Browns Part Ways With 3 Key Veterans In Free Agency Overhaul

Cleveland Browns must make tough decisions to reshape roster for long-term success

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are facing a critical offseason as they look to rebuild their roster and get back to contention in the AFC North. With several key veterans set to hit free agency, the team must make tough decisions about which players to retain and which to let walk. According to reports, the Browns are expected to part ways with offensive linemen Cam Robinson and Wyatt Teller, as well as running back Jerome Ford, as they prioritize financial flexibility, youth, and long-term upside over short-term production.

Why it matters

The Browns' 2025 season was defined by quarterback instability and uneven roster construction, leading to a 5-12 record and the departure of long-time head coach Kevin Stefanski. As the team enters a new era under Todd Monken, GM Andrew Berry must make pragmatic decisions to reshape the roster and align it with the franchise's long-term timeline, even if that means parting ways with respected veteran contributors.

The details

The Browns' offensive line is in flux, with virtually the entire starting unit set to hit free agency, including Cam Robinson and Wyatt Teller. While Robinson provided emergency stabilization at left tackle, his penalty-prone play and subpar pass protection numbers make it difficult to justify a premium contract. The team believes it can find a long-term solution through the draft or by developing younger options like Dawand Jones. Teller, a physical and punishing guard, has been a key part of the Browns' identity, but his age (31) and potential decline in play make it hard to justify a lucrative multi-year deal, especially with the team's limited cap space. At running back, Jerome Ford has been a productive rotational piece, but his efficiency dip in 2025 and the emergence of younger, more explosive options like Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson make Ford expendable as the Browns look to allocate resources more strategically.

  • The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record and a fourth-place finish in the AFC North.
  • Long-time head coach Kevin Stefanski departed following the 2025 season, clearing the way for the Todd Monken era to begin in 2026.
  • The Browns' offensive line, including Cam Robinson and Wyatt Teller, is set to hit free agency in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Cam Robinson

Offensive tackle who was acquired by the Browns as an emergency stabilization option, but his penalty-prone play and subpar pass protection numbers make it difficult to justify a premium contract.

Wyatt Teller

Physical and punishing guard who has been a key part of the Browns' offensive identity, but his age (31) and potential decline in play make it hard to justify a lucrative multi-year deal, especially with the team's limited cap space.

Jerome Ford

Productive rotational running back, but his efficiency dip in 2025 and the emergence of younger, more explosive options like Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson make Ford expendable as the Browns look to allocate resources more strategically.

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The takeaway

The Browns' offseason decisions reflect a broader philosophical pivot towards prioritizing cap flexibility, investing in youth, and aligning spending with the team's long-term competitive window. While parting ways with respected veterans like Cam Robinson, Wyatt Teller, and Jerome Ford may sting in the short term, it signals the team's commitment to building a sustainable roster that can contend for championships in the years to come.