Todd Monken is hoping for a sweltering summer for his first Browns training camp.

He’ll need all the humidity Northeast Ohio can offer in August to prepare his team for the steam box that awaits them in the first two weeks of the regular season.

In one of the more unusual starts to a Brown season, the schedule-makers sent the Browns to bug-infested Florida for their first two games – at Jacksonville in Week 1 and at Tampa in Week 2.

The Browns have played their first two games of a season on the road 10 times in their history, most recently in 1986. But never have they been deported to bug-infested Florida for back-to-back games in early September, when the heat index regularly exceeds 100 degrees.

Monken has coached in both cities in his NFL career, so he knows what’s in store, weather-wise.

“It’s going be fun to start off the year going against the Jaguars with the turnaround that they had last year,” Monken said in a statement released by the Browns. “And with the Bucs, winning the division four of the last five years, it’s the ultimate challenge.

“Our guys are going to have to be ready because it’s going to be Florida, 1 o’clock, early in the year, so it’s going to be hot. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The back-to-backers in Florida is just one of a few odd quirks the Browns were assigned in the season schedule released by the NFL on Thursday night.

Such as:

* The home opener comes in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, perhaps the least attractive home opponent of the season.

* The Browns have 1 o’clock kickoffs for 16 of their 17 games. The exception is their lone prime-time appearance, home against the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Thursday night on Week 4. The game will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and also carried on a local Cleveland station to be determined.

“There’s nothing like getting a prime-time home game, let alone when you end up with a rival within the division that completely kicks it up a notch,” Monken said. “So, we’re excited, especially that early in the year,” Monken said. “It’s the first divisional game and the only way you can guarantee making the playoffs is to win the division. So obviously, starting off 1-0 in the division will be paramount.”

* The Browns have games against only four teams that qualified for the playoffs in 2025. But three of them come in the first four weeks – Week 1 against Jacksonville, Week 3 against Carolina and Week 4 against Pittsburgh.

* The two trips to the New Jersey swamp lands are spaced in Weeks 5 (against the Jets) and 15 (Giants).

* Monken’s first game against Baltimore, the team he served as offensive coordinator the past three years, comes in Week 6 at home.

* There are three consecutive road games in Weeks 7-9 at Tennessee, at Pittsburgh, and at New Orleans. The Week 8 game in Pittsburgh, where the Browns have suffered 22 consecutive regular-season losses, comes the week after the Steelers play the Saints in Paris, France. So, that’s kind of an edge for the Browns.

“The season is made up of many challenges,” Monken said. “That three-game stretch is going to be tough. If we want to be the team that we think we can become, we’ve got to overcome those challenges.”

* After the three-game road swing comes a five-week homestand – against Houston, then the bye on Week 11, then home games against Las Vegas, Cincinnati and Atlanta. The Falcons game on Week 14 marks former coach Kevin Stefanski’s return to Huntington Bank Field with his new team.

* The Browns better fatten their record in that homestand because their final month features three road games in four weeks. They’re at the Giants, at Baltimore on Christmas weekend, home v. Indianapolis in Week 17, and finish at Cincinnati.

The Bengals game could be flexed to Saturday, January 9, or Sunday, January 10, depending on playoff implications. By then, the AFC North race could be hotly contested – but in a different form from the start of this Browns season.

Preseason: The Browns’ preseason schedule includes a road game in Chicago in preseason Week 1 (date and time to be announced), followed by home games against Buffalo on August 22 (1 p.m.) and against New England on August 27 (8 p.m.).

The post The Browns are guaranteed a hot start to the 2026 season appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Based on your crystal ball, draft picks, performance and change in schemes, are there any “surprise” vets that need an amazing offseason to keep a chance of making the final 53? I know it’s early and injuries can’t be predicted.

— Bryan, Deerfield, IL

Hey Bryan: The Browns drafted two wide receivers, three offensive linemen and two tight ends. So I would look at veterans from those position groups as needing good training camps to keep roster spots. Names such as Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Luke Wypler, KT Leveston, Blake Whiteheart, and Brendan Bates come to mind.

Hey Tony: I wanna put some pizza money on a FanDuel bet for Deshaun Watson being comeback player of the year. What do you think?

— Jeff, Hilton Head, SC

Hey Jeff: Why not? After two Achilles tendon surgeries and a year-and-a-half of rehab, Watson certainly qualifies as a CPOY candidate. If he wins the starting QB job, he would definitely be a legit candidate.

Hey Tony: How would you feel about a Browns Christmas game this year or Thanksgiving night game?

— Alfonso, Webster, NY

Hey Alfonso: Christmas Day game? Bah humbug! Thanksgiving prime-time game? Gobble gobble!

Hey Tony: Assuming draft class and FA acquisitions live up to expectations, what is the ceiling for Browns, record-wise?

— Eric, Rock Hill, SC

Hey Eric: The ceiling depends on the play of the starting quarterback, whomever he is.

Hey Tony: What differences in offensive scheme and points of emphasis should we expect from Todd Monken’s offense compared to Kevin Stefanski’s offense? 

— AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: Monken insists his team will run the ball. Every coach says that. We’ll see if he commits to that end when behind by a touchdown. He’s been given two promising, young receivers by GM Andrew Berry. So I would expect him to design pass plays to get the ball out of the hand of the QB quickly. Other than that, let’s see what they look like in training camp.

Hey Tony: How long before we are down to only 3 QBs on roster, and who do you think the third will be?

— Aaron, Toledo, OH

Hey Aaron: Barring injuries, I would expect all four QBs to stay on the roster until the cut to 53. I expect Taylen Green will open the season as QB3.

Hey Tony: How happy is Andrew Berry now that Paul DePodesta isn’t around? Back to back lights out drafts! Was Depodesta the problem?

— Andy, Bloomington, IL

Hey Andy: It’s never good when a baseball analytics guru wields so much authority in a football organization. I don’t think it’s coincidence the drafts have been so much better with DePodesta exiled to an MLB gulag in Colorado.

Hey Tony: How long does Dillon Gabriel stay on this team? He won’t be the starter, he won’t be the #2, and the #3 spot is saved for the rookie.

— Frank, Stillwell, OK

Hey Frank: Let it play out. The outcome may surprise you.

Hey Tony: Before the release tomorrow, what is your prediction to number of prime-time games? I’m guessing 1 Thursday night game, late in the year with the hope Shedeur is playing but they can also be flexed out.

— Kyle, Celina, OH

Hey Kyle: They were shut out of prime time last year, so I’m thinking the NFL throws one bone their way. It probably will be a division game, hopefully at home.

Hey Tony: Are there any obvious undrafted rookie standouts to keep a realistic eye on?

— Aaron, Toledo, OH

Hey Aaron: The first name that comes to mind is Logan Fano, the older brother of Spencer Fano. Not because his brother was the team’s top draft pick but because there is a need for depth at defensive end and Fano will be given a good shot at a spot.

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Browns fans travel as well as any NFL fan base.

I know, because I see and meet them in airports every season.

Every year, Browns fans anxiously await the NFL schedule release, not so much to know which team is opening the home season, or when the Steelers and Ravens come to town, but to plot their annual road trip, or two.

For many of them, it is a rite of passage.

The highlight of the entire season has come to traveling to a new venue to explore the city and stadium. The outcomes of the games – mostly disappointing losses — have almost become incidental for these traveling die-hards.

It can make for dreary Monday mornings in airports, but experiencing Browns games in some of the league’s iconic or state-of-the-art stadiums has become an increasingly popular venture.

These fans are rapt for the NFL schedule release, which comes on Thursday night, and are poised to light up the Internet to book airline and hotel reservations before they’re gobbled up.

I’ve been traveling to Browns games for more than 40 years. I know the shortcuts to beat the traffic, the best places to eat off the beaten path, and the right hotels with the best prices.

Browns road games this season are in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, New Jersey (twice), New Orleans, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Jacksonville.

Some of these venues appear on my list of favorite stadiums and cities to visit.

My top 5 NFL cities to visit

1. New Orleans, LA

An ever-vibrant night life, unmatched cuisine, and, um, unique attractions nudge it to the top of my list. Yes, Bourbon Street is decadent and smelly, but there is nothing like it anywhere else. You either love it or hate it. Hotels aplenty make for easy walks to the Superdome and all the hot spots.

2. Las Vegas, NV

I discovered Sin City very late in life, so I’m still invigorated by the energy I feel there no matter what time of day. I am not a casino player, but I am entertained just walking through them. I wish I could be transported to the 1960s and see what The Strip was like when the Rat Pack ruled. And there is no better hotel than the Bellagio, of course.

3. Seattle, WA

Breath-taking vistas of Puget Sound stare you in the face as you walk from your hotel to Lumen Field. The freshest seafood is available at numerous walk-up eateries along the city’s waterfront. This is a haven for coffee lovers, too.

4. Baltimore, MD

When the Browns were reborn in 1999, team CEO Carmen Policy wanted Art Modell’s relocated franchise in Baltimore exiled to another division so that new Browns owner Al Lerner would not have to relive his assistance role in Modell’s end run two times a season. Pittsburgh owner Dan Rooney argued that the newly created AFC North needed to have Baltimore included for rivalries’ sake. So glad the NFL listened to him. This is a great city to visit for a game.

5. Philadelphia

I’ve gotten to know Philly much better in recent years when the Browns visited for joint practices against the Eagles during summer training camp. Very impressed with its food stops. Old City, home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and other historic landmarks, never gets old. And historic Reading Terminal Market is sensational.

Honorable mention: Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ.

My top 5 NFL stadiums

1. SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

A model for new Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park, it sits mostly underground beneath the landing path to Los Angeles International Airport. Not fully enclosed, the design gives spectators the unique feel of an indoor stadium in an outdoor setting. A live Mariarchi band – instead of overly-loud sound tracks – establishes a festive mood in pre-game.

2. Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

When I first visited this football relic, I parked on a homeowner’s tree lawn across the street for $10, and most of the stadium seats were wooden benches. The oldest continually operating stadium in the NFL has been updated many times since and is now surrounded by a glitzy, mixed-use development known as Titletown. Still, the Frozen Tundra maintains an iconic aura, especially in the winter months. This is football’s equivalent of Fenway Park and Wrigley Field and stands as the NFL’s only true bucket list destination.

3. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

This magnificent structure features a retractable roof and huge moveable windows behind one end zone. When you approach this stadium on foot, it looks like it could survive 100 years. Inside, it is a giant man-cave.

4. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Hundreds of cars line up as early as 12 hours before gates open to draw dibs on prime tailgate spots. The smell of sweet Kansas City barbecue hangs over the massive parking lot surrounding the stadium. Chiefs fans are the friendliest to opponent’s fans I’ve ever come across. I hate the fact the Chiefs plan to relocate to a new edifice in Kansas in a few years.

5. M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

Nestled behind Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the beauty of this stadium lies in its accessibility from the Inner Harbor hotels via foot. The press box used to be primely placed at mid-field and very low to the field, making for the best view for media in the NFL. Alas, team president Sashi Brown moved it to a corner end zone to make room for the construction of a swath of the highest-priced luxury suites in the stadium.

Honorable mention: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA; U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN; Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL; Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.

The post As another Browns schedule is revealed, I list my favorite NFL cities and stadiums to visit appeared first on The Land On Demand.

My third annual Browns schedule mock draft is the schedule I want to see.

It is not an attempt to predict the real thing that will be released Thursday night. That’s impossible to predict.

Every time the newest Browns’ schedule is released, the first things I look for are a.) the season opener opponent, b.) whether they are at home or on the road on Thanksgiving and Christmas weekend, and c.) whether there are any prime-time games.

Personally, I dread traveling on the holiday weekends and prefer 1 p.m. games over night games.

We’ve known the Browns’ opponents since January 5 because the NFL has a very logical schedule formula. Based on last year’s records, the Browns have the easiest schedule in 2026. Their opponents had a combined win percentage of .429. That’s low because the AFC North teams this year play every team in the AFC South and NFC South, which are the two weakest divisions based on last year’s records.

But I always say it’s not who you play, it’s when you play them. Injuries to key players, particularly a starting quarterback, can’t be predicted in May.

These are the main things I want to see in the Browns’ schedule:

* Open the season at home with a familiar opponent, but not a division opponent.

* Get the humiliation in Pittsburgh out of the way as soon as possible.

* Break up the two trips to the New Jersey swamp lands.

* Stay home on Thanksgiving weekend.

* No travel on Christmas week.

* Few prime-time games. None, if possible.

* Road games to warm cities in November or December.

* Stay home the final week of the season.

With all of that in mind, here’s my version of a good schedule for the Browns in 2026.

Game 1: Home v. Atlanta Falcons

Kevin Stefanski’s return to Cleveland as a visiting coach makes sense for a season-opener. He told me at NFL league meetings in late March that he will carry a chip on his shoulder this season. “Anytime you lose your job or you fall short of what you were trying to do, you take that with you,” he said. “You take that personally. So, I don’t mean it in a way that you hold a grudge. I think it means that it motivates you. You want to do better.” He added, “You ever been fired? No? Not yet?” Funny.

Game 2: At Pittsburgh Steelers

Twenty-two consecutive regular-season losses in Pittsburgh. Let’s get this over with quickly.

Game 3: At New York Jets

The first of two trips to New Jersey. Joy.

Game 4: Home v. Baltimore Ravens

Todd Monken deserves to coach his first game against his former team on his new home turf. The Ravens will be coming off a game in Rio de Janeiro against the Cowboys in Week 3.

Game 5: Home v. Carolina Panthers

I’m straining to find a noteworthy hook for this game.

Game 6: At Jacksonville Jaguars

See above.

Game 7: At New York Giants

Monken v. John Harbaugh. Ex-Browns Greg Newsome and Shelby Harris were key additions for the Giants.

Game 8: Home v. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow broke his 0-4 record in Cleveland last year because of two missed kicks. His best game in Cleveland still was in his rookie year, the second NFL game of his career.

Bye

Game 9: At New Orleans Saints

French media reported this game would be played in Paris. Personally, I’m not disappointed it proved false. New Orleans is one of the best road trips in the NFL. Gumbo for everyone.

Game 10: Home v. Houston Texans

Chance, perhaps, for Deshaun Watson to go 2-0 against his former team.

Game 11: Home v. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza takes his act off The Strip.

Game 12: At Baltimore Ravens

This trip became a tad less satisfying when Sashi Brown took over as team president and stopped serving crab cakes in the press box at halftime to save money. Still, I always enjoy this visit – except for three hours on Sunday.

Game 13: At Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cade York’s 58-yard field goal with eight seconds to play spoiled Baker Mayfield’s first game against his former team when he played for Carolina. Seems an eternity ago. Mayfield doesn’t forgive or forget. His receipts can fill a garbage bin.

Game 14: Home v. Indianapolis Colts

I wish Indy were on the road schedule. Maybe I can order takeout from Iaria’s on Saturday night. Does DoorDash deliver 300 miles away?

Game 15: At Tennessee Titans

New Nissan Stadium is 75 percent complete, but the new home of the Titans doesn’t open until 2027. It will be interesting, though, to see how the Cam Ward-to-Carnell Tate connection is working.

Game 16: At Cincinnati Bengals

Wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals have a chance for division title at this point.

Game 17: Home v. Pittsburgh Steelers

Can we see Will Howard or Drew Allar at QB in this game rather than angry, old Aaron Rodgers?

The post How ‘bout a Browns schedule mock draft? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Leftover takeaways from Browns rookie minicamp …

The only two defensive players among the Browns’ draft class of 10 share at least one characteristic.

Toledo safety Emmanual McNeil-Warren (second round) and Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson (fifth round) might get on the field at different points of their rookie seasons. But both impressed the Browns with their passion and love for the game.

“[McNeil-Warren] is long, fast, anticipating, physical, got unbelievable range,” coach Todd Monken said. “He’s another one of those guys that has a smile on his face every day. Loves football. It’s what we saw when we met with him at the Combine, when he came here. Like, I think the sky’s the limit. He wants to be an elite football player, and he goes about it the right way every day.”

Jefferson was one of the most vocal players on the field during the weekend minicamp.

“No, it’s not hard to see the guys that love football, is it?” Monken said. “It’s pretty simple. You show up to practice, you guys are looking the same thing I’m looking at, right? You can see with JJ, a guy that loves to play football, comes in the building ready to go. He’s jocked up, ready to go. I love that about guys and you can just see it. You can just feel it. You can feel the guys when you come out to the practice field, they’re ready to go, the music’s going, they’re fired up and those guys are fun to coach.”

A very Green QB

There’s a lot to like about Taylen Green, the freak athletic QB from Arkansas, such as his size (6-6, 230 pounds), speed, and ability to spin the ball rather effortlessly.

But it was also evident how Green could last until the sixth round when every NFL team craves a developmental quarterback with plus physical traits.

Fundamentals such as footwork, cadence [barking out signals at the line of scrimmage], and release of the ball were obvious points of emphasis with Monken.

“Getting used to our cadence, early on, and he was better [Day 2], but this morning and yesterday, choppy with his cadence,” Monken said on Saturday. “So just getting our guys into a rhythm at the line of scrimmage, I think that was the second thing he needed to work on. He did a nice job today of working through his progressions. I did like that part of it.”

There’s a reason that few quarterbacks of 6-6 and taller have success in the NFL. The long, extended arm windup might look great on the practice field, but it becomes a hindrance when the pocket collapses in the heat of a pass rush.

The best at that height in recent times have been Joe Flacco, Justin Herbert, Nick Foles and Trevor Lawrence.

