Tyson Campbell played 12 games for the Browns last season, but then also played five games for the Jaguars. Hence, he knew Jim Schwartz, but now that he is back with the Browns, he’s been impressed by Mike Rutenberg.

“Rudy, off rip, he brings a lot of energy, a lot of passion. And that’s what you want out of a D-coordinator, a guy that brings a lot of energy and passion to the group and all about team camaraderie,” Campbell said to Cleveland.com.

How is the QB battle going?

Sanders is the frontrunner to be quarterback to some reports. However, it’s also been speculated that Deshaun Watson should be the man that earns the starting spot. However, Watson hasn’t played in quite some while due to serious injuries to his knee and Achilles.

Having said that, Shedeur Sanders wasn’t incredible during his rookie year to just grant him the QB1. However, he showed glimpses and the ability to create big plays. Hence, that’s the focus of the team right now. Thankfully, the defense is apparently not an issue.

The Browns defense is the unit the teams rely on

Campbell, Denzel Ward, and Grant Delpit are in charge of the secondary. Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger, and newly-arrived Quincy Williams will take the load in the trenches.

With that, they just need a half-decent offense to win football games. Whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders are capable to be the ones to make this unit competent remains to be seen. Still, those are the Browns’ hopes.

As Tom Pelissero reported, KC Concepcion has visited the Browns ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Concepcion continues to be one of the main names in the upcoming class, and one that has had several teams circling around him. Despite the injury concerns around him, the wide receiver out of Texas A&M is seen by many organizations as a suitable weapon for their systems.

The Giants hosted Concepcion in a visit earlier this year. New York showed interest in him despite the fact Concepcion was intervened for an arthroscopic surgery on his knee by Daniel Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ team doctor.

Browns could use Concepcion as they figure out QB1 battle

Cleveland will be doomed as long as it doesn’t find its starting quarterback for the season—and preferably for the long run. Still, the Browns must stay busy in the meantime, as Todd Monken evaluates who gets the nod under center between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. That decision will likely be made in training camp. Thus, the Browns may already have Concepcion on the roster by then—that is, of course, if they select him in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Whether it’s Sanders or Watson who’s throwing the pigskin at Huntington Bank Field, they could definitely use Concepcion’s athleticism, which led the Aggies with 919 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Transferring from NC State to Texas A&M and putting up such numbers in his first year in College Station, Concepcion proved he doesn’t need much time to adapt to new environments.

Indeed, the NFL is a different monster, but the outlook is promising for the Browns, who could benefit from a fast-learning, immediate-impact rookie. Plus, as Monken takes over after Kevin Stefanski’s firing, the entire team will be learning a new system, so it’s not like any player is starting off with a head start.

“If we leave this first round…yeah, with If I were to tell you, ‘Hey, Dave, Yeah. You’re the Cleveland Browns. You’re going to leave with Carnell Tate and Kadyn Proctor,’” Carr said on his podcast, Home Grown with David & Derek Carr.

“Would you not sign up for that if you’re a Cleveland Browns fan? Shedeur is excited. Especially. Let’s not forget about Deshaun. Yeah. We got Deshaun’s there, too. Lot of quarterbacks, so we’re good. We got we got enough talent in that room to win football. But I guess what? If we aren’t upright, it don’t matter.”

Protect the quarterback

Securing the No. 6 overall pick provides a prime opportunity to bolster the offensive line and ensure better protection for the quarterback, especially after a season plagued by sacks and pressure. By selecting an elite tackle, the front office can solidify the pocket and provide the necessary security for whoever is under center to operate efficiently.

Two standout collegiate prospects who could be available at that spot are Francis Mauigoa from Miami and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling.

Plenty for Shedeur to improve

Shedeur Sanders had a rollercoaster rookie season with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In 8 games (7 starts), he threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 56.6% completion rate, adding one rushing score and 169 yards on the ground.

While he flashed potential—highlighted by a 364-yard game against the Titans and a surprising Pro Bowl nod—his development moving forward will depend on improving his decision-making under pressure and reducing his league-high average time-to-throw.

