For years, the Browns have searched for stability. Now, after trading reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Cleveland appears to be entering a new chapter—one focused more on building for the future than competing for a championship in 2026. As training camp approaches, several key questions remain unanswered, and the answers to those questions will likely determine whether this season becomes a step forward or another frustrating campaign.

First and foremost in Cleveland is the looming quarterback competition. Do the Browns turn once again to Deshaun Watson, whose massive contract has produced little return on investment, or do they fully embrace the development of Shedeur Sanders, who showed flashes of starting-caliber potential in eight games last season?

Sanders fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft amid concerns about his pro readiness and the heightened attention that comes with being the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. In his rookie season, however, he proved to be a willing learner, spending much of the year behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel before eventually earning opportunities of his own. Finishing the season with victories over division rivals Pittsburgh and Cincinnati helped Sanders win over a large portion of the fan base, many of whom now view him as the franchise's best option moving forward.

Meanwhile, Watson is coming off a season in which he did not play while recovering from an Achilles tendon injury that limited him to just seven games in 2024. In the three seasons since arriving from Houston, Watson has failed to surpass 1,200 passing yards or appear in more than seven games in a single season. In fact, if you combine every passing yard he has thrown for as a member of the Browns, he would still be more than 1,400 yards short of matching his 2020 passing total with the Texans, his last full season as a starter.

Running back is another position carrying some uncertainty. Second-year back Quinshon Judkins looked like a future cornerstone during his rookie season before a significant ankle injury cut his year short. He finished with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, providing plenty of optimism for Cleveland's ground game if he can return to full health.

The Browns lost several veteran offensive linemen this offseason, including Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic, and Jack Conklin, prompting general manager Andrew Berry to make the offensive line his top priority.

To help reestablish a physical identity, Cleveland drafted Utah tackle Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick while also making significant additions in free agency, signing Zion Johnson, Tytus Howard, and Elgton Jenkins. The group will be tasked with opening running lanes for Judkins and, perhaps more importantly, keeping whichever quarterback wins the starting job upright throughout the season.

The receiving corps will also have a much different look. Two of the Browns' first three draft selections were wide receivers: KC Concepcion from Texas A&M and Denzel Boston from Washington. Both were brought in to inject youth and explosiveness into the passing game and provide additional support for the offense's young quarterbacks.

The biggest returning question mark at the position is Jerry Jeudy. Browns fans hope to see the version of Jeudy that emerged in 2024 rather than the inconsistent receiver who struggled with drops and effort concerns last season. If Jeudy can rediscover his form, he could become an important veteran presence for a largely inexperienced receiver room.

The defensive unit will look vastly different in 2026.

Replacing a player of Garrett's caliber is impossible, but Cleveland acquired one of the league's most promising young pass rushers in Jared Verse. While Verse may never replicate Garrett's production or impact, he gives the Browns a foundational defensive piece around whom they can build. If he continues his development, Cleveland could have an emerging star leading the next era of its defense.

The Browns must also replace the production of linebacker Devin Bush, who proved to be one of the team's better offseason acquisitions a year ago. Exactly who fills that void remains unclear.

One candidate is second-year linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who impressed throughout his rookie season with his leadership and instincts. Schwesinger quickly established himself as one of the defense's most reliable players, and with Garrett no longer in the locker room, he has an opportunity to assume an even larger leadership role. The Browns will need him to take another step forward if the defense hopes to remain competitive during this transition period.

The Browns enter 2026 as one of the NFL's most difficult teams to project. On paper, this appears to be a roster undergoing a necessary reset rather than one positioned to contend immediately. The departures of franchise cornerstones such as Garrett and several longtime offensive linemen signal the beginning of a new era—one that will largely be defined by the development of the organization's younger talent.

Ultimately, Cleveland's win-loss record may be secondary this season. The Browns need answers more than they need immediate results.

Can Shedeur Sanders establish himself as the franchise quarterback? Can Quinshon Judkins emerge as a reliable feature back? Can Jared Verse develop into the next cornerstone of the defense? Those questions matter far more to the franchise's long-term outlook than whether the team sneaks into the postseason hunt.

The rebuilt offensive line and the return of Judkins should allow Cleveland to establish a more physical offensive identity, while Concepcion and Boston will be asked to grow quickly alongside whoever wins the quarterback battle. Defensively, Verse and Schwesinger represent the young core the organization hopes can help usher in its next competitive window.

This feels like a transition season for the Browns. The roster contains intriguing young talent, but there are simply too many questions at quarterback, along the offensive line, and throughout the defense to expect a serious playoff push. If Sanders proves he can be the long-term answer under center and several young contributors take significant steps forward, Cleveland can consider 2026 a success regardless of the final record.

A finish in the 6-11 to 8-9 range feels realistic, with the Browns likely residing near the bottom of the AFC North while laying the foundation for a brighter future. The road back to contention may not be immediate, but by season's end Cleveland should have a much clearer picture of what that future looks like.