It is the first progressive move regarding the offensive unit, which has been the Browns’ biggest weakness. 

In an X post shared by Ian Rapaport on Monday, the NFL expert reported the Browns’ development and wrote about his new extension. 

“Sources: The #Texans and #Browns have agreed to terms on a trade to send starting RT Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick,” Rapoport reported.

“Much-needed OL help. Plus, Howard gets a new 3-year, $63M extension.”

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was lackluster in his rookie season. Due to the weak offensive players, he got sacked 23 times in 8 games. With Howard’s arrival, he can now look forward to improving in the upcoming season.

Howard is a 29-year-old lineman and appeared in 93 games in his seven-year career. He made over 16 consecutive back-to-back starts last season.

As the right tackle, he played 628 snaps, 402 snaps at the left tackle, and 132 snaps as the right guard in the 2025 season. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard allowed zero sacks, 26 pressures, and one quarterback hit. 

This is a major upgrade for the franchise, considering the OL’s contribution to the 5-12 record. In the 2024 season, the Browns were even worse, ending the season with a 3-14 record.

Howard Joins the Franchise After Two Consecutive Bad Seasons

Although the Browns had one of the best defensive units in the league, they were ranked 30th overall because of their offense.

The team had 262.1 average yards and scored 30 offensive touchdowns caused by three linemen.

Lineman KT Leveston played 464 snaps and allowed six sacks; Jack Conklin recorded 381 snaps and four sacks allowed.

Meanwhile, Cornelius Lucas played 221 snaps and allowed three sacks only. Sanders, Dillion Gabriel, and the quarterback shuffle were primarily held responsible for the poor results; experts later stressed other gaping holes in the unit. 

While the management has roped in Howard, the Browns now also have to work towards finding better wide receivers. Head coach Todd Monken and the management also have to announce their QB1.

But what is your opinion on the unit’s ongoing transformation? Tell us in the comments!

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Trending slideshow: Fun Facts About Shedeur Sanders For Every NFL Fan

Geosam James

On X, ESPN Cleveland shared a clip of Watson training on the field.

“Browns QB Deshaun Watson training for the 2026 season. Who do you think will win the Browns QB battle between Watson and Shedeur?” the post read.

Browns fans quickly jumped to call out Watson and debate over him and the 24-year-old Shedeur Sanders. One fan’s scathing reply claimed that they would never be a Browns fan if Watson were present.

“I will never support the team with this guy on the field,” they wrote. 

This comment was followed by another one that reasoned why Browns fans have harboured such animosity towards Watson.

“I don’t care about how he runs. I need him to throw the ball downfield and make good decisions with it. If he can make some play with his feet and not find himself on IR, I’ll be happy. Still going with SS though. DW doesn’t really seem to care. IMO,” one replied to the post.

Watson was traded to the Browns from the Houston Texans with a guaranteed five-year contract for $230 millions. But after he sustained two Achilles injuries, Watson appeared in only 19 games in four years. But given his contract’s nature, the Browns are obligated to play him every cent. 

And this is not the first time Watson, labelled as a “hit-and-a-miss” trade by franchise owner Jimmy Haslam, is accused of not caring or trying hard because of his financial advantage. Which is why another fan claimed that Sanders deserves to start in the next season.

“This just confirms what I have been saying, after 2 Achilles tendon surgeries, he is not anything close to what he was. Sanders is actually faster and more athletic now. Given Sanders was a rookie last year, I think with the rate of his maturity he will outright win QB1,” one reacted.

Another reply mirrored the sentiments. 

“He not a better passer than sanders not even half fr now he a better athlete way better but if u looking for a qb passer it’s sanders but if u looking for a athlete it’s him I want SS,” the fan wrote trying to build Sanders’ case.

After he debuted mid-way in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders displayed some standout performances. In Week 14, he threw three touchdowns. And although he remained inconsistent, Sanders improved his completion rate from 25 per cent to 73.9 per cent. 

Sanders ended his rocky 2025 debut with seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards after being benched as the QB4.