The not-so-great: Dan McGwire, Brock Osweiler, Paxson Lynch, Mike Glennon.

“We’re gonna have to be really diligent in trying to tighten down his release,” Monken said of Green. “When you’re talking about checkdowns taken from [the] long release, he has to just be able to dart it — to get it quickly out of his hands and into the hands of the running back or a tight end.”

What separates Green from all the tall quarterbacks, however, is his foot speed (4.36 in the 40) and vertical leap (43.5 in.). No quarterback in Combine history posted comparable numbers.

For the record, Michael Vick, considered by many as the best dual-threat QB of all time, measured 6-0 and 210, clocked a 4.33 40, and vertical-leaped 38 in.

Lamar Jackson (6-2, 205) did not run the 40 or do the vertical at the 2018 Combine or at his Louisville pro day.

A Sorsby connection

Tight end Joe Royer reinvented himself in two years at Cincinnati (79 receptions, 938 yards, 7 TD) with Brendan Sorsby as Bearcats quarterback.

Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech and is contemplating a jump to the NFL via the supplemental draft if he loses his college eligibility because of a gambling investigation. He is undergoing counseling for gambling addiction, according to a Texas Tech announcement.

“I firmly believe he’s a first-round talent,” Royer said. “He has all the tools that make up a great and successful quarterback. He’s big, he’s quick, he’s got the arm strength, he’s smart, as well. The sky’s the limit for Brendan.”

Royer was not asked if he and teammates were aware of Sorsby’s gambling problem at Cincinnati. The extent of that problem will dictate how soon Sorsby enters the NFL and whether a team like the Browns will bid a high (second round) 2027 pick on him if he enters the supplemental draft in July.

Brownie bits

Center Parker Brailsford is undersized (6-1 7/8, 289), but the Browns believe his quickness and ability to get to the second level of a defense is more important than his size. Brailsford cited Jason Kelce (6-3, 295), formerly of the Eagles, and Miami’s Aaron Brewer (6-1, 295) as centers he studied …

When practice got ragged or too competitive, Monken had players take off their helmets and retreated to what he called “an ACT period – which means alignment, communication and technique – more of a mental sweat. Really trying to tax our guys. Because at the end of this, the goal at the end of the minicamp is to make it out healthy. And I wanted to make sure of that.” …

On the weekend he was drafted in the first round, KC Concepcion took note of his history of drops at North Carolina State and Texans A&M and said, “I am going to work non-stop to fix that.” In two days of minicamp practices open to media, it was evident that more work must be done …

The Browns added another cornerback, Michael Coats, undrafted from Virginia. Tight end Sal Cannella was waived.

The post Browns defensive rookies did not go unnoticed at minicamp appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from Browns rookie minicamp Day 1 …

The new quarterback in town was hard to miss.

Taylen Green, the sixth-round pick from Arkansas, is an imposing 6-6, weighs 230 pounds, clocked a 4.36 40 at the NFL Combine, did a 43 ½ in. vertical leap, spins the ball effortlessly with a flick of the wrist, and accelerates on the run with each stride seemingly longer than the previous one.

“I really don’t think there’s anybody like me,” Green said after his first Browns practice. “I don’t know, like [being] cocky or anything, just, you know, [I have] some confidence. There’s nobody that moves like me that is as tall as me.”

I asked Green what current NFL quarterback would he compare himself to if he could reach his ultimate potential.

“I would say, of course, Lamar [Jackson], but, like, he ain’t 6-6. You know, Josh Allen is close, but I am 230; he’s like 260. I would say, I don’t know. My dad says [I’m] Randall Cunningham-ish.”

The Cunningham comp is interesting.

A second-round pick of the Eagles in 1985, Cunningham was a legendary, athletic freak, dual threat QB, 6-4 and 215 pounds, who could effortlessly flick the ball 60 yards and turn a broken play into a 60-yard TD run.

Green is a long way from being in the company of these athletic comps, however. He had 37 turnovers the last two years at Arkansas, including 17 lost fumbles.

“I just got to do a better job of securing the ball,” Green said. “You know, every single play, I have the responsibility to hold the ball or carry the ball. The ball is the team and the team is the ball. So just take more responsibility and be more aware of those things.”

Green took the bulk of snaps with the rookie version of the first-team offense, with Spencer Fano at left tackle, Parker Brailsford at center and Austin Barber at right tackle; with Joe Royer at tight end; and KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston at wide receiver.

“He operated the offense pretty well,” coach Todd Monken said. “I mean, for someone who hadn’t been a part of it. [His] eyes weren’t always in the right spot, but you can see a couple of times some of the things he can do with his feet when plays break down. So that’s exciting to see.”

Monken reaffirmed that coaches may get to the point of writing some special packages for Green down the line, probably as a Wildcat QB.

“Probably too early to tell that,” Monken said. “But I could say that – anybody with that kind of athleticism, I think should he progress in certain areas of his game, I think there would be a possibility of him, whether it’s short-yardage, you know, once you get in the low red zone, maybe some third down stuff that we could utilize.

“You can see from when he was at Boise [State] to then getting with Bobby Petrino and the guys at Arkansas, he’s come a long way. You can see that already, and there’s still a next jump that he can make. It’s exciting to have him out here and let him just play through some things.”

Fano a Fano

The Spencer Fano story as Browns No. 1 draft pick took on a new angle when the Browns added his older brother, Logan, a defensive end, as an undrafted free agent.

Logan, 23, is two years older than Spencer. He started at Brigham Young and transferred to Utah to join his brother in 2023.

“It’s so crazy,” Spencer said of the family reunion with the Browns. “It feels a lot like it was Utah, but then I look and see the freakin’ Browns jersey on. It’s so cool, so cool. Obviously, I’m freakin’ ecstatic, so excited to be with my brother.”

Logan’s athletic career has been stymied by three ACL injuries in seven years – two on his right knee.

“My goal was to get drafted,” Logan said. “It didn’t happen, but I’m fortunate to have this opportunity to continue playing and be with my brother. There’s no better situation I could ask for.”

As you might suspect, the Fano brothers are ultra competitive – and very close. They shared the interview podium after practice.

Logan said they’ve had “over a thousand” reps against each other in practice in their careers.

“All through high school, there was never a day we did not fight. I was the gritty little brother,” Spencer said.

“I’m the most lucky older brother in the world,” Logan said.

Those wide receivers

KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston – drafted back-to-back at No. 24 and No. 39 overall – spent a lot of time on the field together in 11-on-11 periods.

Green, for one, appreciated the complementary skills of the receivers.

“Denzel is, you know, he’s a big target … a long frame. It’s kind of hard to miss him,” Green said. “KC, he’s really quick out of his break. So I got to make sure I get my feet on the ground really quick. So they definitely make my job a lot easier man.”

Concepcion made the catch of the day, a leaping grab of a Green pass in the middle of the field.

“He got up on that and beat me in the vertical,” Green said.

Brownie bits

Concepcion had a routine arthroscopic knee procedure in March, but was cleared to practice and showed no signs of a problem. “We monitored him a little bit, but he was clear. He was good to go,” Monken said. “Knee looks great. We just want to make sure we get through basically this weekend and the first week. So, when the other guys get back and we’re able to go like we are today and see what we got.” …

Besides the 10 draft picks, the Browns had on hand 12 undrafted free agents, 25 players invited as tryouts, and one International player who will increase their roster to 91 and potentially their practice squad to 17 players …

Among the tryout players was six-year veteran receiver Jalen Reagor, a first-round pick of the Eagles in 2020 …

Monken practiced the rookies for 1 hour, 40 minutes. He said he was pleased that the 25 tryout players caught up to speed because they didn’t have the luxury of being prepped with Zoom calls earlier in the week and could not receive Ipods with the play sheet for the practice …

At the end of the day the Browns were awarded defensive tackle Elijah Chatman via waivers from the Giants.

The post Browns 6th-round rookie QB Taylen Green: ‘I don’t think there’s anybody like me’ appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns rookies are here! The Browns rookies are here!

The highly-touted Browns draft class of 2026 receives uniforms and locker-room assignments and take the field for the first time in a three-day minicamp starting Friday.

Ordinarily, this annual orientation is not a particularly significant event on the NFL calendar unless a franchise quarterback is the keystone of the class.

But the last two Browns rookie classes have been rather extraordinary, and this one has the potential to outshine the 2025 class, which included, ultimately, five starters and the NFL rookie defensive player-of-the-year.

The 2026 Browns draft class might add another five starters to the foundation of a young, dynamic roster being laid by GM Andrew Berry.

As the newest draft picks convene for the first time – along with perhaps two dozen undrafted rookies and tryout invitees announced by the team on Friday – here’s a look at the real possibilities of each in the coming season.

1. Spencer Fano

Unassailably the Browns’ No. 1 target in the draft, the versatile Utah offensive lineman was instantly tabbed as the new franchise left tackle. Whether he is the next Joe Thomas or the next Jedrick Wills, or most likely someone in between, Fano has a full year to grow into the important role of blind-side protector of the next franchise quarterback hopeful.

2. KC Concepcion

The highest-drafted wide receiver in Berry’s seven drafts, Concepcion is a dynamic target from the slot before he gets the ball and even more so as a yards-after-catch specialist. He had a lot of drops in two years at North Carolina State and one at Texas A&M, but also a lot of touchdowns, including two last year on punt returns.

3. Denzel Boston

How good must he be for Berry to take a receiver on back-to-back picks? Unprecedented. He has Josh Gordon size (6-4, 212) but not his speed. He is such a complement to Concepcion – bigger and sure-handed, and able to outwrestle defenders for 50-50 balls. He also had a TD on a punt return.

4. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Toledo delivered Quinyon Mitchell to the NFL in 2024 and he blossomed as a first-team All-Pro in his second season with the Eagles. The Rockets’ newest defensive product is a towering (6-3 ½, 201) free safety who could begin his career as a fly-chasing center fielder the Browns haven’t had in over a decade. McNeil-Warren’s nine punch-out fumbles outpaced his five career interceptions at Toledo. He could evolve into a clone of Nick Emmanwori of the Super Bowl champion Seahawks if he adds upper-body muscle. A crazy stat is McNeil-Warren was called for one penalty in 1,861 defensive snaps in three years.

5. Austin Barber

A three-year starter at left tackle at Florida, Barber could challenge Dawand Jones as the No. 1 swing tackle as a rookie. Almost 6-7 and 318 pounds, Barber could move inside eventually if his feet don’t prove quick enough for the tackle position.

6. Parker Brailsford

He could be one of the most important picks. If he is good enough to win the starting center position – which the Browns envision — he would solidify the total rebuild of the offensive line, enabling Elgton Jenkins to camp at his best position at left guard. If it takes an extra year, so be it. He was a respected team leader at Alabama.

7. Justin Jefferson

A typical Berry linebacker selection – under-sized (6-0 3/8, 223), fast, fly-to-the-ball pursuer from the SEC. No doubt he will start off as a special teams corps player. Hopefully, his body holds up better than his former Browns comp – Jacob Phillips of LSU (2020 draft).

8. Joe Royer

Part of the 2020 OSU recruiting class that included C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, injuries blunted his time with the Buckeyes. Transferring to his hometown Cincinnati, he had two injury-free seasons. The favorite to claim TE2 behind Harold Fannin in the first post-David Njoku season.

9. Taylen Green

If you take a flier on a late-round quarterback, why not one with freak athletic skills? Green (6-6, 227) rewrote the Combine record book for quarterbacks with a 4.36 40 time and 43 ½ in. vertical jump. He is a dual threat QB who can make any throw and turn any third-and-long into his personal showcase with his speed. He needs, um, refinement as a quarterback. The Browns could start him out as a Wildcat QB weapon.

10. Carsen Ryan

Mostly an in-line tight end in three years at UCLA and Utah, he expanded his game a final season at Brigham Young with 45 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns. Prime candidate for the TE3 role.

The post First look at heralded Browns rookie class takes place at minicamp this weekend appeared first on The Land On Demand.

There’s always another quarterback hope to tempt, tantalize, torture and polarize Browns fans.

Now you might add Brendan Sorsby to the list.

Sorsby, 22, is the talented, physical (6-3 and 235 pounds) and controversial Texas Tech quarterback contemplating an end run to the NFL via the seldom-used supplemental draft.

In the event that happens sometime in July, NFL teams are doing their homework in sizing up Sorsby as a quarterback prospect. The Browns are among those teams putting in work on Sorsby, according to a source.

ESPN reported Sorsby is being investigated by Indiana and Ohio gaming commissions, in addition to the NCAA, for allegedly betting on college football games during his years enrolled at Indiana (2022-23) and Cincinnati (2024-25).

In a story reported by ESPN’s David Purdum, multiple sources described Sorsby as a “high-volume, low-stakes” bettor, using multiple betting accounts under multiple names.

The NCAA prohibits student-athletes from betting on college or NFL games. It could rule him permanently ineligible before the coming season.

Texas Tech recently announced that Sorsby entered a rehabilitation center for gambling addiction.

Remember the supplemental draft?

In the meantime, Sorsby reportedly hired attorney Jeffrey Kessler, a long-time NFL courtroom nemesis, to help him fight for his college eligibility or, if needed, navigate a path to the NFL.

That’s where the supplemental draft comes in.

The NFL supplemental draft, first implemented in 1977, is a draft for players who become eligible for the NFL – or lose their college eligibility – after the regular NFL draft. Players have to apply for admission; it’s not automatic.

Bernie Kosar famously made the supplemental draft his route to the NFL and Cleveland in 1985 when he outfoxed the NFL by taking advantage of a loophole discovered and researched by his advisor, his family and the Browns.

Kosar was scheduled to graduate from Miami after the regular draft in April. So he opted not to enter the regular draft and then applied in July for the supplemental draft. By then, the Browns had maneuvered a trade with Buffalo to earn the top pick in the supplemental draft.

Houston and Minnesota, which had orchestrated a trade of their own to put the Vikings in position to draft Kosar, led a chorus of outraged teams that protested to Commissioner Pete Rozelle. It was a giant cause celebre that even unnerved Browns owner Art Modell, who was still regarded as a league kingpin at the time.

Reps from all the teams involved converged on NFL headquarters to plead their case to Rozelle. Ultimately, Rozelle ruled Kosar was in the unique position to choose which draft he preferred to enter.

But before Kosar made his decision, Rozelle allowed the Vikings five days to “recruit” Kosar to their team. Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant wasn’t able to sway Kosar, however, and Kosar chose to enter the supplemental draft and play for the Browns.

The rules of the supplemental draft have been changed several times since then.

Now, instead of following the most recent draft order, the order is determined by a lottery system. Teams are divided into three groups – teams with six or fewer wins the previous season, the rest of the non-playoff teams, and the 14 teams from the playoffs.

The order of each group is selected randomly. If a team wants the player, it submits a secret bid of what round it would take the player. The team with the highest draft order and highest bid is awarded the player and must forfeit its corresponding pick in the 2027 draft.

Why would the Browns be interested?

Over his last two seasons at Cincinnati, Sorsby completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 5,613 yards and 45 touchdowns v. 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,027 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Bearcats were 12-12 in Sorsby’s 24 starts.

As a result, Sorsby was the prize QB of the college football transfer portal. He reportedly received an NIL deal of up to $6 million to transfer to Texas Tech in January.

According to The Athletic draft guru Dane Brugler, Sorsby would have been QB3 in the 2025 draft class after Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, and projected in the second or third round. Brugler added in a text, “[Sorsby] had a chance to be a clear first [round pick] with a strong 2026 at TT.”

That’s the rub. If Sorsby loses his eligibility and has to leave for the NFL early, he won’t be the same prospect now as he could be in 2027 after another college season.

However, the Browns might not be in position high enough in the 2027 draft order to select a quarterback of Sorsby’s stature. So taking a chance on him a year early at the cost of, say, a second-round pick in 2027 might be a shortcut worth researching.

In 2012, the Browns under then-GM Tom Heckert took such a chance on wide receiver Josh Gordon, who had been suspended by Baylor for the entire 2011 season because of a positive drug test.

Heckert forfeited a second-round pick to select the athletically gifted Gordon in the 2012 supplemental draft and signed him to a four-year, $5.3 million deal. Gordon had 50 receptions as a 21-year-old rookie and then led the NFL in his second season with 1,646 receiving yards and nine TDs on 87 receptions.

That was as good as it got, of course.

Gordon suffered addiction problems resulting in multiple NFL suspensions. The Browns released him in the 2018 season. Gordon went on to play for the Patriots, Seahawks, Chiefs and Titans and then in the XFL. Gordon officially retired from football in 2024 at the age of 33.

There is a chance that even if Sorsby is admitted to the supplemental draft he could face NFL discipline, pending the outcome of the gambling investigations.

When former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor entered the NFL through the 2011 supplemental draft, it came with a five-game NFL suspension as a result of taking improper benefits at OSU.

Sorsby’s case is more complicated because of the gambling allegations. But that isn’t stopping NFL teams from doing their research.

The post Would the Browns be interested if Brendan Sorsby opts for the NFL supplemental draft? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Can the Browns turn around an 8-26 team in one offseason?

On January 5, owner Jimmy Haslam said to get back to him in 120 days.

The day Haslam fired head coach Kevin Stefanski and retained GM Andrew Berry, he outlined the immediate tasks at hand.

“Let me just say this – the next 120 days are crucial for the organization, OK?” Haslam said standing in the atrium of Browns HQ. “We’ve got to find the right head coach. We’ve got to be efficient again in free agency. We have 10 draft picks, including two number ones. We have four of the top four picks in the top three rounds, OK?

