The Cleveland Browns are approaching the 2026 NFL Draft with a high degree of flexibility, and General Manager Andrew Berry has made it clear that the No. 6 overall pick is far from untouchable.
Rather than committing to a single direction, the organization appears open to multiple scenarios, including trading up, moving down, or even dealing the selection for an established veteran.
Cleveland’s urgency stems from a dismal offensive showing in 2025.
According to Pro Football Focus, the unit ranked last in the league for the second consecutive year, performing even worse than in 2024 and marking the poorest offensive output since the grading system was introduced.
That level of inefficiency has intensified the need for immediate upgrades across several positions.
The quarterback situation remains particularly uncertain. Shedeur Sanders started seven games late in the season, offering glimpses of potential, while Deshaun Watson continues to recover from two Achilles surgeries and could still factor into the team’s plans.
Beyond quarterback, the Browns must also address weaknesses along the offensive line and at wide receiver, making their draft strategy even more critical.
“I think it really just depends on the prospects that are available,” Berry said. “Look, this is what I would say. I don’t know that, but I would tell you guys, I don’t know that we are going to be picking six at the end of April, and if we are picking six, I have no idea what we’re going to take at this point.”
He continued, emphasizing the team’s adaptable mindset: “And so we try and remain flexible as we go into draft weekend, and we want to use the asset in the best way possible, whether that’s sitting and picking, trading up, trading down, trading it for a veteran player. I know I said this last year and people thought it was just GM talk, but it really is the truth.”
That philosophy proved effective in 2025, when Cleveland traded down from the No. 2 pick in a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The move allowed them to select Mason Graham at No. 5 while also acquiring an additional second-round pick, later used on Quinshon Judkins.
With the No. 24 selection still available in 2026, Berry again holds significant leverage to reshape the roster.
Myles Garrett’s future adds another layer of intrigue
Beyond draft maneuvering, the situation surrounding Myles Garrett introduces another potential avenue for major roster change.
While the Browns have not publicly committed to trading their star pass rusher, recent contract adjustments have made such a move more financially viable.
Previously, a pre-June 1 trade would have resulted in a $70.3 million dead cap hit. That figure has now been reduced to $41.09 million, significantly lowering the financial barrier and increasing the feasibility of a deal.
Additional contract modifications, including shifting option bonuses into future seasons, further enhance Cleveland’s flexibility.
Garrett’s value remains exceptionally high.
After recording a league-leading 23 sacks and winning Defensive Player of the Year honors in the first year of his contract, he represents one of the most impactful defensive players in the NFL. As a result, the Browns could potentially command multiple first-round picks or similarly valuable assets in return.
Teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots could emerge as logical suitors, particularly if they are seeking an elite edge rusher to elevate their defenses.
Additionally, Cleveland’s openness to extending trade compensation structures across multiple years could make negotiations more appealing to interested franchises.
Ultimately, the Browns enter draft season with a wide range of possibilities. Whether through strategic draft trades, bold veteran acquisitions, or even the blockbuster movement of Garrett, the organization has positioned itself to act decisively.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Berry opts for patience or aggression, but one thing is certain-Cleveland is prepared to reshape its roster in pursuit of long-term competitiveness.
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