To take the next step in 2026, Shedeur must focus on quicker processing and avoiding unnecessary sacks to become a more consistent and efficient starter in the NFL.

Will Deshaun Watson play in 2026?

Deshaun Watson is expected to play in 2026 as he enters the final year of his guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns. After missing the entire 2025 season due to a re-ruptured Achilles, Watson is reportedly back in “great shape” and will participate in the team’s offseason program.

Major decisions for the Browns

With Todd Monken at the helm, fans in the Browns’ Dawg Pound are eagerly awaiting the upcoming NFL Draft. Will they follow Derek Carr’s request to avoid selecting a quarterback, or will they instead look to strengthen that position on the roster? Here are the picks they will have at their disposal:

• Round 1 – Pick 6
• Round 1 – Pick 24 (via Jaguars)
• Round 2 – Pick 39
• Round 3 – Pick 70
• Round 4 – Pick 107
• Round 5 – Pick 146
• Round 5 – Pick 149 (via Bengals)
• Round 6 – Pick 206 (via Bears)
• Round 7 – Pick 248 (via Seahawks)

In Pro Football Talk, Haslam said Watson has a “great chance” and a “fresh start” with first-year coach Todd Monken. “Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive minded coach, who has in his past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful,” Haslam said.

“So, Deshaun has a great chance to do that now. We talked to him the other day, he said he weighs the least he has in several years. He’s in great shape, he’ll be in Cleveland on April 7 when we start the offseason workout program. Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.”

Sanders and Gabriel are the other in-house options for the Browns right now, although General Manager Andrew Berry suggested that group will grow when he spoke to reporters over the weekend. The direction the Browns take with any outside move will likely determine how strong Watson’s chances are to win the job.

How Watson arrives to the Browns

Haslam’s comments last year came after Watson’s season-ending Achilles tear in October 2024, which marked the second consecutive season in which he suffered a season-ending injury, following shoulder surgery in November 2023.

Watson missed the entire 2025 season after retearing his Achilles and undergoing a second surgery in January 2025. The 30-year-old is now healthy and expected to compete with Sanders and Gabriel for the starting quarterback role, and based on Haslam’s comments, he appears to have an early edge.

Suspensions and injuries have limited Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans, to just 19 games since the Browns traded three first-round picks and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal in March 2022.

Since joining Cleveland, his 33.1 Total QBR has ranked last among qualifying passers. The Browns will pay Watson a $46 million salary in 2026, and they recently restructured his contract to reduce what had been an NFL-high $80.7 million cap hit for the upcoming season.

Last year, the Browns utilized a revolving door at quarterback, starting Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. However, Sanders eventually claimed the job and maintained it through the end of the schedule.

The dynamic has shifted this offseason. Todd Monken has replaced Kevin Stefanski as head coach, and while Monken has praised Sanders, he has made it clear that he is open to a direct competition between the young star and Watson.

According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Browns intend to let Sanders and Watson battle for the QB1 spot. While Dillon Gabriel is technically in the mix, the first two are considered the primary frontrunners.

Is a trade on the horizon?

The Browns currently carry three quarterbacks on the roster. While they could theoretically keep all of them, a trade remains a distinct possibility as the team looks to streamline the depth chart.

Monken recently revealed that he wanted to draft Sanders for the Ravens during his time as their offensive coordinator. Those comments have led many to believe the second-year quarterback is the head coach’s preferred choice for the job.

The real battle may actually be for the backup role. Dillon Gabriel put up solid numbers as a starter in 2025, but a concussion sidelined him, allowing Sanders to seize the opportunity and secure the starting role.

Watson remains the biggest wild card. The veteran has not played a snap since October 20, 2024. While the coaching staff respects his experience, his long period of inactivity raises significant concerns about his ability to lead a modern NFL offense.

The offense requires more weapons

Regardless of who wins the starting job for the 2026 season, the Cleveland offense desperately needs more playmakers. The Browns are reportedly prioritizing the 2026 NFL Draft to address these needs, and they possess the capital to do it.

