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Cleveland Browns Roundup: Roster Moves, QB Developments, and a Familiar Rival Looming
As the Cleveland Browns head into the final stretch of a tough season, the storylines off the field are just as compelling as the ones between the hash marks. From significant roster decisions to quarterback updates and a looming showdown with a division rival, the Browns are making moves that could shape not only the rest of this season but their trajectory heading into 2026.
Pittsburgh Could Play Spoiler - Again
The Browns’ Week 17 matchup against the Steelers has all the makings of a trap game - but not in the usual sense. If Pittsburgh enters the game with nothing left to play for in terms of playoff positioning, Cleveland could find itself in a strange spot: potentially winning a game that might hurt their draft position in 2026.
It’s a classic AFC North conundrum - pride, rivalry, and long-term planning all colliding. The Browns have been here before.
And while players and coaches will always play to win, the front office may be quietly hoping for a different outcome. A late-season win against a resting Steelers squad could push Cleveland down the draft board, potentially costing them a shot at a premium prospect.
Shedeur Sanders Earning Respect in a Chaotic Environment
Despite the turbulence surrounding the Browns this season, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been a steadying presence in the locker room. While the noise around him - from social media followers to outside influences - has been loud, Sanders has kept his focus on football.
Former Steelers star James Harrison recently praised Sanders for his poise, noting that the young QB has shown a level of maturity that’s rare for a player in his position. That kind of endorsement carries weight, especially coming from a longtime Browns rival.
Sanders has had to navigate more than just defensive schemes this year - he’s dealt with the pressure of expectation, the glare of the spotlight, and the chaos that often surrounds rebuilding teams. Through it all, he’s handled himself like a pro.
Kendrick Green Joins the Offensive Line
Cleveland added some much-needed depth to its offensive line by signing veteran guard/center Kendrick Green. A former All-American and top-100 NFL Draft pick, Green brings versatility and experience to a unit that’s been plagued by injuries and inconsistency all season.
Green was signed off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad and will immediately be added to the active roster. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to contribute at either guard or center. For a Browns team that’s struggled to protect its quarterbacks and establish the run game, Green could be a stabilizing presence - if not now, then certainly as they look ahead to 2026.
Deshaun Watson’s Future: Staying Put, But Still Uncertain
The Browns have reportedly made a key decision regarding Deshaun Watson: he’ll remain on the roster in 2026. But his road back from injury remains a question mark.
Watson’s 2025 season was clouded by uncertainty from the start, and those concerns haven’t gone away. While the team is committed to keeping him in the fold, how - and when - he returns to form is still up in the air. For now, it’s Shedeur Sanders’ offense to run, but Watson’s presence looms large over the future of the franchise.
A Bit of Holiday History
In a lighter moment this week, former Steelers linebacker James Harrison reunited with a Browns fan he famously tackled 20 years ago. It’s one of those classic NFL stories that reminds us how deep these rivalries run - not just between teams, but between players and fanbases. The moment was a nostalgic nod to the past as both teams prepare to meet again this weekend.
Coaching Carousel and Franchise Reflections
The Browns’ coaching situation remains a hot topic. Kevin Stefanski’s future in Cleveland has been under the microscope, but recent reports suggest his leash may be longer than some expected. One narrative gaining traction is that Stefanski may not see Shedeur Sanders as his ideal quarterback - a storyline worth watching as the offseason approaches.
Meanwhile, a recent piece dubbed 2025 the “Year of the Coach” in Cleveland, reflecting on the carousel of names that have come and gone: Belichick, Haslam, Kitchens, Dorsey, and others. The Browns have cycled through philosophies and personalities, but stability remains elusive. Whether Stefanski can be the one to break that cycle is still an open question.
Bottom Line
The Browns are once again at a crossroads - a familiar place for a franchise trying to find lasting success in a division that never makes it easy. With young talent like Shedeur Sanders showing promise, veterans like Kendrick Green stepping in, and major decisions looming at quarterback and head coach, the next few weeks could set the tone for 2026 and beyond.
And with the Steelers on deck, one thing is certain: even in a season where the playoffs are out of reach, the stakes are still high in Cleveland.