The Cleveland Browns offense was a disaster last season—there's no sugarcoating it. But after a busy offseason that included free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, the unit has undergone a serious transformation. The offensive line and wide receiver rooms, both glaring weaknesses a year ago, have been rebuilt and restocked. That means the floor for this offense has finally been established.
For the first time in a while, the Browns should field a competent group at nearly every starting position. There's even some depth to work with, assuming no surprise trades shake things up. But here's the catch: none of it matters until the quarterback question is answered.
Right now, based on what we've seen, Cleveland's quarterback room is still below average. Deshaun Watson is running out of chances to prove he can still play at a high level, while Shedeur Sanders needs to build on an uneven rookie season that had flashes but lacked consistency. The two will battle for the starting job from minicamp through training camp, with early reports giving Watson the edge. Whoever wins the job will have no excuses—this offense is built to be at least league average.
The passing game should get a major boost from a revamped wide receiver corps. Rookie KC Concepcion brings versatile, playmaking ability after the catch, while Denzel Boston gives the Browns the true X-receiver they've been missing. And don't count out Jerry Jeudy, who's due for a bounce-back season after a tough year. At tight end, Harold Fannin Jr. is looking to build on a strong rookie campaign, and rookie Joe Royer complements him well with a different skill set.
Up front, the offensive line looks dramatically better. Rookie Spencer Fano could lock down left tackle for years, while guards Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins are clear upgrades on the interior. Tytus Howard provides stability at right tackle, and the center spot—whether it's rookie Parker Brailsford or Luke Wypler—should finally be settled.
On paper, this unit has the pieces to be an average NFL offense. But in the NFL, everything comes back to the quarterback. The Browns have the supporting cast. Now it's up to Watson or Sanders to decide just how high this offense can fly.