As of today, the Browns hold two first-round picks (No. 6 and No. 24 overall). With eight additional picks in the later rounds, the front office has the flexibility to either flood the roster with young talent or move up to snag elite prospects.

The Browns hold the sixth and 24th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. According to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, the Browns are likely drafting a wide receiver and a left tackle with those two picks.

Cleveland has had plenty of good o-lines in recent years, but now, that’s a necessity. As for the wideout, it’s an imperative need for the team as the Browns don’t have enough quality in that unit.

Jerry Jeudy is the WR1 of the Browns

Jeudy is a former first-round pick that has clearly underdelivered in his NFL career. While he’s shown glimpses of his talent, he is nowhere near a first-tier weapon. Hence, a new wide receiver would clearly go a long way for the Browns.

Shedeur Sanders, or Deshaun Watson for that matter, need a reliable WR1 to make the offense better. A good-to-great WR will elevate the quarterback play. Hence, it’s not surprising that the Browns might opt for selecting a wideout.

The offensive line is not sexy but it’s key

It’s not the most colorful times when a team selects a tackle in the first round. However, that’s how success is built in the NFL. Football is won in the trenches, so having a guy that can protect the quarterback’s blindside is key for success.

The quarterbacks on the Browns are not precisely elite, so providing them protection and time is how the team helps them to deliver better results than if they are rushed constantly.

This was reported by Field Yates of ESPN. Boston was a standout with the Huskies. The Browns have the sixth overall pick, but also the 24th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Now, Boston’s draft profile is projected as a late first or early second-round pick. Hence, the Browns could take it at 24th, or they could roll the dice and try to select him with the 39th pick in the second round.

Denzel Boston’s pros and cons

Shedeur Sanders —or whoever gets the starting quarterback job in Cleveland— needs a weapon. Boston might be the answer. During the 2024, 2025 seasons, Boston racked up 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns. His production sky-rocketed.

Boston is a tall (6’4″), physical receiver. He has great ball tracking and offers upside in contested catches. He is an ideal alternative to play in the X-receiver role. However, he lacks speed and separation ability. Boston also needs to improve his yards after catch prowess.

Browns’ WR depth chart is lacking a guy like Boston

The primary wideout for the Browns is Jerry Jeudy right now. Jeudy is a smaller wideout. Hence, Boston’s skill set could be very useful for Sanders, or the Browns QB in question. It’s not like the Browns are hugely stacked in the wideout depth chart.

Hence, Boston might enter immediately as the WR2 of the team, with potential of going to WR1 in no time. After all, the Browns are looking for that gamechanger on offense, especially now that Todd Monken is the head coach.

Appearing on the Downs 2 Business podcast, Browns running back Quinshon Judkins spoke on the difference between both coaches. “It’s not what I thought it would have been, I say that in a good way… I thought he was going to be like, more so like — because my past coach [Kevin Stefanski], he was like really even-keeled, like super quiet. I thought I was going to get that from Coach Monken, but it wasn’t that. Like, he was like a real player’s coach. Like, you know, like, ‘Give me a hug,’ like all that.”

Then, Judkins then said, “…So he was just super communicative of what he wanted from the team, what his goal is, what his objective is, what he wants to come in and do… He has a vision. And I think that’s what’s important as a head coach, and especially being vocal about it, too. I think that’s what matters.”

Stefanski has his own culture-setting period in Atlanta

While Stefanski is catching strays, the fact is he needs to be focusing on galvanizing his new players on the Falcons. The team needs to settle on its quarterback situation. The Browns also have Shedeur Sanders in uncertainty, but the Falcons are facing the a similar situation with Michael Penix Jr.

Now, Stefanski has quite a lot of talent to work with besides the QB. The Browns are not as stacked. Overall, the coach should be ecstatic of having that much talent to his disposal, something he didn’t have much on the Browns.

