Three Key Browns Players Must Maintain 2025 Levels

Tight end, wide receiver, and kicker need to avoid regression for Cleveland's offense to improve in 2026

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025. While the team expects improvements across the board, there are three key players who cannot afford to take a step back in 2026: tight end Harold Fannin Jr., wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and kicker Andre Szmyt. Fannin Jr. had a standout rookie season and must build on that with David Njoku now gone. Jeudy is coming off a down year and needs to return to his 2024 form to give the offense a boost. And Szmyt was the lone bright spot on special teams, providing reliable scoring that the Browns offense desperately needed.

Why it matters

The Browns are counting on these three players to be foundational pieces in 2026 as the team looks to get back to the playoffs. Fannin Jr., Jeudy, and Szmyt all played key roles last season, and the Browns cannot afford any regression from them if the offense is going to improve. Their continued strong play will be crucial to the team's success.

The details

Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. had a breakout rookie season in 2025, setting a franchise record with 72 receptions. With David Njoku now gone, Fannin Jr. will be the primary tight end and a key target for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, on the other hand, struggled mightily in 2025, seeing his production cut in half from the previous season. The Browns need Jeudy to return to his 2024 form to give the passing game a boost. Finally, kicker Andre Szmyt was a rare bright spot on special teams, making 24 of 27 field goals and providing much-needed scoring for an offense that often struggled to find the end zone.

  • Fannin Jr. set the Browns' rookie tight end reception record in 2025.
  • Jeudy's production dropped significantly in 2025 compared to 2024.
  • Szmyt made 24 of 27 field goals and 25 of 26 extra points for the Browns in 2025.

The players

Harold Fannin Jr.

A standout rookie tight end for the Browns in 2025 who set a franchise record with 72 receptions.

Jerry Jeudy

A wide receiver for the Browns who had a down year in 2025 after a strong 2024 season.

Andre Szmyt

The Browns' reliable kicker in 2025 who provided much-needed scoring for the struggling offense.

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The takeaway

The Browns' success in 2026 will hinge on these three key players maintaining or improving upon their 2025 performances. Fannin Jr., Jeudy, and Szmyt were all vital contributors last season, and the Browns cannot afford any regression from them if the offense is going to take a step forward.