The Cleveland Browns are standing at a jagged crossroads.
After finishing last in the AFC North for the second straight year, and a new incoming head coach, the front office has a slew of crucial decisions they need to get right.
ESPN analysts revealed their 2026 plan for each NFL team. Here are the three top critical situations the Browns must navigate properly in order to avoid another season at the bottom of the standings.
3 moves that save (or sink) the Browns' offseason
1. Solving the Quarterback Quagmire
The Deshaun Watson shadow still looms, with reports suggesting he’ll remain on the 2026 roster after mixed result rookie campaigns from Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
With two first-round picks in their pocket, the Browns appear at the moment to be content to "punt" on pursuing a true franchise QB. Instead, GM Andrew Berry will likely see if the new head coach can unlock star starter potential in any of the current signal-callers.
If they can't, then the dreaded "there's always next year" phrase comes into play when trying to find the next savior.
MORE: 5 Senior Bowl prospects to save the Browns offense in the 2026 NFL Draft
2. Avoiding the Aiyuk "Trap"
ESPN’s Ben Solak predicts the Browns will chase Brandon Aiyuk on a high-priced deal.
Don't do it.
While Aiyuk was elite in the past, he didn't play in 2025 due to injury, shows "diva" attitude traits and vetoed a previous Berry trade attempt to get him to Cleveland. The big win for the Browns is actually avoiding another massive veteran contract for a team that isn't one receiver away from a Super Bowl.
Instead, the focus should be on using their draft capital on an instant-impact performer like Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.
Take advantage of the lower rookie contract to save that salary cap space to rebuild an offensive line that could see up to four new starters.
MORE: Brandon Aiyuk to the Browns? 3 massive red flags why Cleveland must stay away
3. The Youth Movement: Fannin vs. Njoku
The emergence of rookie Harold Fannin Jr. Has turned David Njoku from a cornerstone into a question mark. "Chief" is a fan favorite, but he's coming off a terrible statistical season and battled injuries.
While a reasonable short-term deal for Njoku could be feasible, the Browns must prioritize the youth growth. It might be time to draft another mid-round tight end with upside to pair with Fannin and say goodbye to their veteran star.
More Browns news:
- Stephen A. Smith: ‘I hope’ Browns hire Deion Sanders as head coach
- Schefter: Todd Monken 'still in the mix' for Browns HC job vs. Jim Schwartz
- Browns ‘failing’ successfully? Why Jim Schwartz is the best hire afterall
- Browns Mock Draft shock: Daniel Jeremiah’s controversial 1st round pivot
- ‘You suck!’: ESPN host blasts Browns data-driven disaster as coaching search spirals