“And we’ve got to get really good players who are really good people again. We’ve got to be opportunistic if trade opportunities come along. We are solely focused on having a great 120 days so we can start winning games around here.”

Tuesday marked the end of the “crucial” 120-day time period set forth by Haslam.

So how did the organization do?

1. The coaching hire

In a move that signalled more authority for Andrew Berry, Haslam appointed his GM to conduct the coaching search. It would be Berry’s first head coach hire as an NFL executive.

Stefanski coordinators Jim Schwartz and Tommy Rees were the first to interview on January 8. Schwartz received a second interview. Rees did not.

Immediately, fired Baltimore coach John Harbaugh was a natural person of interest.

The Browns did talk with him via phone to gauge his interest. Eventually, it was conveyed to teams that Harbaugh would command $20 million a year over five years. That wasn’t a hangup with Haslam. But Harbaugh wanted final say on personnel, and that wouldn’t jibe with Haslam’s desire to strengthen, rather than weaken, Berry’s grip on the GM job.

It was also conveyed via Harbaugh’s reps, per a league source, that Harbaugh wanted any interested teams to conduct their Rooney Rule-required two in-person interviews with minority candidates before he would even agree to an interview. The Giants were OK with that; the Browns didn’t feel a good vibe and withdrew from pursuing Harbaugh.

The first external candidates interviewed via zoom were Dan Pitcher, Cincinnati offensive coordinator, and Aden Durde, Seattle defensive coordinator. Neither received a second interview.

Other candidates to receive initial zoom interviews were Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken, L.A. Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Jacksonville offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, fired Miami head coach Mike McDaniel, L.A. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and Washington run game coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Lynn.

Eventually, McDaniel, Udinski and Minter withdrew from consideration. Lynn was a very late entrant and did not receive a second interview.

After a unique process that included take-home essay questions, Scheelhaase and Monken joined Schwartz as the three finalists, pitting two offensive-minded coaches v. the Browns three-year defensive coordinator.

Scheelhaase, 35, with only two years in the NFL on Sean McVay’s Rams staff, ultimately was considered a year away from being a safer choice.

On January 28 – 23 days after the search began — Monken was given the job in a move that was surprising, if not stunning, at the time. At 59, he became the third-oldest coaching hire in Browns history and the oldest first-time head coach in the NFL.

Schwartz was so outraged by being passed over that he resigned as defensive coordinator. The Browns did not expect that reaction from Schwartz. In subsequent conversations with sources, it appeared the Browns did not thoroughly vet Schwartz’s feelings on staying on as coordinator if bypassed for the head coaching job.

Grade: B+. The loss of Schwartz might have been circumvented with better communication.

2. Free agency

Early on, Berry made a few points about his roster-building intentions.

On January 5, he said, “The offense is going to have significant investment this offseason.” He also stated, “The offensive line, that’s a position group that I do imagine will have a fair amount of turnover as we go into 2026.”

At Monken’s intro press conference, Berry emphasized he intended to make the roster younger and would not be signing “a bunch of mid-30s veterans to put us over the top, so to speak.”

And then on the verge of free agency at the NFL Combine in late February, Berry asserted the chance of being “a little bit more aggressive [in free agency] than last year, but it’ll be targeted and opportunistic … I think realistically we may be one more offseason away from being hyper-aggressive in [free agency].”

When free agency started, Berry burst out of the gate and agreed to terms with veteran offensive linemen Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and traded for right tackle Tytus Howard. His other big move was signing linebacker Quincy Williams to take the place of departed Devin Bush.

Berry added blocking tight end Jack Stoll, safety Daniel Thomas, receiver/returner Tylan Wallace, defensive tackle Kalia Davis, and cornerback Myles Bryant; and re-signed offensive guard Teven Jenkins, punter Corey Bojorquez, defensive tackle Sam Kamara, linebacker Julian Okwara, tight end Blake Whiteheart, and defensive backs Tre Avery and D’Angelo Ross.

Grade: B+. By not trading for or signing a free agent receiver of significance, Berry couldn’t camouflage receiver as a draft priority. The same was true of offensive left tackle and center – two obvious holes left after free agency.

3. The draft

Berry saved his best work for last.

A trade-down from No. 6 to No. 9 netted the Browns Kansas City’s picks in the third and fifth rounds. Those would result in further deals and more assets.

Berry resisted a second trade-down with Dallas to No. 12 and used the No. 9 selection on Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano. Significantly, the Browns immediately named the versatile Fano the left tackle.

Later, he resisted trade offers at No. 24 and used that pick on Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion.

The second day of the draft might have been the best of the weekend for the Browns.

Berry doubled-down at receiver and chose Washington’s Denzel Boston at No. 39, and then traded up 12 notches from No. 70 to select Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 58 in the second round.

By the way, the original trade with Kansas City eventually netted – after further trades – Fano, offensive tackle Austin Barber (third round), and two fourth-round picks in the 2027. The Browns were the only team to acquire more than one future pick in 2027.

Berry rounded out his draft with 10 picks, including a possible starting center in Parker Brailsford and a tantalizing, freakishly-athletic, developmental QB prospect, Taylen Green.

Grade: A.

By the end of Haslam’s “crucial” 120 days, Berry assuaged concerns about past draft failures and provided his new head coach with a completely revamped and fortified offensive line and two highly-rated rookie receivers.

What Berry accomplished in 120 days might not vault the Browns into playoff contention in 2026; there’s still uncertainty at quarterback. But it certainly established Berry – in the first offseason removed from the auspices of chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta – as the No. 1 man in charge of the organization’s football fortunes.

The post Browns GM Andrew Berry passes Jimmy Haslam’s ‘crucial’ 120 days with flying colors appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Besides Spencer Fano, which rookie will have the most impact in the 2026 season?

— Chad, Erie, PA

Hey Chad: The easy answer is one of the wide receivers, KC Concepcion or Denzel Boston. My below-radar answer is Parker Brailsford. Why a rookie center? If Brailsford nails down the starting center job, it enables Elgton Jenkins to return to left guard, his best position. Brailsford would solidify the offensive line rebuild and keep the four other starters in their best position.

Hey Tony: For the majority of Deshaun Watson’s tenure with the Browns, he has not looked great, so much so that Haslam called him a “big swing and miss.”  So, how did he suddenly go to the presumptive QB1 after having not touched the field for a year? 

— AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been marred by an 11-game league suspension, two shoulder injuries, two Achilles tendon tears, and his mind cluttered by two dozen allegations of misconduct, civil lawsuits, and the pressure of living up to an unprecedented fully-guaranteed contract. OK, it’s been a colossal swing and miss. Now Watson is healthy and freed of the lawsuits. He is said to be in a good mindset. The Browns are paying him $46 million. Why would they not try to salvage whatever they can from him in the last year of his contract? I mean, the alternatives are two second-year QBs who were not exactly world-beaters. Consider Watson a one-year bridge quarterback to 2027. He will not be back after 2026. If Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel wins the QB competition, fine. Maybe one of them is the QB who will take the Browns to the next level. If not, they look toward the 2027 draft and Watson moves on. Playing Watson in 2026 does not mean the Browns are re-upping him in 2027.

 Hey Tony: With many experts claiming the Browns as back-to-back draft  champions, how soon until we realistically compete for a Super Bowl?

— Andy, Bloomington, IL

Hey Andy: That won’t happen until the undisputed franchise quarterback hopeful is identified and secured. Then add a minimum of two years for development (see Drake Maye).

Hey Tony: Andrew Berry’s career hinges on getting the QB pick right in the ’27 draft. There’s only one way to ensure he’ll have the capital to move to #1: trading for it. Only 1 player will bring that haul — Myles Garrett. Is MG is on this roster in 11 months?

— Ryan, Ashtabula, OH

Hey Ryan: It’s not Berry’s career that hinges on getting the QB pick right in ’27. The Browns’ Super Bowl hopes hinge on it. I am an advocate of trading Garrett to secure the assets to acquire the QB in 2027. Will Berry and Haslam do it? They seem to be more open to it than before.

Hey Tony: Has there been any fire around a Dillon Gabriel to ATL trade so we can not have the added drama?

— Aaron, Toledo, OH

Hey Aaron: A Gabriel-to-Atlanta trade will not happen. The Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to be the starter until Michael Penix returns from a torn left ACL. The Falcons also signed veteran journeyman Trevor Siemian. Even if Siemian doesn’t pan out as QB3, no team trades for a QB3.

Hey Tony: Browns interested in Brandon Sorsby in supplemental draft?

— David, Cleveland, Oh

Hey David: Sorsby (6-3 and 235 pounds) would have been an intriguing prospect had he prospered in the 2026 season after transferring to Texas Tech. The gambling scandal robbed him of that opportunity. The scandal alone does not hurt Sorsby’s NFL prospects as much as the lost season of development at Texas Tech. No, I don’t believe the Browns would be – nor should be – interested in forfeiting a 2027 pick for Sorsby in the supplemental draft.

Hey Tony: Is drafting Johnny Manziel the biggest mistake of the Haslam era considering the long-term ramifications it caused for FO, coaches and player acquisition?

— Cory, Columbus, OH

Hey Cory: No. It’s the Watson trade and gargantuan contract. Not even close.

Hey Tony: With new coach Monken how do you feel he’ll play Shedeur and Watson different from Stefanski? For me, I think all he has to do is open them up to their play style and we will be winning games at least more than last year.

— Le’Quan, East Cleveland, Oh

Hey Le’Quan: I don’t know. Let’s see it unfold.

Hey Tony: Does this Myles Garrett situation make you as nervous as me? First where is he and why isn’t he being a team leader? Second, Berry’s language change. They aren’t shopping him but it sure sounds like they are dropping hints to “make me an offer”

— Mike, North Olmsted, OH

Hey Mike: Nervous? Not at all. I think if a trade of Garrett results in securing the Browns QB of the future, it would be exciting. I agree the Browns are becoming more open to the possibility of a future Garrett trade. My opinion is that Garrett has made it known that he still would favor a trade to a contender. Another factor is that Garrett’s $40 million-a-year contract figure already has become obsolete. Would you want to reinvest another $10 million-a-year+ in a player who 1. Doesn’t want to be here, and 2. Will be 30 in December?

The post #HeyTony: Other than Spencer Fano, which rookie should have the biggest impact on the 2026 season? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

After adding 10 players in the draft and expecting to add another 10 or so undrafted free agents, the Browns’ roster is approximately 90 percent set for the 2026 season.

Free agency continues through training camp, so there may be a veteran or two added, also.

But we pretty much know the names that will make up Todd Monken’s first Browns team.

Monken puts the rookies on the field for the first time with his rookie minicamp on Friday through Sunday.

That’s followed by Phase 3 of the voluntary offseason program, which includes 10 on-field practices May 19-21, May 26-28 and June 2-5. Those practices will be the first full team practices blending veterans and rookies together.

The spring season climaxes in Monken’s mandatory minicamp June 9-11, which may be the first time we see Myles Garrett.

Here’s an updated look at the Browns’ position groups, with projected starters, as the spring season kicks into third gear.

(We are not including names of reported undrafted free agents and minicamp tryout players until the Browns officially announce them later in the week.)

Quarterback

Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green (r), Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson.

Projected starter: Watson.

Analysis: Monken last week tried to diffuse speculation that he has moved Watson to the front of the depth chart. OK, we’ll play along for now. Maybe Sanders even will be first up when OTAs begin on May 19. But we fully expect Watson to be No. 1 by mandatory minicamp. Green will draw attention at rookie minicamp. A 6-6 athletic freak, Green may be groomed as a specialty Wildcat quarterback when he joins the veterans.

Running back

Michael Burton, Ahmani Marshall, Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Rocket Sanders.

Projected starter: Judkins.

Analysis: Monken wanted a full-time fullback on the roster and that’s why the Browns signed Burton, 34, rather than continue to use defensive tackle Adin Huntington as a part-time lead-blocker. The 10-year veteran has been with six previous teams, most recently Denver. Burton missed all of 2025 with a severe hamstring injury. Judkins, who had surgery in December on a fractured ankle and fractured fibula, is hoped to be cleared to practice by the mandatory minicamp so he won’t have to start training camp on the PUP list.

Wide receiver

Isaiah Bond, Denzel Boston (r), KC Concepcion (r), Malachi Corley, Luke Floriea, Jerry Jeudy, Gage Larvadain, Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman, Tylan Wallace, Isaiah Wooden.

Projected starters: Jeudy, Boston, Concepcion.

Analysis: Monken’s offense will vacillate from three-receiver (11 personnel), two-tight end (12) and two-back (21) alignments. It will be interesting to see who emerges as WR2, but Concepcion and Boston should be expected to leapfrog Bond and Tillman on the depth chart by training camp. If Bond is WR4, it would mean a battle royale for the last two roster spots among Tillman, Corley, Larvadain, Thrash, Wallace and Wooden.

Tight end

Brenden Bates, Sal Cannella, Harold Fannin, Caden Prieskorn, Joe Royer (r), Carsen Ryan (r), Jack Stoll, Blake Whiteheart.

Projected starter: Fannin.

Analysis: The volume of tight ends here suggests Monken is looking to keep four on the 53, which means occasional three-tight end looks (13 personnel). You figure rookie draft picks Royer and Ryan have the edge on roster spots after Fannin.

Offensive line

Austin Barber (r), Parker Brailsford (r), Jeremiah Byers, Jack Conley, Kingsley Eguakun, Spencer Fano (r), Kendrick Green, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Dawand Jones, KT Leveston, Tyre Phillips, Luke Wypler, Zak Zinter.

Projected starters: LT Fano, LG E. Jenkins, C Brailsford, RG Z. Johnson, RT Howard.

Analysis: The key player to set the final starting configuration is Brailsford. The Browns believe the game-tested (42 games) fifth-round pick from Alabama can challenge for the starting center job immediately. If he falls short, Wypler is an option, if he can stay healthy. Plan C would be to move Elgton Jenkins to the middle, which is not preferable. A training camp competition will decide the first tackle off the bench between Barber, Jones and Leveston. Jones agreed to a $2.1 million paycut in exchange for $1.145 million in guaranteed money. Ultimately, it means the Browns are losing faith in Jones as a long-term factor.

Defensive line

Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, Myles Garrett, Mason Graham, Mike Hall, Adin Huntington, Sam Kamara, Isaiah McGuire, Julian Okwara, Alex Wright.

Projected starters: Wright, Collins, Graham, Garrett.

Analysis: With DL-guru Jim Schwartz out of the picture, it’s had to speculate how the backups will unfold behind the starters. They do seem a little light at defensive end – McGuire is DE3 – so I would expect another veteran edge rusher added.

Linebacker

Justin Jefferson (r), Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Winston Reid, Carson Schwesinger, Nathaniel Watson, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Quincy Williams.

Projected starters: Schwesinger, Williams.

Analysis: Defections in free agency of Devin Bush and Mahmoud Diabate demand Reid and Watson, who each missed all of 2025 with injuries, to be more than special teams core members. The opportunity is there for Jefferson to win immediate play time when Mike Rutenberg uses three linebackers.

Cornerback

Tre Avery, Myles Bryant, Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, Dom Jones, D’Angelo Ross, Denzel Ward.

Projected starters: Ward, Campbell.

Analysis: This group feels scary thin after the starters. The nickel back competition right now includes Harden, Bryant and Avery. That might be a position added before training camp.

Safety

Grant Delpit, Christopher Edmonds, Ronnie Hickman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Donovan McMillon, Daniel Thomas.

Projected starters: Delpit, Hickman, McNeil-Warren.

Analysis: McNeil-Warren should challenge Hickman for the starting free safety spot, but Rutenberg is expected to use a lot of Big Dime (three safeties) looks.

The post A Browns depth chart reset as the spring season kicks into third gear appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from the ground-breaking ceremony of new Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park …

The formal ground-breaking ceremony brought out a who’s who of Northeast Ohio movers and shakers, politicians, NFL dignitaries, Browns current players and alums, and Browns Backers club members from outlying states and Canada, too.

There was the Haslam family, of course; and Browns GM Andrew Berry, still beaming from his highly acclaimed draft; coach Todd Monken, fourth-quarter hoarse, as usual; Denzel Ward, and Carson Schwesinger.

There was Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell; executives from Dallas-based HKS Architects, who designed the $2.6 billion, mostly underground roofed stadium; and David Gilbert, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, whose skills as a sports event recruiter figure prominently with the advent of the state of Ohio’s first, world-class covered stadium.

There was bearded Joe Thomas in his Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket; and Bernie Kosar, positively ebullient after his recent liver transplant; Macho Fan; and John “Big Dawg” Thompson, sans mask, one of a half-dozen invitees to pitch dirt from guitar-themed shovels onto a small-scale model of the ersatz field.

All of them were gathered under a huge tent, under which a string quartet provided soothing background music and hors d’oeuvres and drinks were served on a parcel of land that will some day sprout a hotel a bit west of the stadium site.

Conspicuously absent from the jubilant proceedings was the NFL’s best player and face of the franchise, one Myles Garrett.

Make of that what you will.

(Didn’t see Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, either.)

What’s up, Commish?

Cleveland remains the only market in the NFL never to appear in, or host, one of the 60 Super Bowls.

American professional sports’ biggest event has been “awarded” to non-glamorous locales such as Detroit twice, Minneapolis twice, Indianapolis and Jacksonville. It is expected to be granted in the near future to new stadiums in Nashville and Washington D.C.

