The Cleveland Browns may not have made the splashiest headlines this offseason, but when you look under the hood, their moves are earning top marks across the NFL. While some teams chase blockbuster trades, GM Andrew Berry took a smarter, steadier approach—and it’s paying off in a big way.
Instead of swinging for the fences, Berry focused on raising the team's overall floor. He added seasoned veterans in free agency, then worked his magic in the 2026 NFL Draft. The result? A buzz of optimism among fans and national media alike.
The biggest transformation came on offense. Berry essentially rebuilt the entire offensive line and added some serious firepower. Trading for Tytus Howard brought in a versatile starter, while drafting Spencer Fano gives the Browns an athletic protector on the blindside. Sure, interior linemen Elgton Jenkins and Tevin Jenkins come with some injury risk, but sometimes you have to take calculated gambles to win in the trenches.
According to The Athletic, Cleveland’s offseason ranks among the top nine in the league—and second-best among all rebuilding teams. That’s no small feat. The publication praised Berry for his work, especially after last year’s draft class produced multiple plus-starters. This year, they’ve seemingly done it again with Fano and a completely revamped receiving corps. KC Concepcion, the most explosive wideout in the draft, joins forces with Denzel Boston, a big-bodied X receiver who brings a perfect complement to the attack.
The only rebuilding team ranked above the Browns? The Las Vegas Raiders, and that’s largely because they landed their franchise quarterback in Fernando Mendoza. For Cleveland, the quarterback question remains, but the supporting cast is looking stronger than ever. The New Orleans Saints rounded out the top three among rebuilding squads.
So, what do you think of the Browns’ quiet-but-effective offseason? Is The Athletic right to put them near the top, or did they miss the mark? One thing’s for sure—this team is building a solid foundation, and fans have plenty of reasons to be excited.