There is pressure on quite a few Cleveland Browns players going into the 2026 season to prove that they should be a part of the team’s future plans. With how unstable the offense has been, many players have a lot to prove on that side of the ball.
Deshaun Watson
Watson probably has the most to prove out of any player on the Browns roster because he really has one last season to decide his future in this league. Given his off-the-field issues, injury history, and inconsistent performance, it will be difficult
for any team to justify signing him to a new contract once his time in Cleveland comes to an end. He will need to put together an impressive season and prove his value if he hopes to secure his future in the NFL.
Shedeur Sanders
Also in the quarterback room, Sanders needs to show the Browns’ coaching staff and front office that he deserves to have a future in Cleveland. A solid summer at training camp will prove to the team that he deserves to take snaps as a starter this season and could solidify him as a part of the team’s future, whether that is as a starter or a backup.
Quinshon Judkins
Judkins got off to a strong start in his rookie season before suffering a leg injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year. He will need to prove he has fully recovered and show he can emerge as a breakout star in the offense. The opportunity is there; it’s just a matter of whether he is ready to take it and has recovered from his injury. (Editor’s Note: Judkins, unlike Watson and Sanders, has a chance to prove he’s a Top 5-10 player at his position if recovered from injury. Different from the two QBs.)
Let me know what you think in the comments – Which Browns’ players have the most to prove in 2026?
