Browns' Biggest Need Is Imperative for Shedeur Sanders

ESPN reveals Cleveland must address offensive line to properly evaluate QB prospect.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 4:08pm

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The Cleveland Browns have a major need along their offensive line this offseason, with four Week 1 starters hitting free agency. According to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, rebuilding the trenches is the Browns' biggest priority. To get a proper look at quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders in 2026, the Browns must upgrade their offensive line, as poor blocking would hinder Sanders' ability to showcase his potential.

Why it matters

The Browns are considering Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson as potential starting quarterbacks for 2026. Sanders, with the highest upside, is someone the team should try to evaluate closely next season. However, without an upgraded offensive line, Sanders may not be able to fully display his abilities, making it difficult for the Browns to make an informed decision on their future at the position.

The details

The Browns have a major need along the offensive line, with four Week 1 starters - Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic, Joel Bitonio, and others - hitting free agency. While the team has agreed to a trade and extension with Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard, they still need to address right guard, center, left guard, and left tackle this offseason. The Browns have two high draft picks at No. 6 and 24 overall that could be used to upgrade the offensive line.

  • The Browns' offensive line starters are set to hit free agency in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

A quarterback prospect the Browns are considering as a potential starter in 2026.

Dillon Gabriel

Another quarterback prospect the Browns are considering as a potential starter in 2026.

Deshaun Watson

The third quarterback prospect the Browns are considering as a potential starter in 2026.

Tytus Howard

An offensive tackle the Browns have agreed to trade for and extend from the Houston Texans, likely to take over at right tackle.

Daniel Oyefusi

An ESPN reporter who identified the Browns' offensive line as their biggest need this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Biggest need: Offensive line. Name a position, and the Browns have a need there. With four Week 1 offensive line starters hitting free agency, Cleveland's trenches are headed for a rebuild.”

— Daniel Oyefusi, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Browns will need to address their offensive line through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, with the goal of providing adequate protection for whichever quarterback they choose to start in 2026.

The takeaway

The Browns' offensive line is their biggest need this offseason, and addressing it is crucial if they want to properly evaluate quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders as a potential long-term starter. Rebuilding the trenches will be a top priority for the team as they look to solidify their offense for the future.