Unless a surprise occurs, it’s clear that the Browns are likely to remain one of the NFL’s worst teams. While their defense can compete in any game, their offense is a true disaster. In a league where scoring points is paramount, it’s impossible to compete with such an imbalance.
The Browns have needs across their entire offense, but especially at the quarterback position-and this is not new. Since 1999, 42 different quarterbacks have started at least one game for Cleveland. It’s difficult to achieve results when the quarterback position, the foundation of any NFL team, has been so unstable.
This upcoming season is no exception. So far, it’s unclear who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback. The competition is between veteran Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, who will be entering his second NFL season. Watson currently holds the edge, largely because he is guaranteed $46 million in 2026.
The Browns must focus on using their draft picks to strengthen the offense
Cleveland will have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft: #6 overall and #24 overall, the latter acquired via trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. This gives offensive coordinator Todd Monken the opportunity to reinforce the offense-potentially drafting a receiver of Carnell Tate’s caliber and an offensive lineman.
“My final pre-free agency takes on the Browns: 1. There isn’t an available veteran WR I’d want, given the cost in trade and/or contract, over Carnell Tate. 2. Therefore, use the big-ticket item on an O-lineman-tackle or center-and draft Tate,” said ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi.
It’s clear the Browns don’t need to spend big in free agency for a receiver when they have the opportunity to take Carnell Tate at pick #6. Tate showed impressive talent last season at Ohio State. Note: he’s also a target for the Chiefs, who are waiting for the Browns to slip up so they can take him at pick #9.
The Browns will likely add another quarterback in the later rounds of the draft, which could lead to Dillon Gabriel’s departure. But what is certain is that the team’s biggest need is a playmaker-and Carnell Tate could be that player.
Read the full article here
