Hey Tony: How likely do you think it is that the Browns already have a Myles Garrett trade set up and are simply waiting for June 1st for cap reasons, a la AJ Brown to the Patriots?
— Kyle, Celina, OH
Hey Kyle: Although I’m an advocate of auctioning Garrett to the highest bidder, I do not believe a post-June 1 trade is in the works. I also think it’s doubtful – but not impossible — he would be traded at the Week 10 trade deadline. However, the story will continue to exist next year because of the modifications the Browns made to Garrett’s contract, with his cooperation.
Hey Tony: What are your thoughts of Todd Monken as coach so far? From talking with him, are there any areas that make you excited vs what Stefanski brought?
— Josh, Ooltewah, TN
Hey Josh: Denzel Ward said after the season the Browns needed a coach to hold the offense accountable. So far, Monken sounds like he’ll do that. Benching linemen after repeated pre-snap penalties or receivers who constantly drop passes or quarterbacks who are careless with the football … that’s a start.
Hey Tony: Do you think that Todd Monken will play the starters more than Stefanski did in preseason?
— Alfonso, Webster, NY
Hey Alfonso: Let’s hope so.
Hey Tony: Lasso of truth: Do you believe the Browns franchise quarterback is on the roster?
— AJ, Avon, OH
Hey AJ: No.
Hey Tony: I’m trying to see the path for the Browns to draft one of the top QBs next year, probably requiring a top 10 pick. If their new coach and improving talent leads to an 8-9 or 9-8 record, don’t they have to trade Myles? If not, what?
— Terry, Sarasota, FL
Hey Terry: A trade of Garrett would net multiple first-round picks in the 24-to-32 range because Garrett would not waive his no-trade clause to go to a non-contender. So the Browns would have to parlay those picks to move up high enough to select one of the top QBs in 2027. If the Browns finish around the .500 mark, GM Andrew Berry has to be creative and proactive to get in range to draft a quality QB.
Hey Tony: If Watson balls out and goes back to Houston form with Monken, will we try and keep him next year and re-sign him?
— John, Canal Fulton, OH
Hey John: I don’t see a world in which that happens.
Hey Tony: Would the Browns get compensatory picks if Deshaun Watson signs elsewhere after the season?
— Cory, Columbus, OH
Hey Cory: One, potentially, yes. It depends on the Browns’ net losses in free agency v. the net gains and the size of contract Watson might sign with another team. Any compensatory pick would not be awarded until the 2028 draft and it would be no higher than the end of the third round.
Hey Tony: The Browns look they had another good draft, at least on paper. What’s your take on how the rest of the division did?
— Mike, North Olmsted, OH
Hey Mike: In general, I thought the Ravens, Bengals and Steelers all did OK. Nothing earth-shattering. The Ravens and Steelers fortified their offensive lines with their top picks, and the Bengals used their first pick (second round) on their defensive line. The Browns did better than all three, I believe.
Hey Tony: I didn’t see or hear of Myles [at] Game 3 [of Cavs playoffs]. If he’s there [Monday night] and they lose do you expect him to show up just to meet Monken [on Tuesday] or [wait] until mandatory camp which would come after June 1st or 2nd?
— Maurice, Oakland, CA
Hey Maurice: I think Garrett will show up for the first time at mandatory minicamp on June 9.
Hey Tony: What does the RB position look like? Seems lost in the noise.
— Scott, Glenwillow, OH
Hey Scott: If Quinshon Judkins is healthy – and he has looked healthy – I think the Browns are fine with Judkins RB1, Dylan Sampson as third-down back, and Rocket Sanders as RB3. They should definitely add two to the practice squad.
Hey Tony: Do you expect to see as much 11 personnel with Monken’s offense as we did with the Stefanski offense?
— Steve, Titusville, PA
Hey Steve: The addition of two receivers and two tight ends in the draft enables Monken to use a variety of personnel groupings. I can see 3WR or 4WR. I can see 2TE or even 3TE. Also 2RB. He’ll be able to change up from game to game, even series to series.
Hey Tony: Monken seems to shape his offense around the players. For the sake of scheme implementation and the other 10 players’ development, when does QB1 need to be decided?
— Matt, Columbus, OH
Hey Matt: I expect a clear QB depth chart by the end of minicamp in June and an opening-game starter named before the third preseason game.