The Cleveland Browns are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while there’s still plenty of uncertainty about what this team will look like in 2026, the pieces are starting to move.
New head coach Todd Monken is in the early stages of assembling his staff, and one of the biggest questions still hanging in the air is the future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. That decision alone could shape the identity of the Browns’ defense moving forward. Monken has reportedly brought in four former Baltimore Ravens assistants as part of his early staff considerations, a move that could hint at the kind of culture and scheme he’s looking to build in Cleveland.
Once the Super Bowl wraps, the league calendar kicks into high gear. The NFL Combine hits at the end of February, followed by free agency, where teams across the league will have significant cap space to work with. For Cleveland, that means opportunity - and a chance to make some noise.
The Browns also head into the 2026 NFL Draft with two first-round picks, giving the front office some serious capital to address needs or potentially make a splash. With a roster that has talent but remains in flux, those two picks could go a long way in shaping the next era of Browns football.
Meanwhile, the team's 2026 opponents are now official, even if the full schedule won’t be released until later this spring. One matchup in particular is drawing attention - and not just because of who’s on the other sideline.
There’s growing buzz that the Browns could be heading overseas again, this time to Paris. Last season, Cleveland gave up a home game to host the Minnesota Vikings in London. Now, multiple reports and rumors are pointing toward a potential international matchup in France, where the Browns would be the road team against the New Orleans Saints.
While nothing has been confirmed by the league - and the NFL is notoriously tight-lipped about schedule announcements until mid-May - the chatter is getting louder. A major French outlet, RMC Sport, has reported on the possibility, and others close to the international NFL scene have echoed similar rumblings. Even Paul Brown, a well-known Browns fan figure in the UK, has posted about it.
Photos reportedly taken in France and graphics circulating online have only added fuel to the speculation. Earlier reporting from Adam Schefter and a recent update out of New Orleans both suggest that “momentum is building” for a Paris game to happen this year.
If the Browns do end up playing in France, it would be a notable moment - not just for the franchise, but for the NFL’s ongoing effort to globalize the game. And with quarterback Shedeur Sanders already drawing attention after his AFC Pro Bowl nod, his rising profile could be part of what makes Cleveland an appealing team for an international spotlight.
That said, no official word has come down yet. Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot noted that the team hasn’t heard anything definitive, despite the growing speculation. So, for now, fans should hold off on booking those Paris flights.
But don’t be surprised if the Browns make another international appearance in 2026. Between the draft capital, coaching changes, and growing global intrigue, Cleveland is shaping up to be one of the league’s most interesting teams to watch this offseason - and possibly, around the world.