The Cleveland Browns are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the focus is squarely on fixing an offense that lagged far behind an elite defense in 2025. While the defense kept them competitive, the offense often looked like it was running uphill in sand. There’s young talent sprinkled throughout the roster - especially in the backfield and at tight end - but the issues up front, under center, and out wide are too glaring to ignore.
Let’s break down the three biggest areas the Browns need to address if they want their offense to stop holding them back in 2026.
1. Offensive Line: The Foundation Needs Reinforcing
It all starts in the trenches, and for Cleveland, that foundation is showing serious cracks.
The Browns’ offensive line began to decline late in the 2023 season, and the situation has only worsened since. Four of the five starting spots are in question.
Joel Bitonio, a franchise cornerstone at left guard, is expected to retire. Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic, two key interior linemen, are both pending free agents.
Right tackle Dawand Jones is working his way back from season-ending surgery. That’s not just a patch job - that’s a full-blown rebuild.
General manager Andrew Berry has never shied away from aggressive moves, and he’ll need to be both strategic and swift this time around. Free agency could offer short-term answers.
One name floating around the rumor mill is Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who has the versatility to play either guard or center. If he becomes available via trade, Cleveland could pounce.
With Luke Wypler returning, Powers-Johnson could slot in at guard, giving the Browns some flexibility on the interior.
Another possible reunion could be with Teven Jenkins, who has experience at both guard and tackle. That kind of versatility is valuable when you're trying to rebuild an entire line.
In the draft, the tackle class isn’t considered elite, but there are intriguing options. Utah’s Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa are all names to watch. For the interior, Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane and Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis could be plug-and-play guards depending on how the board shakes out.
Bottom line: Cleveland can’t afford to miss here. If the line isn’t fixed, nothing else matters.
2. Quarterback: Still Searching for The Guy
It’s 2026, and somehow, the Browns are still looking for a long-term answer at quarterback.
Rookie Dillon Gabriel showed flashes but looks more like a career backup than a future starter. Shedeur Sanders, another rookie, has tools but remains a project. The Browns hoped one of them might emerge as a surprise solution - that didn’t happen.
Deshaun Watson remains on the roster, but it’s hard to see the Browns committing to him again as the full-time starter. His future in Cleveland is murky at best.
Sanders’ tape was inconsistent - and yes, the offensive line and receiver issues didn’t help - but other rookies, like Tennessee’s Cam Ward, managed to show growth in similarly tough situations. That’s a concern.
The Browns also don’t hold a top-three pick, which likely takes Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza off the table. Oregon’s Dante Moore is heading back to school, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson is entering the draft, but none of the options scream “franchise savior” at this point.
Veteran options? Slim pickings. Mac Jones and Malik Willis are the most notable names, but both would come with a hefty price tag - either in dollars or draft capital.
Unless Berry pulls off a surprise, the Browns may be looking at another year of piecing it together at quarterback. That’s not ideal when the rest of the AFC is loaded with young, dynamic QBs.
3. Wide Receiver: Time to Find a True WR1
Cleveland gambled on internal growth in the wide receiver room last season. That bet didn’t pay off.
Jerry Jeudy is a solid WR2, but he hasn’t developed into the go-to threat the Browns hoped for. Cedric Tillman has shown flashes, but durability remains a concern. Rookie Isaiah Bond has speed and upside, but his route-running is still a work in progress.
This group needs a top dog - someone who can command attention, stretch the field, and open things up for everyone else.
Free agency offers a few more options than last year, but any splashy move is likely to come at a premium. Berry has shown he’s willing to make trades to upgrade the position - remember, he brought in both Amari Cooper and Jeudy via trade.
Could he make another big swing? A.J.
Brown’s name has surfaced as a potential trade candidate, and Marvin Harrison Jr. is another player who could become available. Either would be a game-changer.
The draft, however, might be the most realistic path. This year’s receiver class is deep and talented.
Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, and Washington’s Denzel Boston are all potential first-rounders. Many mock drafts have the Browns targeting Tate at No. 6 overall - and it’s easy to see why.
He’s a polished route-runner with size, speed, and strong hands. Exactly what this offense needs.
Final Thoughts
The Browns aren’t starting from scratch, but they’re not far from it on offense. There’s some young talent to build around - Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson look like a legitimate backfield duo, and Harold Fannin Jr. is developing into a reliable tight end - but the core issues are too big to ignore.
Fixing the offensive line is priority one. Finding stability at quarterback is next. And adding a legitimate WR1 could finally give this team the balance it’s been missing.
Andrew Berry has shown he’s not afraid to make bold moves. He’ll need that same energy this offseason if the Browns want to take the next step. Because with a defense this good, the window is open - but only if the offense can catch up.