Cleveland’s connection to Jacksonville still runs through the draft, even as the Browns head into Week 1 of the 2026 season with a different trade watch on their minds. After spending 2025 keeping an eye on the Jaguars because of the first-round pick acquired in the Travis Hunter deal, Browns fans now have “Rams Watch” going after the Myles Garrett trade - but the Jaguars remain part of the conversation.
There was even a stretch this offseason when the two teams looked headed for another overlap. Grant Udinski interviewed for the Browns’ head coaching job and, at times, appeared to be the favorite before the position ultimately went to HC Todd Monken.
The Hunter trade itself wound up sending the cornerback/wide receiver to Jacksonville in exchange for DT Mason Graham, RB Quinshon Judkins, WR KC Concepcion, and a handful of Day 3 picks.
Now the focus shifts to what Jacksonville looks like on the field for this matchup. The Jaguars have undergone more turnover than Cleveland, beginning with changes on the coaching staff. Their roster has also been reshaped in the usual NFL way, with several departures and additions before this season.
Among the new names on the Jaguars roster are DT Ruke Orhorhoro, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., QB Quinn Ewers, RB Ameer Abdullah, OL Sam Mustipher, OL Daniel Faalele, and LB Jahlani Tavai.
Jacksonville also added to its 2026 NFL draft class, though based on expectations, only one starter from that group is projected to come from this year’s crop: Pregnon.
In Other News...
Browns Fans Already Sound Fed Up With Deshaun Watson
Todd Monkens first season has already put him in the middle of one of the Browns most delicate storylines, with Deshaun Watson taking the Week 1 starting job over Shedeur Sanders. The choice was always going to draw scrutiny, but it has felt especially loud in Cleveland after Watson was booed during a preseason appearance, a clear sign that plenty of fans are still unconvinced by the direction of the offense.
Monken addressed the subject in a radio interview, calling Watsons remarks about the fan reaction a minor issue and saying the two had already talked it through. For a coach trying to settle a quarterback situation and establish credibility in his first year on the job, even small flare-ups like this can matter, especially when the crowd has already made its feelings known. [Read more 🡒]
Browns Settle Key Week 1 Battles But One Decision Stands Out
The Browns first unofficial depth chart for Week 1 of the 2026 season cleared up a few of the biggest camp questions, and it did so in fairly straightforward fashion. Deshaun Watson is listed as the starting quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders slotted in as the primary backup and rookie Taylen Green third on the chart. Up front, Cleveland kept the offensive line where it had been projected, with Teven Jenkins at right guard and Austin Barber backing up the right tackle spot.
One of the more notable details came on special teams, where second-year receiver Isaiah Bond is the lone punt returner. First-round rookie KC Concepcion, meanwhile, does not appear on the special teams depth chart, a small but meaningful clue about how the Browns are dividing early-season responsibilities as the roster takes shape. [Read more 🡒]
Browns Send Another Roster Hint Right Before Week 1
The Browns kept tinkering with the edges of their roster after settling on their initial 53-man group, adding wide receiver Bub Means and defensive end Nadame Tucker to the practice squad while moving on from wide receiver Bryce Oliver and punter Wes Pahl. It is the kind of late-August churn that often goes unnoticed outside the building, but it can say a lot about how a team wants its depth chart to look once the regular season starts.
For Cleveland, these practice squad moves are another sign that the roster is still being shaped even as Week 1 draws near. The Browns have been active in searching for pieces who can help in the background, and these decisions suggest the front office is still weighing where it wants more insurance, more upside, and more flexibility before the season opens. [Read more 🡒]