On offense, Cleveland has options at quarterback in 2026—Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson remain on the roster—though none is viewed as a slam dunk. With the 2026 QB class expected to be weak, it’s signaling that Sanders could be the favored starter as Monken implements a new, more dynamic attack to complement the defense’s strengths.
The Browns face a wide receiver shortage beyond star WR Jerry Jeudy, making a targeted offensive upgrade a priority this offseason. One name frequently connected to Cleveland is Brandon Aiyuk, who is set to depart the San Francisco 49ers amid a strained relationship with the organization after an extended injury layoff and a notable fallout with the team’s leadership.
Aiyuk’s potential landing in Cleveland would hinge on a combination of salary cap moves and the opportunity to reboot his career in a new environment. His contract carries a $15 million cap hit largely tied to roster bonuses, but teams often find flexibility by restructuring or cutting other deals to free space. Cleveland could envision signing him for an approximate $12 million in average annual value if the market aligns.
If Aiyuk joins Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and a promising rookie, Cleveland could assemble a formidable WR group to support Sanders and a Monken-coached offense. The Browns also hold the No. 6 overall pick, which could be invested in another young receiver to add depth and long-term upside to the WR corps.
Clearing cap space will be a major structural task, potentially involving restructuring or adjusting Deshaun Watson’s contract to reduce the 2026 cap hit, reported at around $80 million. With a strengthened defense and a revamped offense around a young quarterback, Cleveland could position itself as a playoff contender in 2026 if those financial and personnel moves align.
In summary, the Browns’ 2026 plan centers on a new offensive direction under Todd Monken, a likely starter at QB in Sanders, and a targeted influx of wide receivers—including the potential addition of Brandon Aiyuk—plus strategic draft picks. If executed, the combination of a stout defense and a revamped offense could change Cleveland’s trajectory from a disappointing 2025 season to a more competitive outlook in 2026.
