The Saints will serve as the home team in the 80,000-seat stadium, a matchup that tests the franchise’s ongoing French marketing push tied to New Orleans’ Louisiana heritage. While the game is unlikely to be marquee by NFL standards, it represents a significant step in the league’s European footprint.
For context, the Browns finished 5-12 last season, and the Saints went 6-11 but showed improvement as the year progressed. The Paris game is positioned as a milestone event rather than a clash of heavyweight contenders, with implications for both franchises’ international aspirations.
Saints’ involvement in France predates this game: in 2023, they were granted international marketing rights in France, becoming the first NFL club to enter the Global Markets Program and leverage the French market as part of their branding strategy.
On the Browns’ side, new head coach Todd Monken is assembling his staff with a clear emphasis on offense. Cleveland has hired Travis Switzer as offensive coordinator, with Danny Breyer as pass-game coordinator and George Warhop as offensive line coach.
Reports indicate additional on-field hires being pursued, including Mike Bajakian as quarterbacks coach and Jeff Blasko as tight ends coach, while Daniel Stern reportedly is a candidate for associate head coach. Monken has not yet announced defensive staff moves and is reportedly aiming to smooth relations with incumbent defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who is under contract for two more seasons.
The Paris game news comes as Cleveland navigates a pivotal offseason, balancing a reworked offense under Monken with ongoing staff decisions, all while the league’s international ambitions continue to unfold.
