Browns players whose contracts could make them expendable in 2026) ## Recent News - 2026-03-26 — Myles Garrett landing spots: Why trade rumors could heat up after Browns modify his... (Myles Garrett landing spots: Why trade rumors could heat up after Browns modify his...) - 2026-07-08 — Todd Monken's biggest training camp decision starts with the Browns' battle for QB1 (Todd Monken's biggest training camp decision starts with the Browns' battle for QB1) - 2026-07-06 — 3 Cleveland Browns players whose future is at stake with the team during the 2026 NFL... (3 Cleveland Browns players whose future is at stake with the team during the 2026 NFL...) - 2026-02-25 — Shedeur Sanders' major area to improve outlined as Browns GM breaks silence on 2026 QB... (Shedeur Sanders' major area to improve outlined as Browns GM breaks silence on 2026 QB...) - 2026-06-19 — Is Deshaun Watson's time up? Shedeur Sanders erases the lead to take over the Browns'... (Is Deshaun Watson's time up? Shedeur Sanders erases the lead to take over the Browns'...) - 2026-06-01 — Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams for Jared Verse, three picks (Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams for Jared Verse, three picks) - 2026-06-11 — NFL 2026 minicamp takeaways: Browns' Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders competition heating up (NFL 2026 minicamp takeaways: Browns' Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders competition heating up) - 2026-05-25 — Browns should reportedly continue betting on Deshaun Watson in a competitive QB battle... (Browns should reportedly continue betting on Deshaun Watson in a competitive QB battle...) - 2026-07-11 — Shedeur Sanders' new inner focus revealed as QB leads 'endlessly exciting' Browns... (Shedeur Sanders' new inner focus revealed as QB leads 'endlessly exciting' Browns...) - 2026-07-10 — Browns get bold Shedeur Sanders training camp prediction that can actually happen (Browns get bold Shedeur Sanders training camp prediction that can actually happen) ## Open Questions - Will the Cleveland Browns commit to Deshaun Watson at QB1, or does Shedeur Sanders' improving play earn him the starting job by training camp? **Source:** 2026-nfl-minicamps-teams-rookies-qbs-watching **Status:** open **Last touched:** 2026-07-12 - Will KC Concepcion win the Browns' punt return job, and if so, can he realistically become WR1 while handling returns? **Source:** The Ultimate 2026 Return Yardage Watchlist **Status:** open **Last touched:** 2026-07-09 - Will Quinshon Judkins' prior ankle/fibula injury history scare dynasty investors despite full health reports, or will mid-round value hold? **Source:** 4 Dynasty Startup Draft Values Running Backs 2026 **Status:** open **Last touched:** 2026-07-09 - Will the Browns deal Shedeur Sanders before training camp, or will they commit to the four-QB room (Watson, Sanders, Gabriel, Green)? **Source:** Cleveland Browns News and Rumors June 23, 2026 **Status:** open **Last touched:** 2026-06-23 - Does Denzel Ward get traded before the deadline if the Browns start poorly in a potential rebuild, or will Andrew Berry hold firm on keeping his star corner? **Source:** Cleveland Browns News and Rumors June 23, 2026 **Status:** open **Last touched:** 2026-06-23 --- Source: https://chatffb.com/teams/cleveland-browns · ChatFFB — fantasy football answers updated from a live news wiki.