And his stats haven’t impressed all. One fan questioned why Sanders is even contesting for the QB 1 place, pointing towards his performance. 

“You know what’s funny. It’s the fact that if any other qb threw for 7 tds and 10 picks they would immediately become an afterthought. But the only reason sanders is even being considered is because he has a cult,” one commented, calling out Sanders’ fans and the 10 interceptions in the eight games he played. 

Do The Browns Have Any Other Options?

While fans continue to pick sides, the management and head coach Todd Monken have yet to decide on this matter. Apart from the existing quarterback roster, the Browns were also rumored to pick a new one in the 2026 Draft.

But since their cap ceiling doesn’t permit roping in Fernando Mendoza or trading Malik Willis, all QBs, Watson, Sanders, and even Dillion Gabriel, are gunning for the position. 

What are your thoughts on the matter? Comment on them and follow the Cleveland Browns Community for more.

During a meet-and-greet with the students of Roosevelt Middle School in West Palm Beach, a teacher asked the 24-year-old quarterback how he would feel if the Browns brought in New Oreland Saints’ Chris Olave.

“Hey, if they come, that will be cool,” Sanders said. He later urged the teacher to repeat her suggestion into the microphone and added, “Now they’ll know for sure.”

That’s because the Browns’ receiver corps had a bunch of underwhelming performances from Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond. The highest performing player among the offense was rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who had 731 yards and 6 touchdowns compared to the veteran Jeudy’s 602 yards and 2 touchdowns.

From here, the numbers only got worse. Tillman also scored two touchdowns for 270 yards, while Bond scored none from the 18 receptions he made for 338 yards. 

That’s why Browns expert Jared Mueller of Dawgs by Nature speculated that Olave is a viable trade option. 

“WR Chris Olave is an example of that and is back on the Browns trade radar,” he wrote.

Olave is currently with the New Orleans Saints and ended the 2025 season with a whopping 100 receptions. For 1,163 yards, he scored nine touchdowns. Although he is 25 and a year younger than Jeudy, Olave is more seasoned and put forth better performances than any of the Browns’ players. 

And Olave Is Not the Only Wide Receiver on the Browns’ Trade Radar

Previously, ESPN insider Benjamin Solak predicted that the Browns might trade for Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver.

Despite remaining off the field for an entire season, has delivered consistently. Before his knee injury, he made 75 receptions for 1,342 yards in the 2024 season. 

The Browns are desperate for a new wide receiver, but who they end up with is to be seen. What is your prediction?

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Trending slideshow: 5 Factors Directing Shedeur Sanders’ Doubtful Future With Browns

Abhisek Bhakta

As per an X post by Dov Kleiman made on Monday, the Colts are likely to put the franchise tag on quarterback Daniel Jones. If that falls through, the franchise also has to put up with wide receiver Alec Pierce to keep Jones.

“Daniel Jones and the Colts are nowhere close to agreeing on a contract extension, per Tony Pauline. Indy might be forced to place the franchise tag on Jones. That would mean they’ll have to agree to a long-term deal with WR Alec Pierce to keep him,” the post read. 

But how did the Colts find themselves in a pickle? Well, both Jones and Pierce want long-term deals. Unfortunately, the Colts’ cap ceiling doesn’t permit that. Since the franchise cannot afford to lose its quarterback, it is most likely compelled to use the tools to prohibit him from leaving. 

A franchise tag is a guaranteed, one-year contract that allows the team management to prohibit their players from signing with any other team under unrestricted free agency.

And according to NFL expert Tom Pelissero, the league has set the $43.89 million as the 2026 franchise tag value for a quarterback. And the value for a receiver is $27.29 million.

The Colts can’t Lose Out on Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones led the Colts with an 8-2 start in the recent season before he sustained a season-ending Achilles injury.

Unfortunately, after that, the Indianapolis side came crashing down with seven straight losses. Despite all this, Jones threw 19 touchdowns for 3,101 yards against eight interceptions. 

On the other end, 25-year-old Pierce contributed with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and scored six touchdowns. The Colts ended the season with an 8-9 record and third in the AFC South. 

