As fans take the bye week to reflect on the first eight weeks of the season, it is a good time to consider what the Cleveland Browns’ goal was going into this season. After a three-win season in 2025 and the knowledge
that the team has two first-round draft picks in the 2026 NFL draft, it is fair to consider whether the team was choosing to tank this season or not.
There are a few factors that could lead one to believe that this is the case.
Trading down in the 2025 NFL draft
A roster in need of multiple players could have gotten two in one in CB/WR Travis Hunter (now injured). Instead, the Browns went for the three-for-one route in trading down to acquire DT Mason Graham (right decision?), RB Quinshon Judkins (right decision!), and the Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 first-rounder. That move alone was a sign of looking ahead instead of looking at this season.
Drafting & Personnel Choices
There are some glaring holes on this roster, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. If the team was hoping to be competitive in the 2025 season, they probably would’ve tried to use the draft and free agency to bring in some more talent at wide receiver and on the offensive line. The fact that they did not address these issues would be a sign that the team is comfortable with not winning games.
Lack of Offensive Adjustments
The offense has continued to battle the same issues week after week and the coaching staff really hasn’t made adjustments to change the gameplan. Going into this season, Joel Bitonio said that he wanted to return in part because the team would be returning to what Coach Kevin Stefanski previously ran. Up to this point, it does not appear that the offense has actually returned to this style of play.
It is hard for any one individual player to purposefully tank a season, but it is possible that the organization as a whole isn’t putting their best foot forward.
Let me know what you think in the comments – Do you believe the Browns’ goal this season was to tank?