So the natural question asked of Goodell was: What about Cleveland?

“The stadium is clearly going to be suitable for a Super Bowl,” Goodell said in a media session after the ceremony. “I think the real challenge is going to be how transformational this is here. The airport is important for us. Hotels are important for us. All of the facilities are the biggest challenge for us.

“We have probably close to two hundred thousand people who attend a Super Bowl. It’s great for economic impact. But it’s hard for cities to be able to meet some of those requirements.”

Goodell said many of the regular Super Bowl host cities (New Orleans, South Florida, Los Angeles) have in excess of 60,000 hotel rooms. He said the lowest number of rooms for a Super Bowl site was in the “high forties.”

“I don’t know what the number is here, but I think it’s about half, roughly,” Goodell said.

He then challenged Northeast Ohio to pick up the pace — and build.

“There’s a chance here for this [stadium] to be the transformational type of project that converts more events that people come to, and hotels start to develop, the airport expands, and you get that kind of infrastructure [capable of hosting a Super Bowl].”

Haslam said, “It’s hard for you’all to understand the huge production the Super Bowl is. You need lots of hotels, lots of restaurants, lots of convention space, lots of meeting rooms. Could Cleveland do that? Yes. Are we there right now? No. But I hope this [project] will be a transformation moving for the city.”

Goodell did throw the region a bone, though. He said he would be willing to stage another NFL draft in Cleveland.

“The draft was here in 2021 under difficult circumstances [following the COVID pandemic],” Goodell said to the audience. “It was not the event we expected but we were able to pull it off. We look forward to coming back here soon for another draft.”

The next NFL draft is scheduled to be held in Washington D.C. Minneapolis could be after that in 2028. New Huntington Bank Field is scheduled to open in 2029, which could serve to lure back the NFL draft for a bigger celebration than what Cleveland provided in 2021 on the lakefront.

“We haven’t decided [when] yet,” Goodell said in his media session. “But my guess is it will be sometime in that period.”

‘You bet your ass’

The ceremony consisted of three brief panel discussions on a stage.

The first included managing partners J.W. Johnson, Whitney Haslam Johnson, and Dave Jenkins, Haslam Sports Group president. The second featured Jimmy Haslam, Goodell and DeWine. The third was probably the most popular. It included Berry, Monken, Ward and Schwesinger, and was moderated by Thomas.

The first panel highlighted the unique features of the stadium, which includes a 6,500-seat Dawg Pound section that will be the steepest of any NFL stadium, giving the fans an ominous presence hovering an end zone. The opposing team will enter the field from a tunnel adjacent to the Dawg Pound, which is intended to intimidate opponents from the start.

In Thomas’ Q&A, Monken said, “When you’ve already got some of the most loyal and passionate fans across all professional sports, and then put them right on top of the playing surface, that’s intimidating within itself. And the Dawg Pound, being right there when the opposing team comes out of the tunnel … our players feed off our fans. Ultimately, they’re trying to create an environment where the opposing team is not only worried about the Browns and their players, [but also] the environment they got to play in.”

Thomas asked Monken if he could be counted on to jump into the present Dawg Pound in the event of his first home victory.

“You bet your ass,” Monken replied, to loud applause.

Sticker shock

Jimmy Haslam said the experience in the new stadium “will surpass everyone’s wildest dreams.” He said, “it’s going to be inside and feel like it’s outside.”

(That’s the exact thing I said upon my first visit to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, which was also designed by HKS Architects and sits mostly underground in the flight path to Los Angeles International Airport.)

There will be more than 10,000 parking spaces, in which tailgating can occur without having to walk a mile, as presently from the Muny Lot.

By the time the stadium opens in 2029, ticket prices will have naturally soared. Add a premium to that for the most modern conveniences afforded. The Haslams and Goodell predict the new stadium will take fan experience to “a whole new level.”

Haslam maintained, however, that fans will not be priced out of the new stadium.

“I can promise you we have talked as much about keeping ‘affordable seats’ in the new stadium, as much anything else,” Haslam said. “The Dawg Pound will have the exact same number of seats [as the present one], but it’s going to be a way, way better experience. We will have seats that are affordable, just like our seats are now. So [there’s been] heavy focus on making sure anybody that wants to, or almost anybody that wants to, comes to our games.”

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Thoughts on the Browns’ QB situation … 

1. GM Andrew Berry has not been shy in admitting the Browns pivoted to a youth movement after what they viewed as their Super Bowl window closed. Essentially, it closed when Deshaun Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the second quarter of Game 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 20, 2024. After a second consecutive bountiful draft, the Browns expect to have one of the five-youngest rosters in the league this year. Much of that youth is on offense. So guess what? The longest-tenured Browns player on offense will be … Deshaun Watson. Although he has played only 19 of a possible 68 games because of league suspension or injuries, Watson’s five years on the team are the most among players on offense. Next in line are Cedric Tillman and Dawand Jones, who are entering their fourth seasons.

2. Now put yourself in coach Todd Monken’s shoes. He received his first NFL head coaching opportunity at the age (now) of 60. He was hired ostensibly to revive an offense ranked 32nd and 31st in the NFL the past two seasons. If you were him, would you lean to the most veteran player to lead the offense or would you take a chance on a quarterback – Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel – with 7 1/2 and 5 1/2 games experience, respectively, and still much to learn?

3. This is just another in a long list of reasons why Watson naturally has an edge – a rather big edge, I say – to win the starting quarterback job. It should not be regarded as “breaking news” that Watson would be viewed as ahead of Sanders and Gabriel at this early juncture of the “competition” — after three voluntary minicamp practices and five weeks of the voluntary spring program. No matter your opinion of Watson, the NFL experience he brings is invaluable to a coach overseeing an offense intentionally made young. I mean, the Browns are paying Watson $46 million in the last year of his contract whether he plays or not. Because of potential salary-cap penalties, Watson cannot be traded or released. Why wouldn’t the Browns play him if he remains healthy and wins the job? Nobody is entitled to the starting job, no matter his popularity with the fans. Remember what Berry said on The Really Big Show on 850 ESPN Cleveland on Monday: “We’re looking for performance. I hate to make it that simple, but that’s what it’s about, ultimately.”

4. The fact is the Browns have been conditioning fans to accept the possibility, if not inevitability, of Watson returning to the field in 2026. It started last year when they cleared him to practice for three weeks in December – the first time he joined his teammates on a field since his second Achilles tendon surgery in January of 2025. Then in March, owner Jimmy Haslam said, “Deshaun has a great chance, [a] fresh start [with an] offensive minded coach, who has, in his past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make him successful. So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now. Let’s see what Deshaun could do. We’re all excited.”

5. On Tuesday, J.W. Johnson, Browns managing partner, appeared on The Really Big Show to hype the ground-breaking ceremony at the Brook Park stadium project on Thursday. Towards the end of the interview and without prompting, Johnson made these comments about Watson: “Deshaun looks great, by the way. He’s done a great job. He looks healthy. He’s in a great headspace. We’ll see how it all shakes out. There is an ongoing competition, but, you know, he’s got nothing to lose and if he’s our starting quarterback, I know there are people that probably won’t be supportive, but they need to be supportive as much as they can.”

6. Johnson’s comments at the end were the most relevant. He said, “And if he plays great, awesome. If he doesn’t, it is what it is, and we’re looking ahead to the future.” I don’t foresee a world in which Watson receives a new contract in 2027 no matter how well he performs if he is the starter in 2026. If the Minnesota Vikings can let Sam Darnold move on after a 14-3 record as starter in 2024 …

7. The addition of fullback Michael Burton on Tuesday probably is not the Browns’ last veteran transaction. I see possibilities for veteran additions at defensive end and nickel back. Right now, the depth behind starting ends Myles Garrett and Alex Wright is sketchy beyond fourth-year vet Isaiah McGuire. The present nickel back competition includes 2024 seventh-round pick Myles Harden; Myles Bryant, who’s had 20 NFL starts in 77 games with New England and Houston; and Tre Avery, who has 48 games with the Titans and Browns. The three of them have four career interceptions combined – all by Bryant.

The post Why it’s no ‘breaking news’ that Deshaun Watson has a significant edge early in Browns QB competition appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from Browns GM Andrew Berry’s appearance on The Really Big Show on 850 ESPN Cleveland … 

As Andrew Berry basks in the glory of consensus A grades for his 2026 Browns’ draft, the GM shared a few more details on his strategy involving his first four picks.

He said he had three players that “we would have been elated to select at [No.] 6 or 9.”

When Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate was chosen No. 4 by Tennessee, it helped assure the Browns would get their main target, Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, after they traded down with Kansas City to No. 9.

It also spared Berry from criticism for passing on Tate.

Berry maintained that “Carnell was actually in consideration for us at 6,” but Fano was the priority.

Berry would not divulge who was the third player on his list, but he did say it was not an offensive lineman.

So much for those rumors of the Browns possibly selecting Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling or Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor with their first pick.

What about Ty Simpson?

In his internal pre-draft simulations, Berry correctly predicted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson would be taken by the Rams at No. 13.

But … what if Simpson had made it to No. 24? Would Berry have taken him and thrown a monkey wrench into the QB room for the second year in a row?

“Certainly, if the board falls a certain way, he comes into consideration,” Berry said. “But by no means was that meant to be a suggestion that he would be the focal point of that pick.”

Berry explained that the club “loved” Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion, whom he took at No. 24. Berry liked Concepcion so much, he said, “we were sweating bullets” that somebody would take him before pick No. 24.

After the Eagles selected USC receiver Makai Lemon at No. 20, the Browns had to be wary of the Steelers scooping up Concepcion at No. 21. But the Steelers, who were actually on the phone with Lemon when the Eagles selected him, pivoted to Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.

The double dip

Berry’s 2025 draft was rife with surprises. But his only real surprise this year was doubling up at receiver and taking Washington’s Denzel Boston with his first pick in the second round, No. 39 overall.

Berry said he retired Thursday night thinking he would take Boston in the second round. But he almost switched to rangy Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who slipped out of the first round. Ultimately, Berry traded up from No. 70 in the third round to take McNeil-Warren with the 58th overall pick of the second round.

“We didn’t think there was really a world that we’d get both,” Berry said.

The 2026 QB plan

Berry said he wants to keep three quarterbacks on the 53 and one on the practice squad.

Of the Browns’ four QBs, you’d have to consider safe bets to make the 53 are Deshaun Watson (because of his contract) and sixth-round pick Taylen Green (because of his long-term potential).

That would put 2025 mid-round picks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel competing to avoid demotions to the practice squad – if either would pass through waivers.

It’s hard to predict anything, however, this early in the spring season, particularly with a new coach and offensive staff.

“We’ve preached competition and that’ll hold true in the quarterback room,” Berry said. “That doesn’t mean everybody gets equal reps. We’re looking for performance. I hate to make it that simple, but that’s what it’s about, ultimately.”

Green as the next Malik Willis

I have likened Green, the marvelously athletic dual threat QB, to Malik Willis of four years ago. Willis was a raw but athletically superior QB drafted in the third round by the Titans in 2022. After two years of ragged play, he was traded to Green Bay, displayed amazing improvement in limited opportunity, and then defected to Miami in free agency.

“I think they’re different players but I do think where [the analogy] is fair is oftentimes people want to rush to judgment, particularly with quarterbacks,” Berry said. “If you look at Malik his first year, he was thrust coming from a small school where you knew he needed some development, [had] below average infrastructure, and everybody wrote him off after four starts.

“He gets traded for a bag of footballs to Green Bay, sits for two years, and then finally gets his opportunity as he’s grown and developed behind the scenes and plays at a high level with his chances in Green Bay, and now he’s now the starter in Miami this year.

“I think that story we see over and over again, yet we make the same mistake with rushed judgment. I think you can apply it to our own situation. Our two young players [Sanders and Gabriel] have played for, what, less than eight starts. I know that we don’t always work in a sport and industry that exercises patience. That’s not necessarily how we operate internally.”

Filling the donut hole

Fifth-round center Parker Brailsford of Alabama looms as a key player in the final configuration of Berry’s totally rebuilt offensive line.

If Brailsford comes through and wins the starting center job, Elgton Jenkins could be stationed at left guard, his best position, and the Browns would open the season with two rookies on the offensive line – Fano at left tackle and Brailsford at center.

“We like Parker a lot,” Berry said. “Parker has played a lot of football [42 starts at Washington and Alabama], he’s really smart, very athletic, plays bigger than his size, produced at a high level in the SEC. You can’t predict how rookies hit the ground running. But we do think Parker has the make-up to be competitive from the outset.”

A Myles Garrett update

So the “trade Myles Garrett” story angle takes a pause, especially after the Eagles traded for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and the Browns did not draft an edge rusher to grease a possible Garrett blockbuster trade post-June 1.

Interestingly, however, Berry did not close the door entirely on a future trade of Garrett.

“We want Myles to be a part of this,” Berry said. “I guess you can never say never, but that’s never been a thought or consideration in our mind.

“It would have to be some type of situation that I don’t foresee at this point [to entertain a trade of Garrett].”

A final note

Berry said he was one of the GMs to vote approval of reducing the time limit on first-round selections from 10 minutes to 8 minutes, and would like it to be further reduced to 7 minutes next season.

He said preparation is the key to beating the clock, like a play-caller on game days.

“Monk has 40 seconds to make his decisions,” Berry said.

The post Browns Considered No Tackles At No. 9 Other Than Spencer Fano appeared first on The Land On Demand.

— Mike, San Antonio, TX

Hey Mike: A year ago, I thought there was a decent chance the Browns could carry four QBs through the trade deadline. Then they got a trade offer for Kenny Pickett and the problem was solved. This year, I don’t foresee a trade or keeping a fourth QB. Which means somebody would have to go – unless an injury buys them a few weeks heading into the regular season.

Hey Tony: Now that we have a decent idea of who our offensive line will be comprised of, what do you think will happen with Dawand Jones?

— Brad, Strongsville, OH

Hey Brad: Entering the last year of his rookie contract, Jones has to earn trust that he can stay healthy and available. If he makes it through camp healthy, he will compete with third-round draft pick Austin Barber and veteran KT Leveston for the swing tackle backup role.

Hey Tony: Which Browns draft pick surprised you the most?

— AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: After they selected KC Concepcion at No. 24, I never thought they’d come right back and take Denzel Boston at No. 39. So my answer is Boston.

Hey Tony: What does the drafting of KC Concepcion mean for Isiah Bond’s future? Roles seem duplicative.

— Cory, Columbus, OH

Hey Cory: The Browns gave Bond a fully-guaranteed three-year contract. I don’t think he’s going anywhere. He didn’t have a training camp last year. They want to develop him.

Hey Tony: With the WR room now a bit crowded, who do you see on the chopping block?

— Jack, Los Angeles, CA

Hey Jack: Let’s assume the top four receivers are Jerry Jeudy, Concepcion, Boston and Bond. I think the Browns keep a minimum of six receivers on the 53. That leaves two spots open. The competitors: Cedric Tillman, Malachi Corley, Gage Larvadain, Jamari Thrash, Tylan Wallace, Luke Floriea, Isaiah Wooden.

Hey Tony: AB actually told the truth and focused on offense just like he said. Did that cause him to neglect some holes on the defensive side of the ball? When do undrafted free agents get signed and can any of those holes be filled there? 

— Mike, North Olmsted, OH

Hey Mike: Some names of undrafted free agent targets have surfaced on social media. I usually wait for the Browns to announce their signings on the eve of rookie minicamp, which runs May 8-10. The only hole I see on defense is a veteran nickelback. They can fill that in free agency. Maybe they bring back M.J. Emerson, although he’s not a candidate at nickleback.

Hey Tony: Does Todd Monken’s offensive system support the use of Taylen Green in special packages similar to the way the Saints used Taysom Hill? Do you believe that’s what they had in mind when they drafted Green?

— Neal, Chatham, Ontario

Hey Neal: I consider Green the Browns’ version of Malik Willis. Four years ago, Willis was a third-round pick of the Titans. He had immense physical traits but was raw as a QB. It took Willis four years, including two years of good coaching at Green Bay, to develop into a potential NFL starter. I don’t believe either team used Willis like Sean Payton used Hill. But on Saturday, both GM Andrew Berry and Monken agreed it’s possible Green’s skill-set could be utilized early on in a specialized role, such as a Wildcat quarterback, a la Hill. Green would have to be make the 53, of course, for that to happen.

Hey Tony: Why wouldn’t the Browns consider moving the rookie quarterback to WR? His measurables are off the chart and many college Qbs have in the past. 

— Bret, Strongsville, OH

Hey Bret: I suppose a position change is possible way down the road, a lot Terrelle Pryor. But the Browns emphatically stated they view Green as a QB. If they some day could harness his physical skills, improve his QB mechanics and train him in that role, the upside far exceeds that of a wide receiver.

Hey Tony: How many day 1 starters did we get in this draft? 

— Andi, Cleveland, OH

Hey Andi: Fano, Concepcion or Boston, safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren … and possibly center Parker Brailsford.

Hey Tony: What’s your favorite Browns moment since you’ve covered the team?

— Alfonso, Webster, NY

Hey Alfonso: Probably Bernie Kosar’s 37-yard completion to Webster Slaughter to set up the game-tying field goal by Mark Moseley in the 1986 season AFC playoff game against the Jets. Kosar had thrown two interceptions to create a 20-10 deficit with 4:14 left in the fourth quarter. The Browns won in double overtime.