The franchise needs to make a decision soon, as the deadline to apply for either tags is Tuesday, March 3rd. What do you think the Colts will do? Comment on your opinion!

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Trending slideshow: Projecting the Top Franchise Tag Options for Every NFL Team in 2026

Samridhi Ghai

The 23-year-old quarterback was involved in a fatal single-car accident on Sunday. The police reported that Ponder died after he lost control of his car on Baseline Road near Newland Court. 

The news of his death was confirmed by Buffalo’s head coach Dieon Sanders, who eulogized Ponder on his social media. 

“Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1,” Sanders wrote. 

He also urged fans to pray for Ponder’s family and friends. The news of his death has pained many football fans, as many expressed their feelings on X.

Under a post shared by Dov Kleiman, which reported this tragedy, fans collectively expressed their sorrow for the loss of such a young player.

One fan mourned the loss of the quarterback’s future and prayed for his family’s well-being. 

“Absolutely heartbreaking. 23 is far too young. A life full of potential, dreams, and moments still waiting to happen, gone in an instant. Prayers and strength to his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him. May he rest in peace.”

Similarly, other fans commented on just how young Ponder was. 

“Terrible news. Way too young. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones,” one wrote, which was followed up by “Awful news just a kid. Prayers flowing for the family.” 

Ponder’s Final Season With the Buffalos

Ponder was a third-year sophomore from Opa Locka and transferred from Bethune-Cookman to the Buffaloes. He spent the last two seasons with the Buffaloes and appeared in the last two games of the 2025 season.

He recorded two rushes and one pass attempt. 

Colorado University and Buffaloes fans are devastated by Ponder’s death. Two fans sent wishes for Ponder’s family and his football fraternity. 

“Prayers up for the Ponder family, Coach Prime and Buffaloes Nation,” one fan wrote. Another comment shared a similar sentiment and wrote, “Prayers to the Ponder family and the CU family. Horrible news.” 

The 23-year-old has left behind his father, Wendell L. Ponder II, who was a Sharpsville athlete himself, and his mother, Catrina Ponder.

Share your thoughts in the comments and follow the Cleveland Browns Community for more news.

Ty Simpson, the former Alabama Crimson Tide player, opened up about the friendship between his father and Monken. In an X post shared by Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Simpson revealed that his father would love for him to play under Monken. 

“My dad and coach Monken go way back. They talk often. He texted him when he got the job, and they’ve texted a little bit (since), so if I had the opportunity to play for the Browns, it would be a dream come true,” said Simpson.

“I’d be in great hands. And then you know, Coach Monken, what he does with quarterbacks and offense is super friendly. Super quarterback-friendly,” added the quarterback.

Jason Simpson, Ty’s father, is a football coach with over 20 years of experience at the collegiate level. Similar to Monken, who also coached two college teams. He was the head coach at Southern Miss between 2013 and 2015.

But Southern Mississippi holds significance for Monken for more reasons. The 59-year-old is credited with turning around the 0-12 team into champions. In 2013, the Golden Eagles were reeling with their worst-ever season. 

However, with Monken at the helm, the team soon won the Conference USA West Division title and also appeared in the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2015.

This track record is why Simpson has shown immense faith in Monken. The 23-year-old praised Monken’s offensive mindset, the very reason he was hired. 

Ty Simpson shows confidence as Todd Monken remains undecided

With 28 touchdowns for 3,567 yards and only five interceptions, Simpson is a promising prospect, and even he knows it.

The prospect showed just how confident he is during his NFL Draft Combine media availability on Friday.

“First off, I think I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback. Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL … The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get,” said Simpson.

His readiness and impressive college record could pose a problem for Sanders. Neither Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel unanimously impressed experts and fans last season.

While Deshaun Watson is set to make a return, Todd Monken isn’t leaning on either of the three Browns QBs just yet. However, he did praise Shedeur Sanders at the Combine.

“I think what you see is elite playmaking ability… You’ve seen it. We’ve seen it. You saw it in college. You saw it on tape last season. There’s a ways to go, but what rookie isn’t? I am excited to work with him,” Monken said on Wednesday.

