It has been a difficult year for the Cleveland Browns. Considering how the Browns were pivoting to a rebuild after the aftermath of the Deshaun Watson contract, it’s something that every fan should have expected. Considering how the team is staring down another three-win season, most of, if not the entire, fanbase wants the team to start over completely.
It seems likely that head coach Kevin Stefanski will be coaching elsewhere in 2026, but general manager Andrew Berry could be safe. Berry is likely safe due
to the success of the 2025 NFL draft class, but he is going to have more pressure on his seat next year, or he could find a new role within the team based on what we heard.
It’s clear that the Browns are going through a rebuild, but choosing to fire everyone in the building only creates more problems. If there was any opportunity for the Browns to clean house, last year was the perfect opportunity to do it.
Considering how the Watson trade blew up in their face, it would’ve been wise for owner Jimmy Haslam to just fire everyone and start over with a blank slate. Instead, he chose to give Berry and Stefanski another year. The front office gave multiple hints about how this season was going to go. Rebuilding was inevitable, and the team chose to pivot in that direction with the roster movement.
Opting for younger players with potential upside while getting rid of older players with expensive contracts started last offseason and is likely to continue in 2026.
In terms of roster building, the criticism in Cleveland is valid. Defensively, no complaints, but the offense has been towards the bottom of the league for the past two years. With an aging offensive line and a barren skill position group, it’s fair to criticize the front office for not addressing that side of the ball. However, the team has found some talent to be excited about. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr is a reliable passing target in the passing game, and rookie running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson will develop into a potent rushing attack.
In terms of the quarterback position, it will be addressed in the draft as well as the offensive line.
Choosing to clean house would only make the rebuild last longer than it should, considering you have to find both a general manager and a head coach who are willing to come to Cleveland. Some kinda of continuity is valuable. Cleaning house only creates more problems than solving them, so it would not be a surprising outcome if the Browns keep Berry, at least. Stefanski’s future isn’t written in stone either.
