The Cleveland Browns boasted one of the best defensive units last season, ranking 4th in terms of total passing yards allowed (2873).

But their defense was never a problem; it was all about offense, and their never-ending quarterback problem.

In the offseason, Cleveland appointed Todd Monken as their head coach to improve the offensive unit. Now, as per the latest report, the management expects results as they are set to invest heavily in the unit.

In his latest appearance on 92.3 The Fan, ESPN analyst Daniel Oyefusi provided insight on the management’s take on the roster they have built so far and how Monken would fare in the upcoming season. 

“You also gotta keep in mind what ownership just said. Jimmy Haslam did say he thought that this was a roster that was better than its 5-12 record,” Oyefusi said.

“They're building this team up with the intent to win games. I think that Todd Monken was brought in partly due to the fact that he could develop players. I think there's an expectation that this team is going to be better than last year."

Franchise owner Jimmy Haslam is entering yet another season with the hope that this one will not be humiliating like the previous one. After ending the past two seasons with a 4-12 and a 5-12 record, the Browns had vowed to fix their issues and become a “winning team.”

That starts with building a new roster with a new head coach. Hence, the Browns have formally executed a full salary conversion of Deshaun Watson’s $230 million contract. They took away more than $35.7 million of his 2026 salary cap hit to utilize the $44.7 million for the upcoming season’s operations.

Since then, the team has brought in veteran tackle Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson, and re-signed Elgton Jenkins and begun rebuilding the team.

With the 2026 draft coming up soon, the Browns are set to pick more players. 

Will the Browns Draft a New Quarterback Yet Again?

In 2025, the Browns’ offence was ranked 31st with 279 points and 30th with 4,456 total yards.

Monken, who boasts an illustrious 32-year career, has to undo former head coach Kevin Stefanski’s damage. The most glaring one is the quarterback shuffle.

Looking at Stefanski's disastrous year with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, the Browns need synergy between the coach and a reliable starter. Monken and the management have refused to declare either Deshaun Watson or Sanders the starting quarterback before they earn the position.

Watson, described as "a swing and a miss" trade by Haslam, has at last recovered from his injuries. In the past four seasons, he started in 19 games only, which was an awful return to the hefty paycheck they cut him.

Sanders, 24, on the other hand, threw seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions for 1,400 yards in 8 games.

It's safe to say that neither has been reassured with their performance. Hence, the management could pick a new one entirely and leave it to Monken to tailor his strategies for their new quarterback.

Experts like Darly Ruiter believe that Monken's primary function is to bring the Browns back on track, and he will be sacked eventually.

But is Monken, even with his vast experience, capable of doing so? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Kalp Thaker