Browns Players Arrive for Extended Offseason Program

New coach Todd Monken kicks off voluntary workouts with quarterback competition and defensive coordinator changes.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting overlapping geometric shapes and planes in muted earth tones, conceptually representing the complex preparations underway as the Browns' new coaching staff installs their systems and evaluates the roster.The Browns' extended offseason program provides a crucial opportunity for the team's new coaching staff to lay the groundwork for a potential turnaround season.Berea Today

The Cleveland Browns kicked off their extended offseason program on Tuesday, with players like Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, Quinshon Judkins, and Mason Graham arriving at the team's Berea, Ohio headquarters. New head coach Todd Monken and the mostly new offensive staff will use the extra time to install their playbook and evaluate the quarterback competition, while defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg takes over for the departed Jim Schwartz.

Why it matters

The Browns' offseason program is longer this year due to Monken being a first-year head coach, giving the team more time to get acclimated to the new coaching staff and systems. This extended period will be crucial for Monken to establish his vision and for players to compete for starting jobs, especially at quarterback where Watson and the two 2025 draft picks will vie for the top spot.

The details

The voluntary offseason program began with two weeks of meetings and workouts with the strength and conditioning staff. The team will then hold a voluntary minicamp from April 21-23, leading into the NFL Draft. While star pass rusher Myles Garrett is not expected to participate much, the extra time will allow the rest of the roster to learn the new offensive and defensive playbooks under Monken and Rutenberg.

  • The offseason program started on April 7, 2026.
  • The voluntary minicamp will be held from April 21-23, 2026.
  • The NFL Draft begins on the night of April 23, 2026.

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, taking over for the departed Kevin Stefanski.

Quinshon Judkins

A player who arrived at the Browns' facility for the start of the offseason program.

Mason Graham

A player who arrived at the Browns' facility wearing a Michigan hoodie, celebrating the school's recent basketball national championship.

Shedeur Sanders

A player who arrived at the Browns' facility wearing shorts despite the freezing cold weather.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran quarterback who is part of the Browns' quarterback competition, coming off a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon.

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What they’re saying

“It's really helpful. There's a natural excitement when the guys come back in the building. Two, the extra time that they get familiarizing themselves with the new staff, it's excellent. So it's an opportunity that we do not take lightly.”

— Andrew Berry, General Manager

What’s next

The Browns will hold a voluntary minicamp from April 21-23, 2026, leading into the NFL Draft, which begins on the night of April 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The extended offseason program gives the Browns' new coaching staff valuable time to install their systems and evaluate the roster, especially at the crucial quarterback position where Deshaun Watson and the 2025 draft picks will compete for the starting job. This extra preparation could pay dividends as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.