Hey Tony: Your best prediction on how many games out of 17 Watson, Sanders, Green, Gabriel, etc, each start?

— Ewing, Erie, PA

Hey Ewing: It’s impossible to predict. Nevertheless, Watson 12, Sanders 4, Gabriel 1, Green 0.

Hey Tony: What are your thoughts on Myles Garrett post draft?

— Ron, Highland Heights, OH

Hey Ron: Without drafting an edge rusher, I now believe the Garrett trade speculation takes a break. I think a post-June 1 trade is probably off the board. However, speculation will heat up prior to the Week 10 trade deadline if the Browns’ record is not good.

The post #Heytony: Would The Browns Keep Four Qbs On The 53? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

At his pre-draft press conference one week before the long draft weekend, Browns GM Andrew Berry joked with reporters trying to discern whether he was blowing smoke to conceal his intentions.

“I usually just tell you guys the truth,” Berry said with a laugh. “And you guys don’t believe me.”

Now that the draft is over, it’s fair to say Berry was spot-on. In retrospect, he was truthful about a lot of things.

1. At the season-ending press conference on January 5 announcing the firing of coach Kevin Stefanski and looking ahead to 2026, Berry addressed questions about the team’s inept offense the past two seasons.

“It’s no secret that’s where we’re going to invest most of our resources this offseason,” Berry said.

Check!

In the veteran transaction market, Berry signed two offensive linemen and traded for a third, and signed a blocking tight end. In the draft, he used eight of his 10 picks on offensive players.

2. Talking about the possibility of trading down from No. 6 overall, Berry said at his pre-draft presser, “Our mindset going into the draft with our most valuable asset, it isn’t about ‘Hey, just trade it away.’ It’s maximizing the asset.”

Check!

Berry traded No. 6 overall to Kansas City for No. 9, No. 74, and No. 148. He used No. 9 on Utah left tackle Spencer Fano. Later, he traded No. 74 to the Giants for No. 105, No. 145 and a fourth-round pick in 2027. Then he used No. 105 and No. 145 in a trade with the Chargers to move up to No. 86, which he used on Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber. Finally, he traded No. 148 to Seattle for another fourth-round pick in 2027.

The net result of the initial trade with Kansas City to move down three spots in the first round:

* Fano, the Browns’ new franchise left tackle.

* Barber, an immediate swing tackle who could compete in later years for starting right tackle.

* Two fourth-round picks in the 2027 draft.

That’s unbelievable value for a trade down three spots.

3. At his pre-draft press conference, Berry was pressed about his record in drafting wide receivers (none higher than No. 74 and no starters among six receivers taken in his previous six drafts).

“I would have no problem taking a receiver high,” Berry said. “Would have no problem taking a receiver at any point in the draft.”

Check!

Berry used the No. 24 pick on Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion, a dynamic run-after-catch playmaker who also scored twice on punt returns in his college career, and five times in high school.

Then he used the No. 39 pick on Washington’s Denzel Boston, a towering (6-4) target with exceptionally big, strong hands.

They were the highest-drafted receivers in the Berry era and the first time the Browns used consecutive selections on receivers since the Eric Mangini draft of 2009.

4. In answer to a question about the value of drafting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs high in the first round, Berry said Downs “was among a very good safety [class]” in this draft. Berry proceeded to expound on why safeties are being valued on a higher level with many teams.

“I think you’ve seen with us and you’ve seen really across the league that you’re really transitioning from a league where you had either four defensive linemen and three off-ball linebackers or five down and two off-ball linebackers to a three safety league where you have these safeties that are these hybrid defenders,” Berry said. “Kyle Hamilton’s obviously the one that we see every year. You can look at what Nick Emmanwori did as a rookie in Seattle for [coach] Mike Macdonald, and those guys provide a lot of value because they’re really these multi-positions, or we think about positionless basketball. You’re getting to this point where you have this positionless defensive philosophy in the NFL. So, I think that position is certainly gaining value. You know, that’s something that we’ve deployed very often as well.”

Check!

Berry traded up 12 spots in the third round and used the No. 58 pick on Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil, a rangy, 6-3 safety who may challenge Ronnie Hickman for the deep safety spot as a rookie and eventually develop into the multi-position role of which Berry spoke.

5. At NFL owners meetings in late March, Berry said it was “wholly realistic” he could select a quarterback in the draft. Pressed on it the week before the draft, Berry said, “Yeah, I think it’s possible. Quite frankly, it’s possible that we could add to any position. That’s really the truth. And I wouldn’t disqualify quarterback either.”

Check!

Despite adding Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 draft, Berry used pick No. 182 in the sixth round on Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green.   

Green is absolutely the most intriguing selection of Berry’s draft for these reasons: 1. Until the Browns find their final answer at quarterback, any quarterback they acquire is an intriguing addition, and 2. Green turned in the third-highest athletic score of any prospect regardless of position at the NFL Combine.

At 6-6 and 227 pounds, Green is unlike any other QB Berry has drafted, signed, or traded for. He is the Browns’ Malik Willis – a tantalizing, if raw, quarterback prospect with elite physical traits that most coaches and GMs find irresistible.

Willis was a third-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2022. He showed his lack of development in three starts with the Titans in two seasons. In 2024, Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a seventh-round pick. Then in two seasons under Packers coach Matt LaFleur, Willis slowly figured it out to the point where his elite physical skills were applied to the position of quarterback. In March, Willis departed Green Bay in free agency and signed a three-year contract with $45 million in guarantees to be the new starting QB of the Miami Dolphins.

Green won’t challenge Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel for first-team practice snaps in Todd Monken’s first training camp as coach of the Browns. But both Monken and Berry admit that Green could be phased in for special red-zone or 4-minute offense packages to exploit his fantastic athletic skills.

“The short answer is yes,” Berry said. “Obviously, his gift as a ball-carrier and a runner is pretty unique. But it really has to go with the offensive vision. And I think that’s something that over the course of the spring and into training camp, as our offensive staff works with this group of players, we’ll define that identity and figure out how much of that we could potentially incorporate.”

We shouldn’t doubt Berry on his assessment of Green. His track record on this draft, proven here, is pretty good.

The post Andrew Berry told more truths than lies in the long pre-draft build-up appeared first on The Land On Demand.

And on the third day, Andrew Berry created a new quarterback conversation.

This one goes like this: Should a raw but supremely athletic quarterback with elite physical traits be incorporated as a gadget player while his passing skills are slowly developed?

“The short answer is yes,” said the Browns’ GM.

Berry warned us that a fourth quarterback was coming. Nobody envisioned it would be swash-buckling, Arkansas dual threat Taylen Green, who turned the NFL Combine in early March into his personal showcase.

Berry intentionally targeted Green on the third day of the draft when he traded down from the lowest of his four picks in the fifth round and added Denver’s sixth-round pick. Berry then selected Green with the 182nd overall pick – making him the third QB taken by Berry in the past two drafts, following Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders last year.

Green’s jaw-dropping Combine performance was the stuff of legend.

Measuring 6-5 7/8 and weighing 227 pounds, Green posted a 4.36 clocking in the 40-yard dash, a 43.5 in. vertical jump, and 11 ft., 2 in. broad jump – all the best marks for a quarterback since 2003. Green’s overall athletic score of 97 ranked third among all 2026 prospects from all positions.

All of which obfuscates his propensity to committing turnovers – 37 his last two seasons, including 17 fumbles, operating Bobby Petrino’s spread offense the past two seasons.

After transferring from Boise State in 2024, Green compiled 5,868 yards and 34 touchdowns passing, plus 1,379 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing in two years at Arkansas.

“Obviously, his gift as a ball-carrier and a runner is pretty unique, but it really has to go with the offensive vision,” Berry said. “And I think that’s something that over the course of the spring and into training camp, as our offensive staff works with this group of players, we’ll define that identity and figure out how much of that we could potentially incorporate.”

Coach Todd Monken, who was two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson’s offensive coordinator the past three seasons in Baltimore, is on board with utilizing Green’s dual-threat skills in the main offense.

“Certainly, when you have a player with those kinds of traits … having an athletic quarterback can be critical to having success,” Monken said. “So, if he’s able to do that, then we’ll certainly put him in a position if we think that can help us win a game, for sure.”

OK, then.

Green, 23, joins Sanders, Gabriel and Deshaun Watson in Monken’s QB room.

“We’re going to continue to work with all those guys, and we like having competition,” Berry said.

For his part, Green said, “It’s a deep quarterback room, and I’m just excited to compete and get out there and learn. I’m just going to take everything in and hit the ground running and just be excited and put my best foot forward and get to work. So, I’m just glad for opportunity.”

Following Browns tradition, Green’s arrival will dominate Monken’s spring OTA and minicamp season. He certainly dominated the third and final day of Berry’s seventh Browns draft.

On the final installment of the draft, Berry selected:

* Alabama center Parker Brailsford with the 146th overall pick.

Brailsford (6-1 7/8, 289) was one of the lighter centers in the draft, but the Browns value his athleticism and speed.

* Alabama linebacker Justin Jackson with the 149th pick.

Jackson, too, is under-sized (6-0 3/8, 223), but Berry called him “a DNA match for this defense” because of his speed, range and athleticism.

* Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer with the 170th pick.

Royer (6-5 1/8, 247) transferred from Ohio State in 2024 and broke Travis Kelce’s single-season record at Cincinnati with 50 catches in 2024.

* Brigham Young tight end Carsen Ryan with the 248th pick.

Ryan (6-3 3/8, 255) emerged as an inline blocker at UCLA and Utah into a more prolific pass catcher at BYU.

Over the three days, Berry drafted 10 players – eight on offense – and made six trades. He netted extra picks in the 2027 draft (fourth-rounders of the Giants and Seahawks) to go along with previously acquired fifth- and seventh-rounders from the Texans.

“We’re really pleased with where we sit today with the combination of players and future assets that we’re able to create,” Berry summed up.

Throughout the evening, Berry was signing undrafted free agents to bring to Monken’s rookie minicamp in two weeks. Among them was Utah edge rusher Logan Fano, brother of Browns first-round pick Spencer Fano.

The post Browns Add Combine Superstar Taylen Green To Their Quarterback Room appeared first on The Land On Demand.

What’s gotten into Andrew Berry’s draft room?

Through two nights of Berry’s seventh Browns draft, there have been no real head-scratchers characteristic of previous years and more fist pumps following solid and popular, if not spectacular, moves.

After a first night that played to good reviews for addressing obvious needs with offensive tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver KC Concepcion, the Browns’ GM followed with a splendid array of trades and selections that laid another auspicious piece to the foundation of a younger roster.

On a busy second night, Berry made three trades – moving up in the second round, out of the third round, and then back in – and added three players, two of whom were first-round projections.

Berry began the night by using the 39th overall selection in the second round on Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, who was a popular choice among fans for the No. 24 pick on Thursday that was used on Concepcion. Back-to-back wide receiver selections, while warranted, was something nobody foresaw – even Berry.

After that, Berry went into full trader mode. He dealt with the San Francisco 49ers to move up 12 spots from No. 70 in the third round and selected rangy Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 58.

Berry then traded away the No. 74 pick he acquired from Kansas City on Thursday in a pick swap with the Los Angeles Chargers. But just when you thought that transaction concluded the second night proceedings, Berry moved back into the third round in a trade with the New York Giants and tabbed Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber with the 86th overall selection.

The end result is that Berry heads into Saturday’s final day of the draft with four selections in the fifth round – he had five at one point! – and one in the seventh round. He also picked up the Giants’ fourth-round pick in 2027.

“We’re excited about today … and pleased with where we ended up,” Berry summed up at the end of the long night.

The picks of Boston and McNeil-Warren had national independent draftniks gushing that the Browns were “crushing the draft.”

Boston gives coach Todd Monken a skill-set diverse from that of Concepcion. Boston (6-3 5/8 and 212 pounds) does not have the speed or separation ability of Concepcion, but he is certifiably more sure-handed and gives his quarterback a bigger target, especially inside the red zone.

“I think he compliments KC,” Monken said. “He’s a different body type than what we have. We were looking at someone we thought could be a size matchup and especially in the red zone, which we did not have. And we certainly needed to just continue to upgrade that position, and we did.”

Berry, who had never taken a receiver higher than the third round, wound up picking two among the draft’s first 39 picks. The Browns had not taken receivers in back-to-back picks since Eric Mangini selected Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in Round 2 in 2009.

The double pick at wide receiver has “zero impact” on Jerry Jeudy, Berry said.

“He’s our bell cow,” Berry said. “We feel like we have a nice, well-rounded room with speed, RAC [run after catch], contested catch ability, separation. So, we’re really pleased with the youth and talent in that group.”

Berry said he considered taking McNeil-Warren at No. 39, which is why he aggressively pursued a trade to move when the Toledo safety drifted downward in the second round.

McNeil-Warren (6-3 ½, 201) was universally considered the No. 3 safety in the draft after Caleb Downs (taken 11th by Dallas) and Dillon Thieneman (taken 25th by Chicago).

McNeil-Warren produced 13 takeaways (eight forced fumbles, five interceptions) in his last three seasons at Toledo and impressed NFL teams by staying loyal to the Mid-American Conference program despite multiple transfer offers from Power 4 conference schools.

“Eman wasn’t someone that we anticipated being there as late as he was,” Berry said. “So when he got within striking distance, we felt the move was appropriate. You know, to be truthful, he was in play for us at 39.”

In assessing McNeil-Warren’s potential, Berry cited versatile safeties Kyle Hamilton of Baltimore and Nick Emmanwori of Seattle. But he cautioned against putting too much on his plate too early. Early on, McNeil-Warren could fill the long-sought role as ball-hawking deep safety in new coordinator Mike Rutenberg’s defense.

“Ball hawk is definitely in the description [of McNeil-Warren’s toolbox],” said assistant GM Catherine Hickman, who repped the Browns at Toledo’s pro day workouts.

Barber is a towering lineman (6-6 7/8, 318) with 39 career starts at both Florida tackle positions. Monken said Barber would start off competing at tackle but could eventually move inside to guard.

“Certainly, we knew we had to address the offensive line,” Monken affirmed.

One position on the O-line the Browns have not addressed is center. Monken said the position has been discussed in the draft room.

“There’s a possibility we’ll still address that as we get further into the draft,” he said.

Berry has five picks left – four in the fifth round and one in the seventh. He quipped, “The fifth round is the new seventh.” Meaning, he’d like to be done in the fifth round.

“If there comes a situation where there’s a veteran trade that makes sense, we would explore that,” Berry said. “But our big thing is, how do we best maximize the assets?”

So far so good on that count.

The post Browns Riding A Draft Roll After Making Three Trades, Doubling Up At Wide Receiver And Adding An Intriguing Safety From Toledo appeared first on The Land On Demand.

That thing about the Browns not drafting for need?

Fuggetaboutit.

Above anything else, the Browns needed a left tackle and a wide receiver with their top two picks on the first round of the draft, and that’s what they selected – in that order.

The evening started with the Browns choosing Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano at No. 9 after a trade-down from No. 6 with Kansas City, and ended with them selecting Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the No. 24 pick.

The trade with the Chiefs netted the Browns the 74th overall pick in the third round and 148th overall in the fifth round.

It means the Browns head into Friday’s second night of the draft with three picks – one in the second round (No. 39) and two in the third (No. 70 and No. 74). The extra third-round pick might give GM Andrew Berry the ammunition to fill the remaining hole on the offensive line at center. The top centers in the draft are projected to go in the third round.

“We may not be done with the O-line,” Berry said.

Fano (6-5 ½ and 311 pounds, with a 4.91 40-time) was the first offensive lineman chosen. It began a run of seven linemen taken over 13 picks.

Coach Todd Monken said Fano was the player the Browns targeted from the start. Monken was the first Browns official to emphatically state that the position-versatile Fano would be the Browns’ new left tackle.

Fano played left tackle his first season at Utah and then was switched to right tackle for his last two seasons. Because of shorter arm measurements, some NFL teams considered him a better prospect at guard. He also volunteered to take snaps at center at the NFL Combine, which conjured some speculation that he could be the best center in the draft.

“I don’t care where you put him, I think he’s going to be an elite player,” Monken said.

Fano said, “I have been taking snaps at every position because depending on the team that chose me, I could have been any one of them. I am super grateful to be left tackle with the Cleveland Browns. I am pumped. I am so pumped.”

Monken was elated with the pick.

“I think the expectations that we will have for him won’t even match that he has for himself,” Monken said. “His athleticism, his toughness … I mean, when you want to start off the first year of your [coaching] regime, you talk about what you want: character, toughness, athleticism. He has it all.”

Browns fans were hoping to see a receiver taken first, particularly Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. Berry was spared from being second-guessed, however, because Tate was surprisingly taken fourth by the Tennessee Titans. 

Tate was the first of four Buckeyes chosen in the first round Linebacker Arvell Reese went fifth to the New York Giants, linebacker Sonny Styles was chosen seventh by the Washington Commanders, and safety Caleb Downs was picked 11th by the Dallas Cowboys.

When the Browns got to their second pick, No. 24 overall, the top receivers on the board were Concepcion, Washington’s Denzel Boston, and Indian’s Omar Cooper.

Berry said he chose Concepcion because “he’s dynamic … he’s, you know, an outstanding separator, really good with the ball in his hands, [and] honestly, probably the best punt returner in this class.”

