Browns Facing Difficult Roster Cuts Ahead of 2026 Season

New head coach Todd Monken must make tough decisions on veteran players to reshape Cleveland's offense

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:23am

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The Cleveland Browns are facing a critical offseason as they look to rebound from a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025. With a new head coach in Todd Monken and a need to overhaul their struggling offense, the Browns are expected to make some difficult roster cuts, including veteran players like offensive tackle Jack Conklin, center Ethan Pocic, and tight end David Njoku.

Why it matters

The Browns' 2025 season exposed major issues on offense, despite a strong defensive performance. With Deshaun Watson's contract continuing to limit roster flexibility, new leadership in Monken and GM Andrew Berry must make tough decisions to reshape the team's offensive identity and build around young quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

The details

Conklin, Pocic, and Njoku each represent different eras of Browns optimism, but their age, injury history, and contract costs make them expendable as the team prioritizes offensive line protection, pass-catching weapons, and cost-controlled talent to fit Monken's vision. The Browns hold the 6th overall pick and are expected to target an offensive tackle to replace Conklin, while also looking to upgrade at wide receiver and potentially move on from the high-priced Njoku in favor of the emerging Harold Fannin Jr.

  • The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record, landing at the bottom of the AFC North for the second consecutive year.
  • Cleveland parted ways with two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski following the 2025 season, signaling the need for a more aggressive offensive transformation.
  • The Browns have roughly $69 million in projected cap space for the 2026 offseason, which they are expected to prioritize spending on offensive line and wide receiver upgrades.

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach hired by the Browns to spearhead an offensive transformation after the team's disappointing 2025 season.

Andrew Berry

The Browns' general manager who must navigate the team's roster and salary cap challenges this offseason.

Myles Garrett

The star defensive end who anchored the Browns' elite defense in 2025, despite the team's overall struggles.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' young quarterback who showed promise late in the 2025 season, earning a surprise Pro Bowl nod.

Harold Fannin Jr.

The emerging tight end whose versatility and cost-controlled contract make him an ideal fit for Monken's offense.

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What’s next

The Browns hold the 6th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to target an offensive tackle to replace the likely-released Jack Conklin.

The takeaway

The Browns' difficult roster decisions this offseason reflect the urgency to reshape their offense and build around young talent like Shedeur Sanders, even if it means parting ways with respected veteran players who no longer fit the team's long-term vision under new head coach Todd Monken.