What do you think? Is Ty Simpson a threat to Shedeur Sanders’ QB aspiration, or is it too early to say? Tell us your opinion in the comments

Follow the Cleveland Browns Community for more stories.

Stefanski was fired from the head coach job at the Browns at the end of the 2025 season, after finishing 5-12. He is now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

On the Pardon My Take Podcast, Kevin Stefanski discussed his thoughts on Shedeur Sanders. “I would say this, I love Shedeur. I loved coaching him, seriously.  He’s got the right makeup for this game. He was wired the right way. I wish that we’d won more, obviously,” said the former Browns HC.

“But if you saw how he played down the stretch, I mean, he’s a young player who’s getting better. I’m not coaching him anymore, so I know I have to be careful talking about other players, but I am rooting for him,” he added.

However, this is not the narrative that had always followed Stefanski. Sanders, who was initially projected to be a round 1 pick, ended up being picked by the Cleveland Browns in Round 5 as the 144^th pick. Fans were left wondering what was to become of the young quarterback.

Stefanski kept Sanders behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. When Sanders became QB1, he posted a 3-4 record in 7 games, throwing for 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was also named to the Pro Bowl this year.

Who will become the Browns’ QB1 in the post Kevin Stefanski era?

New head coach Todd Monken has stated at the 2026 NFL Combine that the Browns’ starting quarterback position is still open for debate.

The primary contenders are Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, unless the Browns pick up another QB during the draft.

However, Monken is not leaning toward either of the three just yet. “Sure, I think it’s an open competition. I don’t know why it wouldn’t be an open competition. I don’t mean to say that harshly, but I don’t think there’s enough on film over the last couple of years one way or the other to say whether we have a starting quarterback yet,” Monken said on the subject.

Who do you think will earn the starting role for the Browns? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

The results meant bad news for the Cleveland Browns’ former head coach, Kevin Stefanski.

Stefanski, who has now taken over the Atlanta Falcons, has been ranked a C- grade. This is the lowest grade among all head NFL coaches.

The NFLPA is a report card that seeks player feedback on various aspects of the franchise, with head coach criteria among them.

It’s not only the Browns’ coach who got a bad grade, however. Andrew Berry, general manager of the Cleveland Browns, got a “C” grade, which is the second-worst rating among all executives.

Overall, the Browns have ranked 30^th for the second year in a row. They ranked D- in the treatment of families, F in the locker room, and C in the training room.

Fans found it fitting that Stefanski received such a low grade after the disastrous 2025 season. Stefanski led the Cleveland Browns to a 5-12 record, after which he was fired.

Kevin Stefanski’s grading drew mixed reactions from fans

Fingers have pointed in every direction to come to the bottom of the Browns’ disappointing performance in the 2025 season.

Some fans thought that Stefanski was the reason, and now their opinions have only gotten stronger after the report cards were released.

One fan commented on Stefanski’s ratings, saying, “Stefanski should be thrilled that this report came out. He was hired by the Falcons.”

Another attributed the Browns’ shoddy performance to Stefanski’s dwindling interest in the job.

“[He was] probably counting down the seconds until he could leave,” the fan chimed in.

Sean McVay, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, along with Dan Quinn, head coach of the Washington Commanders, received an A+ in the report card.

“And the Falcons grabbed [him] as if he were Sean McVay,” a disappointed fan wrote.

Some fans, however, don’t seem to think that Stefanski is the only problem the Browns had. A confused offensive line that does not seem to be able to decide on a quarterback, along with a lack of stable wide receivers, can also be cited as a problem.

“Don’t care what the players think of the coach. I care what the coach thinks of the players,” one fan commented.

One fan seems to think that Stefanski received this rating because he held the players accountable.

“This is actually good. Players all cry and complain when coaches aren’t buddy-buddy with them and hold them accountable,” the fan wrote.

Another thing to note is that Todd Monken, as the former offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, received a B-.