Concepcion (5-11 5/8, 196), who grew up mostly in Charlotte, NC, played two years at North Carolina State and transferred in 2025 to Texas A&M, where he had his best season (61 receptions, 919 yards, 9 touchdowns). He also averaged 16.2 yards per punt return in his college career with two return touchdowns in 2025. Berry said Concepcion’s return ability was “an added bonus” but not the reason he was chosen over the other receivers on the board.

The biggest negative about Concepcion is his high rate of drops – 19 in three college seasons.

“Every receiver, besides maybe Larry Fitzgerald, has a couple drops,” Berry said. “KC, he’s been a dynamic producer at N.C. State, Texas A&M. He’s electric with the ball in his hands, and we’re looking forward to having him.

“I know [the drops] gets talked about, but he has natural dexterity. You know, it’s nothing extreme or nothing out of, I guess, it’s not an outlier relative to other receivers in the draft class. I know that’s been the primary talking point, but we’re comfortable with KC’s hands.”

On a conference call, Concepcion said, “I am going to work non stop to fix that.”

He also said his message to Browns fans was “Get the popcorn ready. I’m ready right now. I’m ready to play. I’m ready to change the organization.”

The post Browns Address Top Two Needs With LT Spencer Fano And WR KC Concepcion On First Night Of Draft appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Mock draft 8.0 serves as my official prediction of the first round of the draft.

My takeaways:

1. I think the Browns like more than one offensive lineman and the one they choose depends on whether they stay at No. 6 or drop down to No. 8, No. 9, No. 12 or No. 13. I don’t foresee GM Andrew Berry trading down beyond No. 13. If they trade down that far, that’s where Monroe Freeling of Georgia and Kadyn Proctor of Alabama possibly come into play.

2. If they stay at No. 6, I mocked Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano. He’d be my third choice after Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. I don’t believe the Browns will take Tate, to the chagrin of the majority of Browns fans. I leaned to Fano over Mauigoa at the end because of possible concern about a future disc problem for Mauigoa. I have no idea where the Browns would play Fano if they take him, but Berry seems hell-bent on filling his revamped offensive line with versatile players who can play more than one position. Supposedly, Fano can play tackle, guard or center.

3. Denzel Boston of Washington has been my second-favorite receiver behind Tate throughout this process, and I mocked him to the Browns at No. 24. A big-bodied receiver with strong hands, able to pluck 50-50 balls with ease. I don’t know. Can the Browns use a guy like that?

4. I would rule out Berry trading up from No. 6 or No. 24. But I wouldn’t rule out Berry trading down both times, if able. Ultimately, if he winds up with Fano and Boston, I would consider that hitting two balls off the left-field wall for extra bases. If he is able to get both players and a 2027 first- or second-round pick as a result of a trade, I would consider that a home run. Any trade down should demand a 2027 pick in return, in my opinion, not one in 2026. Unless that extra 2026 pick is then turned into a 2027 pick with a subsequent trade.

5. I am more convinced than ever that Berry needs to find his future center in this draft. Sam Hecht of Kansas State and Logan Jones of Iowa are considered the best centers and are projected to leave the board in Round 3.

6. Other targets for Berry should be a pass-catching tight end and a ball-hawk free safety. My nominations would be Max Klare of Ohio State or Oscar Delp of Georgia at tight end; both are projected in early third round. My free safety would be Bud Clark of TCU, another third-round projection. So maybe Berry would seek an extra third-round pick in one of his potential trades.

7. If Berry selects an edge rusher in any of the first three rounds, I would immediately suspect a post-June 1 trade of Myles Garrett is in the works.

8. Will Berry draft a quarterback? Possibly, but no earlier than the fourth round. Myself, I’d rather sign Josh Dobbs to join the Browns’ QB room.

On to Mock draft 8.0. Letsgo!

Mock draft 8.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: His residency in Vegas will rival that of the Eagles at the Sphere.

2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: Higher ceiling among the pass rushers; GM makes the call.

3. Arizona: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: How can they pass up draft’s purest pass rusher?

4. Tennessee: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Tony Pollard is 29 and with no contract guarantees.

5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: Additional pick at No. 10 cements this selection.

6. Cleveland: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Comment: Browns seem hell-bent on versatility first, but where do they play him?

7. Washington: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Comment: Tough call; trade-down a real possibility.

8. New Orleans: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Comment: When in doubt, help your young quarterback.

9. Kansas City: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Trade up to No. 7 for Delane would be preferable.

10. N.Y. Giants (via Cincinnati): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Comment: A roll of the dice on Tyson’s injury history.

11. Miami: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

12. Dallas: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC

14: Baltimore: OG Vega Loane, Penn State

Comment: Best player on board fits their O-line need.

15: Tampa Bay: DE Keldrick Faulk, Auburn

16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

17. Detroit: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: WR Omar Cooper, Indiana

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

21. Pittsburgh: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Comment: Steelers are tired of bad offenses.

22. L.A. Chargers: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

23. Philadelphia: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Comment: Would soften the blow of passing on Tate.

25. Chicago: DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

26. Buffalo: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

27. San Francisco: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

28. Houston: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

30. Miami (via Denver): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

31. New England: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

32. Seattle: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

The post Mock Draft 8.0: Browns Settle On Versatile Offensive Lineman And Sure-Handed Receiver appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Todd Monken’s quarterback competition officially began on Tuesday, the first of an extra three-day voluntary minicamp given to teams with new head coaches.

Here’s what happened:

* Shedeur Sanders took the first snaps in 11-on-11 drills, followed by Deshaun Watson. But over five team periods, Watson was first up three times and Sanders two. Asked why he loaded up on five 11-on-11 periods, Monken said, “Because we’re allowed.”

* Dillon Gabriel received reps only in the third and fourth team periods, and they came after Watson had a second set in the third period, and then following Sanders in the fourth period.

* There was only one 7-on-7 period, and the reps went to Watson first, Gabriel second and Sanders third.

* Overall, the ESPN Cleveland QB Tracker tabulated Watson completing 10 of 15 passes, Sanders 10 of 16 with one interception, and Gabriel 3 of 6 with two interceptions. There was no hitting and reps were done at about half-speed.

* When asked to explain the distribution and order of reps, Monken said the script was written by quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian and OK’d by Monken. “It was set up in a way for us to get a look at all of them,” Monken said. “The plan was to  have Shedeur have a few more reps, but to let Deshaun and Shedeur both have reps with the ones.” Monken added, “It’ll change each day. Each day we’re going to change that to get a look at our guys. We got three days to get a great look at those guys, and it’s awesome to be able to get these extra three days.” Media will not attend the practices on Wednesday and Thursday.

* Gabriel’s two interceptions were made by a pair of DBs from a group of 11 players invited to the minicamp on a tryout basis. The first came on a tip by new third safety Daniel Thomas and was picked by invitee safety JT Woods. The second was intercepted by invitee cornerback Keenan Garber.

* Sanders’ INT came when receiver Malachi Corley appeared to slow down on a go route and cornerback D’Angelo Ross easily made the defensive catch. Sanders talked to Corley after the play. Afterwards, Sanders used it as example of how he feels more compelled to hold teammates accountable in his second season at the helm. “There was one play I threw Malachi a go ball and he slowed down,” Sanders said. “I gave him that look, said, ‘Bro, we can’t afford that, bro. We can’t afford that.’ So, then you give God’s chances and things go your way, things don’t. But at the end day, y’all have a serious deeper connection and then know, OK, now I know what this showed me. So, the next time he got there, he lined up one-on-one, then he was able to go get it. So it’s just a responsibility that each and every one of us take to hold each other accountable for everything.”

O-line mix and match

The offensive line is a work in progress, to say the least.

Three potential starters did not participate because of recuperation from 2025 injuries. They were guard/center Elgton Jenkins, center Luke Wypler, and tackle Dawand Jones.

When the first-team offense took the field for the first 11-on-11 period, the line consisted of KT Leveston at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, camp hand Kendrick Green at center, Teven Jenkins at right guard, and Tytus Howard at right tackle. Howard didn’t do much beyond the first team period and was replaced by Tyre Phillips.

There are obvious holes at left tackle and center.

Monken said that Elgton Jenkins would have taken reps at center if he would have participated. On two occasions, Monken referred to the draft as a means of filling the obvious holes on the O-line.

QB talk

Sanders and Gabriel were the only players made available to media.

Some tidbits:

Sanders looked much better than at any time in his rookie camp and first training camp, which shouldn’t be surprising. His mindset is extremely positive.

“This is the most important thing I have to do in my life,” he said. “I have a house here. I’m comfortable, and I wanted to take everything to the next level within myself. I know there’s some things that I wanted to improve, and I took a lot of time to self-reflect and just view a lot of things just from a different perspective, honestly. And I think I covered a lot of ground with that.”

Sanders described the coaching change from Kevin Stefanski to Monken as “a new vibe … a new energy.”

Asked about experiencing his rookie season, Sanders said,  I’m just happy. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I was in a position to where I can handle everything that comes my way. So now I feel bullet-proof.”

As evidenced by the snap count of the first day of minicamp, Gabriel enters the QB competition as the longshot. His attitude: “Just running my own race and developing each day and getting better. That’s all you can do. And that’s what I’m focused on.”

Monken disputed the notion that the starting job is a two-man race between Watson and Sanders.

“I would just say that at every position, there’s competition, irrespective of the reps that they get, which I’ve said before,” he said. “I mean everybody ought to be competing. But what I have liked with Dillon is the way he goes about his business. Very professional, highly intelligent, understands football, has a certain charisma about him and a confidence that’s hard to create. He has it innate. You saw it throughout his career. You don’t go to three different programs and have the success he had if he doesn’t have a belief in himself.”

Asked if it was difficult to lose the starting job last year because of a concussion, Gabriel said, “Yeah, I don’t think it’s ever easy, as a competitor, right? But you just want to keep staying the course, trust in God’s plan and then ultimately you got to run your own race and focus on your goals.”

Notable absences

Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit and Jerry Jeudy were among the missing from the voluntary camp.

Monken confirmed he still has not met with Garrett face-to-face and “can’t speak for” defensive coordinator Mike Gutenberg.

Monken stressed the camp is voluntary and contended “we’re making a big deal out of this. We really are. It’s voluntary.”

“We have other guys besides Myles that aren’t here. I wish they were here. They’ll be ready. We expect them to be ready. And we’ll be fired up when they’re here.”

Monken said all the veterans absent have communicated their plans with the team.

“Like I wish they were all here, right,” Monken said. “I mean, I’ve said that plenty of times. But every one of them is a Brown and we’re excited that they are.”

Brownie bits

Running back Quinshon Judkins, who suffered a dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula in Game 16, was present but did not participate. He did some work with running backs coach Duce Staley. “We anticipate with each week he’s going to get closer and closer [to practicing],” Monken said. “When that is, his body will tell him. But we do anticipate somewhere before the end of spring/summer, we’ll have him out there.” …

With Judkins looking on, Dylan Sampson was RB1, followed by Rocket Sanders and Ahmani Marshall …

All the members of the superb 2025 rookie class – including non-draftees Isaiah Bond, Gage Larvadain, Andre Szmyt, Adin Huntington, and Luke Floria, were present and participated. Well, Szmyt didn’t do any kicking on the first day …

Best catch of the day was turned in on the last play of the nearly two-hour practice by Tylan Wallace, the ex-Raven. He outstretched above his head for a pass on an out route.

The post Sanders Got First Reps, But Watson First In Team Drills On Monken’s First Day Of Voluntary Minicamp appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Before the Browns can seriously compete for the Super Bowl, they have to first win the AFC North division title.

The Browns have never finished first in their division since their rebirth as an expansion franchise in 1999. Their last division crown was in 1989.

Only seven wild-card teams have won the Super Bowl in 60 years. The last was Tampa Bay in 2020.

So the Browns’ focus should be on their division rivals. Let’s see where their division rivals stand as the big draft weekend draws closer.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens’ transition from coach John Harbaugh to Jesse Minter is comparable to the Seahawks’ transition from Pete Carroll to Mike Macdonald. Coincidentally, both Macdonald (2022-23) and Minter (2017-20) served time on Baltimore’s defensive coaching staff.

Macdonald coached the Seahawks to the Super Bowl championship in his second season. With quarterback Lamar Jackson in his prime, no doubt the Ravens have a similar timeline – or sooner — in mind.

Two personnel moves marked the beginning of the Minter era in Baltimore.

Their major acquisition was signing ex-Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency after the Ravens canceled a trade of two No. 1 picks for Maxx Crosby of the Raiders.

Hendrickson, 31, had four productive seasons in Cincinnati (57 sacks, 169 pressures) before two injuries limited him to seven games in 2025. He is the most accomplished pass rusher in Baltimore since the Terrell Suggs era (2003-18).

The other move was just as impactful, but in a negative way. Three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency to the Raiders.

Linderbaum’s defection exacerbated a major deficiency in the Ravens’ interior offensive line. It should result in the Ravens assigning priority to the offensive line high in the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals

The conservative Bengals shocked the football world this week by trading the No. 10 pick in the draft for Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. They tacked on an extra year on Lawrence’s contract for $28 million, securing the three-time Pro Bowler, 28, through 2028.

It was the Bengals’ biggest trade since dealing holdout quarterback Carson Palmer in 2018, and was their boldest move in the draft since trading up from No. 5 to No. 1 for Penn State running back Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.

With a top-three offense intact, the Bengals have been determined to upgrade their horrible defense. The Bengals do feel the pressure of quarterback Joe Burrow’s frustration with his team’s defense.

Lawrence teams with free-agent pick-up Jonathan Allen to give the Bengals a formidable defensive interior duo.

Allowing Hendrickson to depart in free agency leaves the edge rush chores to recent first-round draft picks Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, and ex-Seahawk free agent pick-up Boye Mafe.

Other Cincinnati defensive additions include free agent safeties Bryan Cook (Chiefs) and Kyle Dugger (Steelers).

Devoid a No. 1 pick for the first time in 37 years, the Bengals are expected to continue adding to their defense at linebacker and cornerback in the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Everyone in Pittsburgh expects the reunion of new coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers to be consummated before the team’s mandatory veteran minicamp in June.

Rodgers’ familiarity with McCarthy’s offense from their Green Bay days makes his absence from the offseason program much easier to accept than last year, when Rodgers waited till June to join Mike Tomlin’s offensive-challenged program.

McCarthy has expressed excitement about ex-Ohio State QB Will Howard, taken in the sixth round in 2025. Howard, whose rookie season was ended with a pre-season hand injury, is expected to receive the bulk of reps in Rodgers’ absence and in preseason, but he probably begins the season as QB3 behind Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.

The Steelers’ two major acquisitions were trading for ex-Colts receiver Michael Pittman and signing ex-Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean in free agency.

Pittsburgh’s priorities in the draft are offensive line and wide receiver.

The post Where Do The Browns Stand Among Afc North Rivals Entering Draft Weekend? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Deshaun Watson trade is now routinely hailed as the worst trade in NFL history, if not in all of professional sports.

The badness of the deal goes beyond giving up six draft picks, including three No. 1s, for a quarterback who has played only 19 of a possible 68 games for the Browns.

You might not realize how much it set back the Browns until you fill in the names of players squandered by the trade.

What would the Browns be today if on their roster were center Tyler Linderbaum, receiver Romeo Doubs, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive tackle Kobie Turner, receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and tight end Cade Stover?

Yes, those are players who were available with the original picks swapped to the Houston Texans in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 drafts for Watson.

Looking back

Of course, there’s no guarantee the Browns would have nailed each of the six picks they originally owned before swapping them to Houston. No GM bats .400, let alone 1.000, year after year.

Further, more than likely, GM Andrew Berry would have traded some of the picks in deals far less consequential than the Watson trade.

Houston GM Nick Caserio actually parlayed the six picks he acquired into nine additional trades resulting in 12 total players.

But what if Berry had held on to them and used each one to build a Browns playoff contender?

Let’s re-draft

The original picks Berry traded to Houston for Watson were:

No. 13 (first round) and No. 107 (fourth round) in 2022.

No. 12 (first round) and No. 73 (third round) in 2023.

No. 23 (first round) and No. 123 (fourth round) in 2024.

In the 2022 draft, the Texans traded the Browns’ 13th overall pick to Philadelphia, which chose Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Houston dropped to 15th overall and chose Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green.

But if the Browns had kept the pick, they could have used it on Linderbaum. The center from Iowa was taken 25th by the Ravens.

As for the 107th pick, the Texans used it on running back Dameon Pierce.

Had the Browns kept it, they could have selected Doubs, the receiver from Nevada, who was taken at No. 132 by the Packers.

In the 2023 draft, the Texans packaged the 12th overall pick with other picks to move up to No. 3 and select Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson.

Had the Browns kept the 12th overall pick, they could have selected Gibbs, the running back from Alabama. Detroit picked Gibbs at No. 12 after acquiring the selection from Arizona.

Caserio traded the 73rd pick to the Rams and moved up to select receiver Tank Dell. The Rams moved the 73rd pick to the Giants. The Rams wound up taking Turner at No. 89. He proved the best player in this range of picks.

In the 2024 draft, the Texans traded the 23rd pick to the Vikings and took Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter. The Vikings then swapped the 23rd pick to Jacksonville, which took Thomas, the receiver from LSU.

With the 123rd pick, the Texans chose Stover, the tight end from Ohio State.

So had the Browns used their own picks and not traded them for Watson, the best players turned out to be Linderbaum, Doubs, Gibbs, Turner, Thomas and Stover.

Offensive hole

The point of this exercise is not merely to second-guess the Watson trade. It is to illustrate how far the Browns fell behind in roster-building by delivering six draft picks for one player.