Judkins himself needs to work on bouncing back

While Judkins is out there appearing on podcasts, his main goal is to go back to top form. In 14 games during his rookie year, Judkins racked up 256 touches and 998 scrimmage yards. He was balling out before suffering a gruesome leg injury.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Texans have agreed to send offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Browns. Cleveland will give them a fifth-round pick in return. Hence, whether it’s Shedeur Sanders or the favorite to actually land the QB1 job in Cleveland, the Browns added a new pass-protector.

The Browns have had many names on the offensive line change. Howard will not play the final year of his current contract. Rapoport also reported that the Browns will extend him on a three-year, $63 million deal. Hence, the Browns are locking him up for years to come.

Tytus Howard is a versatile player

The Browns landed a versatile lineman that can play as a right tackle, left tackle, and a left guard. Hence, the Browns are getting a guy that has started all 93 games he’s played in. A reliable, versatile lineman who is in the middle of his prime is now going to Cleveland.

However, that means David Montgomery has one less protector now that he is going to Houston. Howard has played seven years, all for Houston. However, for Houston, the reason would be that while Howard is a great pass protector, his run blocking is the weaker aspect to his game.

Texans might make moves for other linemen

The fact is that they have strengthen their running game, but Montgomery is a guy who runs through the line, not on the edges. That’s why they need good run blockers, and that’s the focus they are likely taking during the free agency period.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is flirting with the possibility of going to the Browns, according to cleveland.com. “My dad and coach Monken go way back. They talk often. He texted him when he got the job and they’ve texted a little bit [since], so if I had the opportunity to play for the Browns, it would be a dream come true.” This, obviously would impact Shedeur Sanders’ situation directly.

Simpson is not the first QB prospect to lobby for Monken and the Browns to draft him. The Bama product is one of the best prospects at the quarterback position in this upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

How good of a prospect is Simpson?

Many see Simpson as the second-best quarterback in this class behind Fernando Mendoza. He has high mobility and escapability, which makes him a decent dual-threat prospect. Also, he comes from one of the most respected programs in the College Football scene, Alabama.

Simpson has solid mechanics, and when given a clean pocket, he processes the field in a very good way. However, when under pressure, his output declines heavily. His size is also a detriment to him.

Simpson’s projected draft position is in the middle of the pack

If you are a quarterback and aren’t projected to be a top 15-20 pick, the fact is you’re not seen as a top-tier prospect. Of course, it’s not an exact science, but it’s how NFL scouting works. Simpson is not seen as a top-tier quarterback.

Most mock drafts and projections have him as a day-2 guy, meaning a second-round pick. The best-case scenario would be a late first-round pick, though it does seem a bit unlikely. If the Browns want Simpson to compete with Shedeur Sanders, they can perfectly find him in the second round.

According to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, Deshaun Watson is the favorite to be the Browns QB1 in 2026. New head coach Todd Monken already stated that the Browns have an “open competititon” to be the starter, but now, it’s Watson’s job for the taking according to the reports.

This might leave Shedeur Sanders a bit shocked as, when Monken’s was first announced, everyone thought he was going to appoint Sanders as his QB1 after this interaction.

Watson has the last chance at redemption this year

Watson is returning from a torn Achilles he suffered in 2024, and he is in the final year of the infamous record-setting deal he signed in 2022. The Browns are pretty much forced to have him on the roster, because releasing him would mean a $131 million hit in dead cap money.

While Deshaun Watson’s days as an elite quarterback are behind him, it’s not like Shedeur Sanders has lit the NFL on fire. So, if Watson is somehow able to regain some of the fire he had during his early years, he should be able to beat Sanders and be a starting QB once more.

The Browns have plenty to fix besides QB

While having a top-tier quarterback is always the best way to set a franchise into success, the Browns need much more. First, they need to regain the explosiveness on the ground, and that is by recovering running back Quinshon Judkins, who suffered a leg injury last season.

Then, watching stellar defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz leave the team is not an easy name to replace. However, the defensive talent on the roster might be enough to mask Schwartz’s absence. The fact is that, yes, the Browns need to find their QB1, but other things need to be assessed too if they want to turng things around.