Now with Monken at the helm, he will surely look to avoid another Stefanski-like situation. What do you think of Stefanski’s grades for the 2025 season? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Trending slideshow: 5 Times Kevin Stefanski Struggled With Quarterback Room Situations

Nazim Ishaq

This upcoming season is a second chance for the head coach, who had a bottom-of-the-table season in 2025, as the Jets finished 3-14.

In the Combine last Thursday at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, during a trial for defensive linemen and linebackers, Aaron Glenn was caught napping, while the camera panned to him.

NFL Network host Rich Eisen was saying, “As Aaron Glenn looks on for the Jets,” while Glenn suddenly realized the camera was on him and sat up straight and looked around.

Don’t blame him one bit. https://t.co/zOJNfScp5a

— Dick Fain (@dickfain) February 26, 2026

To make matters worse, the Jets currently hold the second overall pick. With the 2^nd pick on the line, Glenn’s sleeping did not bode well with the fans.

The internet went ablaze as people caught on to the funny moment unfolding on the screen in live television.

Fans trolled Aaron Glenn for his hilarious moment

Barstool Sports’ clip was enough for fans’ imaginations to run wild.

“He was just resting his eyes. I do it all the time when my wife and I start a movie, ask her,” one whimsical fan commented.

Another fan agreed. “Not exactly the first impression you want to make as a new head coach, the Jets can’t catch a break.”

This is not a good look for a head coach trying to set the record straight after a disastrous first season. The Jets continue their dry run, missing the playoffs for the 15^th consecutive season.

Aaron Glenn was earlier the talk of the town when he said, “play calling is his superpower”. Fans were quick to catch on to this when he was caught sleeping instead of paying attention.

“To be fair, bro never said his superpower was staying awake,” one fan chimed in.

However, many fans also supported Glenn, saying it was natural to be tired, and moments like this are bound to happen when cameras are on you all the time.

“Or maybe he was tired.  Maybe he was bored, that happens to humans, you know.  Who knows what led up to this moment?  We are too highly critical of everything,” one empathetic fan wrote.

How did you react to Aaron Glenn slipping up? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Analyst Stephen A.Smith has seemingly suggested it will be an easy choice for the Browns. Speaking to Dan Orlovsky, Smith said that it may be time for Watson to hang up his boots if he cannot secure the starting position this season.

“I’m going to bring up the name Deshaun Watson,” before reading out his stats across the last four seasons. However, Smith had nothing flattering to say about Watson’s 19 starts.

“Among 50 quarterbacks with at least 500 pass attempts since 2022, he was 42nd in completions, 48th in pass yards per attempt, 42nd in passer rating, and had the second-worst sack rate behind only Justin Fields,” Stephen A.Smith.

He continued, “My god, how awful can you be? There’s nowhere to go but up. Let me look into national TV and tell Deshaun Watson this: Considering the Cleveland situation, combined with the money you’re still owed, if you can’t win the starting job in Cleveland this year, you need to retire,” added the analyst.

Deshaun Watson moved to the Cleveland Browns in 2022 following his five-year, $230 million contract with the Houston Texans. His time with the Browns has seen a dip in his play and several injury setbacks, including a torn Achilles in 2024 and 2025.

This was in stark contrast to his time with the Houston Texans. Since being drafted in 2017, he won Pro Bowl honours for three years in a row from 2018 to 2020. Watson had a standout 2020 season where he threw 4,823 yards with 33 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, a franchise record.

Todd Monken will not decide Deshaun Watson’s fate

With the Browns’ starting quarterback position still undecided, head coach Todd Monken said he will not be the one to make the final call just yet.

Speaking at the NFL Combine, Monken told reporters that the Browns will head into the preseason with the position up for grabs. “Now, you’re gonna have some preconceived notions, obviously, because we have prior evidence. But I don’t decide who plays. The players decide who plays. I’ve never decided who plays,” said Monken.

Monken, however, did appear to indicate that Watson’s once elite-level plays may be a factor to consider.

Speaking to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, he said, “When you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skill set at an elite level, I think you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of them again. I’m gonna let it play out.”

So has Deshaun Watson warranted a starting berth based on his past glory? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!