Those players squandered would be in the prime of their careers.

Linderbaum made the Pro Bowl in three of four seasons with Baltimore and then signed a three-year contract for $81 million with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history.

Doubs had four decent seasons with Green Bay and signed a four-year deal for $68 million with the New England Patriots in free agency.

Gibbs is a three-time Pro Bowl running back with the Lions and led the NFL in rushing one season.

Turner, an interior lineman, has 24 sacks for the Rams in his first three seasons.

Thomas made the Pro Bowl as a rookie with Jacksonville after 87 receptions and 10 touchdowns.

Stover has been a solid TE2 in two seasons with the Texans.

Digging out

At the NFL owners meetings in 2025, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam conceded, “We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback. We didn’t, and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole.”

“That hole” is the void left by those six squandered draft picks, mostly on offense. It also includes the quarterback position.

Now that the Browns have paid the tariff on the Watson trade, merely using their own draft picks wisely is not going to be enough to make up the ground they have lost. They have to do a Watson trade in reverse.

The only player they have to pull that off is Myles Garrett.

Perhaps that was the reasoning behind the modification of Garrett’s contract, which, according to several salary cap analysts, made a trade of Garrett easier to consummate.

We won’t find out until June 2 at the earliest.

The post The Browns Have To Pull Off A Deshaun Watson Trade In Reverse To Climb Out Of The Hole It Created appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Andrew Berry would like everyone to believe anything is possible when the GM conducts his seventh Browns draft on April 23-25.

Trade down from No. 6?

“Our mindset going into the draft, with our most valuable asset, isn’t about, ‘Hey, just trade it away.’ It’s maximizing the asset,” Berry said Thursday at his annual pre-draft press conference.

“And that can, at different times, take different forms. It can be selecting a player, it could be trading it for a veteran, it could be trading down, it could be trading up.  We will continue to work through all those possibilities up until, really, we get on the clock on Thursday night.”

Trade up from No. 6?

“That’s certainly a possibility,” Berry said.

Draft a quarterback to join the competition among Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel – or at least join the room as QB4?

“Yeah, I think it’s possible,” Berry said. “I mean, quite frankly, it’s possible that we could add to any position. That’s really the truth. And I wouldn’t disqualify quarterback either. No.”

Take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 6?

“He’s a pretty special, unique prospect,” Berry said. “You know, there are some players that … they transcend scheme and they make a unique impact on the game. We should be able to find a way to use those players.”

Take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, Todd Monken’s former recruit as offensive coordinator at Georgia?

“Son of a coach, really smart, very driven, he’s physically talented,” Berry said. “He has a very unique college journey, in terms of coming in as a five-star [recruit] and then really having to wait his turn behind two pretty talented quarterbacks — Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe — before getting his chance under center. And he did a great job maximizing it. So, we’ve really enjoyed our time with Ty.”

What about trading a veteran player (hint hint: Myles Garrett or Denzel Ward)?

“You have a bunch of trade discussions throughout the weekend and everything like that, so I couldn’t handicap anything as we sit here today,” Berry said. “In terms of our guys or what we do, I’d say we’ll do anything that can help the team, move the roster forward. But I think that’s much less likely, yeah.”

The reality, though, is that Berry’s actions in free agency have pinned him in a corner.

Despite four transactions on the offensive line, he still has gaping holes at the left tackle and center positions.

And he has done nothing to upgrade the league’s most anemic wide receiver corps.

So with a week to go before the draft, the Browns’ highest priorities remain the same as when the pre-draft season began in February. The league’s worst offense over the past two seasons needs a left tackle and a receiver – two positions that Berry has not been particularly adept at evaluating in the draft.

It’s impossible for Berry to camouflage those needs as he talks trade with other GMs throughout the week.

Here’s the latest on the two positions most likely to be targeted with Berry’s picks in the first round:

Offensive tackle

The quandary here is that the draft’s consensus top two linemen – Miami’s Francis Mauigoa and Utah’s Spencer Fano – are viewed as stronger prospects at positions other than left tackle.

Mauigoa played right tackle for the CFP runner-up Hurricanes, but volunteered to take reps at guard to improve his draft stock. Fano started one season at left tackle at Utah, but finished his last two seasons at right tackle. Fano’s versatility – and short arms — prompted some teams at the Combine to have him take reps at guard and center.

While several other linemen are expected to fall off the board in the first round, none is considered worthy of being taken at No. 6, for a variety of reasons. These include athletic but inexperienced Monroe Freeling of Georgia, behemoth Kadyn Proctor of Alabama, lithe Caleb Lomu of Utah, and Clemson iron-man Blake Miller of Strongsville.

Berry continues to maintain the distinction between left and right tackle has been blurred because pass rushers now routinely come from either side.

“I think every player is unique,” Berry said. “I think certainly it’s a good offensive line group. Look, some players that are, and we see this every year, but some players that are college tackles may move inside just because of their physical characteristics, whether it’s athleticism or length or something along those lines. Some have multi-aligned inside, outside, some have lined up on both sides of the line of scrimmage. So you really do take it case by case because I don’t think there’s necessarily a one size-fits-all rule.

“Tackles are tackles. You’re looking for certain characteristics because they’ve all got to be able to protect on an edge. You know, top rushers are not staying one side of the ball. So we really do analyze it within the aggregate position.”

Berry’s first draft pick as Browns GM was Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills with the No. 10 pick of the 2020 draft. Wills played right tackle his entire career at Alabama. He was moved to left tackle with the Browns and started 57 games in five seasons, and missed 25 games due to various injuries. Wills sat out the entire 2025 season with a nagging knee injury and recently was signed by the Chicago Bears.

Wide receiver

In six Browns drafts, Berry hasn’t taken a receiver higher than No. 74 overall. That was Cedric Tillman in 2023, who has not established himself in three seasons.

Berry was handicapped without a first-round picks in 2022-24 because of the Watson trade. He also opted to trade second-round picks on two occasions in that time. So he compensated by trading for veteran receivers Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy.

“I think it’s not a philosophical thing,” Berry said of not devoting a high pick to a receiver.

It’s overdue for Berry to take a swing on a receiver, whether at No. 6 or No. 24.

The candidates at No. 6 are Carnell Tate of Ohio State and Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State.

“They’re both excellent players,” Berry said. “They both have size. You know, they both can separate, good hands. Obviously, Carnell, if he’s not an NFL receiver, he probably could be a trapeze artist with how acrobatic he is. And you know, Jordyn’s an excellent creator with the ball in his hands. So, they’re two excellent, excellent prospects.”

After them, the leading prospects at No. 24 are Makai Lemon of USC, KC Concepcion of Texas A&M, Omar Cooper of Indiana, Denzel Boston of Washington, Germie Bernard of Alabama, and Chris Bell of Louisville.

Certainly, anything is possible in this coming Browns draft. But if Berry fails to produce a starting left tackle and wide receiver, it will be difficult for new coach Todd Monken to do much better offensively than Kevin Stefanski did the last two seasons.

The post Andrew Berry On Browns’ Draft: ‘We’re Working Through A Number Of Different Scenarios At This Point’ appeared first on The Land On Demand.

When Jimmy Haslam explained why GM Andrew Berry survived an 8-26 record the past two seasons – and coach Kevin Stefanski did not – the Browns owner cited Berry’s superb 2025 record in the draft, free agencyand trades.

And he challenged Berry to do it all again in 2026.

“The next 120 days are crucial for the organization,” Haslam said on January 5. “We’ve got to find the right head coach. We’ve got to be efficient again in free agency. We have 10 draft picks, including two number ones. We have four of the top (seven) picks in the top three rounds. We’ve got to get really good players who are really good people again. We’ve got to be opportunistic if trade opportunities come along.”

Since Haslam’s declaration, the Browns traded a fifth-round pick for Houston offensive tackle Tytus Howard, leaving them with nine selections in the 2026 draft beginning one week from Thursday.

They own picks Nos. 6, 24, 39, 70, 107, 146, 149, 206 and 248.

What can Berry expect to extract from his seventh Browns draft if he keeps all those picks?

One guide is to examine the history of those individual selections – both in recent NFL drafts overall and in past Browns drafts.

No. 6, first round

Last three drafts

2025: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, Raiders

Behind a non-existent offensive line, he started all 17 games and finished with 975 yards and five rushing TDs, plus 55 receptions and five TD catches.

2024: WR Malik Nabers, LSU, Giants

After a 109-catch, seven-TD rookie season, a torn ACL limited him to four games last year.

2023: OT Paris Johnson, Ohio State, Cardinals

He broke in at right tackle but has been a stalwart at left tackle the past two seasons.

Past Browns picks at No. 6:

2013: LB Barkevious Mingo, LSU

2004: TE Kellen Winslow II, Miami

1957: RB Jim Brown, Syracuse

Paul Brown wanted to find Otto Graham’s successor, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Purdue’s Len Dawson at No. 5, Brown stumbled upon one of the NFL’s greatest players in history.

No. 24, first round

Last three drafts

2025: OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, Vikings

An immediate starter at left guard, he missed three games due to wrist surgery and finished second among team linemen with 795 offensive snaps.

2024: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama, Lions

After starting 15 games as a rookie, shoulder injuries limited him to eight games in 2025. He has one career interception.

2023: DB Deonte Banks, Maryland, Giants

A 35-game starter who was demoted last year amid a coordinator change, his biggest play in three years was a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to clinch a win over the Raiders last season.

Past Browns picks at No. 24

None.

No. 39, second round

Last three drafts

2025: WR Luther Burden, Missouri, Bears

His emergence as a rookie (47 receptions, 652 yards) led to the trade of D.J. Moore to the Bills in March.

2024: DT Braden Fiske, Florida State, Rams

An All-Rookie selection in 2024 after recording 8.5 sacks, he’s a mainstay on the defensive front of a Super Bowl contender.

2023: WR Jonathan Mingo, Mississippi, Panthers

Since he was traded to the Cowboys in his second year for a fourth-round pick, he has six receptions in 14 games.

Past Browns picks at No. 39

1978: P Johnny Evans, North Carolina State

Drafted as a backup quarterback and punter, he never played on offense and had a 39.5-yard punt average in three seasons.

1952: OG Elmer Costa, North Carolina State

1951: E Bob Oristaglio, Penn

1950: B Jimmy Joe Robinson, Pittsburgh

No. 70, third round

Last three drafts

2025: WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas, Lions

Made three starts as a rookie; 14 of his 16 receptions gained first downs.

2024: DB Andru Phillips, Kentucky, Giants

The Giants’ starting nickelback has three interceptions and 13 pass breakups in two seasons.

2023: DT Byron Young, Alabama, Raiders

Cut by the Raiders after his rookie season, he was claimed by the Eagles and missed the entire 2024 season but came back and had 2.5 sacks in 2025.

Past Browns picks at No. 70

1979: DE Jim Ramey, Kentucky

He played with five teams in three leagues, but never appeared in a game with the Browns.

1959: OT Jim Prestel, Idaho

No. 107, fourth round

Last three drafts

2025: LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame, Jaguars

Primarily a special teamer his rookie season.

2024: TE Theo Johnson, Penn State, Giants

As TE2 with the Giants, he’s averaged 37 receptions and three TDs in two seasons.

2023: C Jake Andrews, Troy, Patriots

Released by New England in his second season, he found new life as starting center with the Texans in 2025.

Past Browns picks at No. 107

1989: DE Andrew Stewart, Cincinnati

Voted the Maurice Bassett Award as Browns outstanding rookie in 1989, he found more success in the CFL playing for three Grey Cup championship teams.

1963: E Walt Sweeney, Syracuse

1953: B Bob McNamara, Minnesota

No. 146, fifth round

Last three drafts

2025: DE Bradyn Swinson, LSU, Patriots

He’s a backup edge rusher entering his second season.

2024: DB Jarvis Brownlee, Louisville, Titans

After making 14 starts as a rookie, he was traded to the Jets in 2025 and became their starting nickelback.

2023: DB Jordan Howden, Minnesota, Saints

He has 13 starts in three years, with two interceptions.

Past Browns picks at No. 146

2000: DB Lamar Chapman, Kansas State

Injuries limited him to one NFL season. He played another year in the CFL.

1974: RB Billy Pritchett, West Texas State

No. 149, fifth round

Last three drafts

2025: RB Jaydon Blue, Texas, Cowboys

He played mostly on special teams.

2024: DB Josh Newton, Texas Christian, Bengals

He has one interception as Cincinnati’s fifth CB.

2023: QB Sean Clifford, Penn State, Packers

After two years as QB3 in Green Bay, he’s now QB4 in Cincinnati.

Past Browns picks at No. 149

1983: NT Dave Puzzuoli, Pittsburgh

In five seasons as Bob Golic’s backup, he registered the only sack of John Elway during ‘The Drive’ in the 1986 season AFC title game.

1978: C Al Pitts, Michigan State

1972: OG Leonard Forey, Texas A&M

1963: E Art Graham, Boston College

No. 206, sixth round

Last three drafts

2025: OT Chase Lundt, Connecticut, Bills

A knee injury ended his rookie year. He’s the backup right tackle in 2026.

2024: LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State, Browns

A torn bicep cost him his second season. New special teams coach Byron Storer named him as a core player in his intro press conference.

2023: WR Andrei Iosavis, Princeton, Bengals

He has 12 TDs in three years as Joe Burrow’s WR3.

Past Browns picks at No. 206

2024: LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State

2000: OG Brad Bedell, Colorado

Old-time Browns scribes still chuckle at him being introduced as Brade Bedell on draft day after somebody mistakenly added an E to his first name.

No. 248, seventh round

Last three drafts:

2025: TE Moliki Matavao, UCLA, Saints

He enters his second season as TE3.

2024: OG C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross, Chiefs

He’s KayCee’s LG2.

2023: DB Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh, Texans

Currently without a team.

Past Browns picks at No. 248

2011: DB Eric Hagg, Nebraska

He made four starts at safety his second and last season for defensive coordinator Dick Jauron.

1971: LB Steve Casteel, Oklahoma

The post A Historical Guide To The Browns’ Nine Draft Picks In 2026 appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Ten takes on the Browns’ draft while serving on a jury trial …

1. I think the best pick for the Browns at No. 6 is Carnell Tate.

2. I don’t think the Browns will pick Carnell Tate.

3. I think the best offensive lineman in the draft is Francis Mauigoa.

4. I don’t think the Browns will pick Francis Mauigoa.

5. Most of the draft insiders are jumping on Spencer Fano as the Browns’ pick at No. 6. But would they play him at left tackle, or right tackle and move Tytus Howard to left tackle? Either way, the Browns seem perfectly comfortable with shuffling their new offensive linemen in less-than-familiar roles. Elgton Jenkins to center, rather than left guard? I’m really curious to see what the final offensive line looks like. They seem intent on fielding five offensive guards.

6. Have we seen the last of Myles Garrett? The smoke of a post-June 1 trade won’t go away. Theoretically, Garrett does not have to report to the Browns’ offseason program until the mandatory minicamp June 9-11. But by then, he could be attending the mandatory minicamp in Philadelphia (June 9-10), San Francisco (June 9-10), or Seattle (June 9-11). Contrary to what you’ve read or heard, find me a direct quote in a transcript or sound byte in 2026 – not in 2025 – in which Jimmy Haslam or Andrew Berry says, “We’re not trading Myles Garrett.” Not from an anonymous team source. From Haslam or Berry.

7. If the Browns cross up everyone and select pass rushers David Bailey of Texas Tech or Rueben Bain of Miami, rest assured, Garrett will be traded on June 2.

8. When all is said and done, the fourth Browns quarterback could end up being Josh Dobbs. Which I’m good with.

9. There is one player in the draft I really want the Browns to pick. He is free safety Bud Clark of Texas Christian (third or fourth round). Why? He’s a ball hawk. The Browns haven’t had a ball hawk to roam center field since Tom Heckert-find Tashaun Gipson in 2012-15. The last four seasons at TCU, Clark had 15 interceptions. The Browns won’t take him, however, because he’ll be 24 in May. Too old.

10. Andrew Berry deserves kudos for his 2025 draft, for sure, but a few head scratchers are affecting the 2026 draft. For instance, if he had taken just one quarterback – and not two – I could more seriously consider Alabama’s Ty Simpson at, say, No. 24 or No. 39. And if he had taken just one running back – and not two – I could more seriously consider Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at No. 6. Either way, the more serious possibility of taking Simpson or Love could make it easier for Berry to pull off a trade for a coveted 2027 high pick.

The post Thoughts on Carnell Tate, Spencer Fano, Myles Garrett and one player I absolutely want the Browns to take in the draft appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Mock draft 7.0: Browns offensive choices are limited at No. 6 if they can’t trade down

As of Sunday, April 12, 2026

Editor’s note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

In a relaxed, off-the-record session at NFL owners meetings two weeks ago, Jimmy Haslam polled Northeast Ohio media on what the Browns ought to do with the No. 6 pick in the draft.

After the first two respondents said, “Trade down,” Haslam, a bit exasperated, exclaimed, “What if we can’t?”

And therein lies the problem the Browns very well may be facing.

Trading down, just a bit, is preferable because there aren’t a lot of offensive options worthy of the No. 6 pick. If GM Andrew Berry could acquire an extra pick in the talent-rich 2027 draft and fill an offensive position of need, it would be a home run.

But if Berry can’t trade down and the Browns are forced to take a player at No. 6, I believe the choices would come down to Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.

