It is that time of the year for NFL fans: Rumors, reports, rumors of reports, and reports of rumors. For the Cleveland Browns, the 2026 NFL offseason may not be very juicy, at least with big names. The Browns have two picks in the 2026 NFL draft, but the class itself lacks some of the pazazs that we often associate with it. NFL free agency has similar limitations and problems that could make a splash for Cleveland unlikely.
That doesn’t mean there will not be rumors, including some that we shared
from the NFL combine, including the Browns interest in two top defenders.
Not all rumors are created equal, so it takes a little nuance to navigate through them at this time of the NFL calendar. For example, Tony Pauline shared this nugget on Cleveland diving into Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson with “extensive work” being done:
Even before his terrific combine workout Sunday, I was told that quarterback Ty Simpson will be drafted earlier than most presently predict. Some believe he could end up in the top-12 selections.
It was reported by other outlets before the combine that the Cleveland Browns have an interest in the former Alabama quarterback, and I am told they are doing extensive work on Simpson.
Could Simpson be drafted in the first 12 picks? Sure, anything is possible.
Is it possible that the Browns have done “extensive work” on Simpson? There would be concern if they had not, and new HC Todd Monken has history with him as well.
Does that mean you can put two and two together from Pauline’s rumor and get the answer that Cleveland is likely to draft Simpson near the top of the 2026 NFL draft? That is where things go a little too far.
Simpson is an interesting draft prospect. Already 23 years old, Simpson had 50 total attempts in college before his final season. As a redshirt junior, he completed 65% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His play down the stretch of the season saw a significant decline, with many expecting he would return to college for his senior season.
At this point, Simpson is the 32nd-ranked player on the Consensus Big Board, with only Fernando Mendoza joining him in being ranked in the first 85 prospects.
Lance Zierlein of The NFL Network compared Simpson to fellow Alabama quarterback Mac Jones and gave him a “Will eventually be average starter” grade, noting:
Learning to cut bait and avoid sacks needs to be prioritized. One-year starters rarely “boom” so he’ll need a patient staff and a clear developmental roadmap to fill in the missing pieces.
Can GM Andrew Berry and Monken, a first-time head coach, be that “patient staff” given the lack of proven talent currently on the Browns roster? Will Cleveland, who has huge needs on the offensive line and at the wide receiver position, throw another first-round quarterback (and QB in general), early first round if Pauline is to be believed, to the wolves instead of building the rest of the offense in 2026?
We have almost two months of rumors ahead, and a lot of “ink” will be spilled in the process.
What do you think of this particular rumor? Do you think Simpson is worth selecting in the first round for the Browns?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