And something tells me the Browns are not that high on Tate, which is sad.

As for Mauigoa, he is the best offensive lineman, in my opinion, but Berry’s veteran acquisitions leave the team with obvious voids at left tackle and center – neither of which Mauigoa will ever play.

What about Utah lineman Spencer Fano, the jack of all trades and master of none? He has been a recent popular mock choice for the Browns, but I have no idea where the Browns would play him. I don’t think versatility should be the major trait of a player selected as high as No. 6.

This is our penultimate mock draft. The last one will be our official prediction of the first round and will be posted on April 23 – first night of the NFL draft.

Mock draft 7.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: He and Kirk Cousins are already viewing film together.

2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: Will be one of seven new starters on Aaron Glenn’s defense.

3. Arizona: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: They have no other pass rushers.

4. Tennessee: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Right player for the right team.

5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: For the sixth consecutive mock.

6. Cleveland: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Comment: George Warhop will have to figure out the configuration.

7. Washington: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Comment: Best cornerback makes the most sense.

8. New Orleans: DE Reuben Bain, Miami

Comment: Saints need a pass rusher.

9. Kansas City: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Comment: Time to rebuild Chiefs secondary.

10. Cincinnati: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Comment: Will have to wait for pass rusher later.

11. Miami: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

12. Dallas: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC

14: Baltimore: OL Spencer Fano, Utah

Comment: He might play center his first year.

15: Tampa Bay: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

17. Detroit: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): CB Aveion Terrell, Clemson

21. Pittsburgh: WR Omar Cooper, Indiana

Comment: Big Mike stocks up on offense.

22. L.A. Chargers: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

23. Philadelphia: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Comment: Big target with strong hands.

25. Chicago: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

26. Buffalo: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

27. San Francisco: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

28. Houston: OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

30. Miami: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

31. New England: DE T.J. Parker, Clemson      

32. Seattle: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

The post Mock Draft 7.0: Browns Offensive Choices Are Limited At No. 6 If They Can’T Trade Down appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Do you think it’s realistic to hope to get a future 1st from Dallas (as well as 12 or 20) for the 6th overall pick to prepare for the 2027 QBs?

— Kyle, Celina, OH

Hey Kyle: Jerry Jones likes to trade up and needs to nab a starting defensive end or safety in the coming draft; hence, the rumor that he might be willing to move up to the Browns’ No. 6 spot for Caleb Downs or Rueben Bain. The rumored trade of No. 6 and No. 39 from the Browns for No. 12 and No. 20 is not a trade I would make. I would want more. The Cowboys own their No. 1 pick and Green Bay’s No. 1 pick in 2027. The higher of those picks is committed to the Jets from Dallas’ trade for Quinnen Williams last year. I doubt Dallas would agree to a trade involving their remaining first-round pick in 2027.  

Hey Tony: Which draftable player do you think would be a perfect fit for the Browns? Which player would you not like the Browns drafting (any round)?

— Ryan, Cleveland, OH

Hey Ryan: To me, Carnell Tate is a perfect fit. I don’t see any negative in taking him at No. 6. As for non-fits, I don’t want any player coming off an injury or a history of injuries in college.

Hey Tony: I keep hearing this is not a great offensive draft and not a lot of premier prospects on that side of the ball. If we can’t find a team to trade down with are we better off sucking it up and just taking one of the top defensive guys at 6?

— Mike, North Olmsted, OH

Hey Mike: Although a short trade-down is preferable, I believe Tate and Francis Mauigoa are worthy of the No. 6 pick.

Hey Tony: Any chance they take Diego Pavia in a later round? 

— Rob Nashville, TN

Hey Rob: No more quarterbacks under 6-2, please. I beg of this. Pavia is 5-10. Please, no.

Hey Tony: Last year in the trade with JAX I thought for sure we would had two picks in the top 15 not #24. Do Browns leadership take some blame, as I’m sure they thought the same. Or is that just how things go sometimes. 

— John, Stow, OH

Hey John: There’s no blame to give. Nobody thought the Jaguars would go 13-4. It still was a great trade. Getting a future No. 1 alone for a non-quarterback made it a plus trade. The Browns also received second- and fourth-round picks in 2025.

Hey Tony: Do you think Joel Bitonio is waiting to see how/if the Browns improve the O-line, WR’s, and/or QB via the draft or free agency before committing to return to the Browns? 

— Kevin, Plano, TX

Hey Kevin: I have no idea what’s going on with Bitonio, but I believe this ship has sailed. Bitonio will not play for the Browns in 2026.

Hey Tony: Why not address the elephant in the room? Possibility of trading Garrett for Mendoza post June 1st? It’s the only trade the Browns could justify. Albert Breer hints at this! How does Kirk Cousins get a contract just to “sit” or play a few games?

— Joe, Galion, OH

Hey Joe: There is no place in our universe in which a Garrett-for-Mendoza trade takes place. Any trade after June 1 would involve multiple No. 1s in 2027 and 2028.

Hey Tony: Do you think the Browns should take a shot at Drew Allar from Penn State in the 5th or 6th round? Your thoughts on if he’s worth it and if he’d be there. He looked promising before the injury. I personally am not a big fan of Penn State QB’s. They never seem to transition well to the NFL.

— Steve, Liberty Township, OH

Hey Steve: I like Allar in any round after Round 3. I don’t think he will be available after Round 3, however.

Hey Tony: If the first round goes OT, WR does AB go best defensive player available or go o-line again?

— Drew, Cincinnati, OH

Hey Drew: I think there are options for the pick at No. 39 – another receiver, best available cornerback, another offensive tackle, ball-hawking free safety, best available edge rusher.

Hey Tony: Feels to me like a Myles Garrett trade is coming, but next year at this time. The only way a Myles trade makes sense is if you use his value to go get your QB. Package Myles to move wherever you need to go to get the QB. What say you?

— Nick, Lexington, NC

Hey Nick: Let’s frame a potential Garrett trade this way: Would you trade Garrett for Arch Manning? For Dante Moore? For LaNorris Sellers? For C.J. Carr? In other words, would you trade Garrett for a franchise quarterback, assuming one of those four fits the bill. My answer is yes.

Hey Tony: Do you expect the Browns to actively rebuild their special teams returners & coverage guys though the draft & UDFAs or less sexy Free Agent signings?

— Bob, Strongsville, OH

Hey Bob: One of the Browns’ under-radar free agent signings was Tylan Wallace, formerly of the Ravens, who figures to compete for a roster spot as a return specialist. They’ve signed a couple other special teamers and more will come via the draft.

The post #Heytony: What About That Rumored Trade With The Cowboys? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from the first press availability of the Browns voluntary offseason program …

Since Todd Monken was hired as head coach and Jim Schwartz resigned as defensive coordinator, the undeniable storylines of the 2026 Browns have been:

1. The upcoming quarterback competition.

2. The future of Myles Garrett with the Browns.

So, on the first availability of Monken’s offseason program, this is what happened:

1. Neither Shedeur Sanders nor Deshaun Watson nor Dillon Gabriel was made available to the media. No explanation given.

2. And Garrett was a no-show, as expected.

The QB competition

Everyone wants to know who will take the first snap when the QBs take the field  in Phase 2 of the voluntary program in two weeks.

Monken was right when he said, “It’s not where they start, it’s where they finish. It’s where they end up.”

“We’re going to have to line up in two weeks. We’re going to have to roll a first unit out there and there’s some past history that plays in that and a little bit of guesswork on where they’re at and what we’ve seen up till this point in the classroom. And maybe a little bit of what we’ve heard. I mean, that all goes into it, but eventually it’ll all work itself out.

“Whatever the number of reps – I said it a week ago – it doesn’t eliminate the competition. It just doesn’t. I mean, it’s players decide who plays. I don’t decide who plays. The players decide that.”

By now, Monken understands the history of Watson, Sanders and Gabriel with Cleveland fans. Sanders is the undisputed fan favorite. But that popularity is not going to dictate the competition as it stretches from the classroom to limited practice opportunities in the spring, right into training camp.

Monken, 60, also has been around long enough to know that completing 75% passes in 7-on-7 drills is not going to be the winning ticket to the competition.

“There’s heated competition everywhere,” Monken said. “From a quarterback’s perspective, it’s a little bit more difficult just because their number one job is to get us in the end zone. And that’s a little bit harder to really drill down. A couple of different reasons why. One is you’re not playing any games. You don’t have pads on. No one’s live. So you really don’t get a real feel for that athleticism, ability to escape and playmake.

“That’s probably one of the hardest things over the years when you have athletic quarterbacks. Like, this guy looks a little better at 7-on-7. Yeah, well, the game isn’t 7-on-7. It absolutely isn’t. Who makes plays? Who’s got an inner toughness to move the offense and get us in the end zone? And then ultimately, who does the team believe in? And usually that correlates.

“The team’s going to believe in the guy that gives us the best chance to score and win. And when the game’s on the line. Whether it’s third downs, fourth downs, two-minute, that they feel comfortable like we would want the ball in their hands.”

Monken remains non-committal about who might have the edge from the onset.

“There’s enough there to really like Deshaun, the way he plays, and there’s enough there to really like the way Shedeur played the back end of the year. And there’s enough early in the year from Dillon that is playing the position at a very high level,” he said.

“It’s been brought up a lot more to me than really what I think about, other than, yeah, someone’s going to have to start off first and someone’s going to go second, someone’s going to go third, and then we’ll be willing to switch that. That’s easily on a daily basis, what we see, just like any position that’s not set in stone, that’s something we can flip. Just like the practice phase, we can flip that any given day to how we see fit that gives us the best chance to develop our players.

“Now, how they go about it, how they study, how they take care of their body, how they manage our team, how they lead, those are set in stone. Those are non-negotiables.”

Myles being Myles

It seems ludicrous to single out Garrett as a no-show in the strength-and-conditioning phase of the voluntary program.

Nobody on the team is in better shape than Garrett and nobody shows up better on Sundays in season than the two-time defensive player-of-the-year.

It’s just that …

Garrett hasn’t been heard from since Schwartz resigned in protest of not getting the head coach job. And then came the out-of-leftfield contract modification that every contract analyst insists was done ostensibly to make it easier to trade Garrett, who hasn’t at all lost his desire to play for a Super Bowl contender.

And the fact that Garrett will be playing for a new head coach and a new defensive coordinator would seem to merit Garrett reporting for a few days, at least, to get acquainted with the new coaches in charge.

“First of all, as I’ve said before, this is voluntary for our players to be here,” Monken said. “I think if you asked every coach in the NFL, would they like every player to be there for that? Of course.

“I think there’s certain parts of what we do from a connection standpoint, you know, that I think it is important to be here. From a schematics standpoint, from a work standpoint, not so much.

“And it is our job to make it to where the guys want to be here. Not just by the job, but by their development, by the camaraderie by being part of a team. And hell, I’ve been part of a team since I was five years old. There’s nothing like it. I wouldn’t miss it because that’s me, that’s how I’m wired. But it is voluntary. Myles will be ready. I’m not worried about Myles.”

First impressions

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger and cornerback Tyson Campbell were the only players made available to media. So, naturally, their line of questioning centered on first impressions of new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

“Rudy brings a lot of energy, a lot of passion,” Campbell said. “That’s what you want out of a D-coordinator. A guy that brings a lot of energy and passion to the group. [It’s] all about team camaraderie. Eleven guys playing as one on the field. That’s the first impression I’ve received off Coach Rudy.”

Schwesinger, who became Schwartz’s immediate “green dot” linebacker – who relayed play-calls and got everyone in position – and developed swiftly into the NFL defensive rookie-of-the-year, said the overall response to Rutenberg has been “great.”

“Obviously, everyone loved Schwartz and we all loved playing for him. But the mindset’s still the same. We’re going in planning to be the best defense we can be,” he said.

It’s too early for the players to know what schematic changes from Schwartz’s system Rutenberg might be contemplating.

“I think every coach comes in with what they want their pillars to be and the mindset,” Schwesinger said. “I think as a defense we’re trying to build on what we did last year. Schematically, we’re still with the ‘attack’ front, and we’re gonna go get after people. Everyone has their own wrinkles that they’ll add in, so I’m excited to learn those.”

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Takeaways from opening of Browns offseason conditioning program …

The Browns signed another backup cornerback on Monday in a move that probably means the end of Martin (M.J.) Emerson in Cleveland.

The new cornerback is Myles Bryant, a seven-year veteran most recently with the Houston Texans.

Bryant, 28, was an undrafted free agent signed by the New England Patriots in 2020. He joined the Texans in 2024 and appeared in 22 games the past two seasons, mostly on special teams, with three starts at cornerback last year. Bryant, 5-9 and 192 pounds, has four interceptions in 77 career games.

Coincidentally, Emerson made a free agent visit to Houston on Monday.

The strapping Emerson, 6-2 and 201, was a rare third-round gem of the Andrew Berry era. Taken in the third round in 2022, Emerson made 33 starts in his first three seasons and led the Browns with four interceptions in 2023.

Emerson missed all of 2025 after an Achilles tendon tear in training camp in August. It was especially tough for him because he was entering the last year of his rookie contract.

In his absence, the Browns traded for cornerback Tyson Campbell, who proved an instant upgrade over Greg Newsome, who moved to Jacksonville in the one-for-one swap, in the starting spot opposite Denzel Ward.

At NFL owners meetings last week, Berry indicated that Emerson was looking to compete for a starting spot in free agency and he would not have that opportunity with the Browns.

“Love M.J. … Absolutely love M.J.,” Berry said. “Both as a person and as a player. Selfishly, would love to have him back. I think we’re also realistic that with M.J. and the injury that he’s coming off of, to reach his personal goals, he’s also got to be in a position where he has maybe a strong opportunity to compete for a starting spot. That’s probably a little bit harder with how we’re configured with Denzel and Tyson.”

Previous to Bryant, the Browns signed backup cornerbacks D’Angelo Ross and Tre Avery. They also have Dom Jones on their roster behind starters Ward and Campbell.

In other roster news, the Browns signed six exclusive rights free agents (less than three years NFL experience) previously tendered contracts. They are tight end Brenden Bates, receiver Malachi Corley, linebacker Winston Reid, long snapper Rex Sunahara, kicker Andre Szmyt and receiver Jamari Thrash.

Happy opening day

The Todd Monken era officially kicks off on Tuesday with the start of the 2026 voluntary offseason conditioning program.

Teams with new coaches are allowed to open their programs two weeks early and are also given an extra voluntary minicamp.

Monken’s minicamp will be held April 21-23. There will be a mandatory minicamp June 9-11.

The offseason program is broken down into three phases.

Phase One consists of two weeks of meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation.

Phase Two consists of three weeks of on-field individual and position drills but no offense v. defense work.

Phase Three consists of four weeks of a total of 10 OTA practices involving offense v. defense in 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

Monken’s quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel will kick off with the voluntary program. But the team does not expect defensive end Myles Garrett to attend. Garrett has not been a frequent attendee in recent years.

Garrett has not made any public comments since the team changed coaches and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz resigned. Garrett has been the subject of trade speculation after the Browns modified his contract in part to ease the ability to trade him.

At NFL meetings, owner Jimmy Haslam said Garrett was “absolutely” committed to the organization despite asking to be traded to a contender a year ago.

“We spent a lot of time with Myles the day after the season,” Haslam said. “We had a great conversation about the offseason, the direction of the team, what we were looking for, etc. And [Berry] talks to Myles regularly. So I doubt Myles is there on April 7th, OK? But Myles hasn’t shown the need to be there and we have a new defensive coordinator, but we’re basically going to run the same defense.So I think Myles will be ready to go.”

Berry said, “It’s a voluntary program. So, I’d imagine he’d do his same schedule, that type of thing.”

And the winner is …

Who’s the most popular mock draft choice for the Browns with the sixth overall pick in the first round?

According to Pro Football Sports Network’s draft simulator, it’s Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate. Tate’s gotten the call 12% of the time on the PFSN simulator.

Next is Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling (11.1%).

Counting simulated projections for the Browns’ second pick at No. 24, the rest of the field includes Indiana receiver Omar Cooper (8.0%), Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa (7.5%), Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (6.8%), Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu (6.4%), Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano (5.2%), Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller (4.5%), Washington receiver Denzel Boston (4.4%), and Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion (4.2%).

The post Cornerback Martin Emerson’s Days As A Brown Appear Over appeared first on The Land On Demand.

One of the overlooked revelations at NFL owners meeting last week came in this exchange I had with Browns GM Andrew Berry.

Me: “So far you’ve only had one offensive lineman make a Top 30 visit to Berea, reportedly, Markel Bell of Miami …”

Berry: “So I’d say this, I would not … Can’t believe everything you read.”

Me: “So you have had more?”

Berry: “Yeah, we’ve had … we’ve actually done a lot, so…”

Visits by wide receivers – seven, total – were widely reported. Visits by offensive linemen were kept under radar.

So … we’re back on the scent of Berry taking an offensive tackle with his first pick at No. 6, and using No. 24, and perhaps even No. 39, on a wide receiver.

In the interview at the annual meeting Berry also emphasized that the versatility of his veteran additions gives line coach George Warhop the flexibility to adjust to the final offensive line roster.

When Berry said they’d have five starters if they had to line up today, I asked who would play left tackle.

“I’d say between Dawand [Jones] … Tytus [Howard] has obviously played there before and was a college left tackle as well … we have KT [Leveston], so we do have options there.”

In other words, maybe we should not rule Berry choosing the best offensive lineman in the draft – even if he is not considered a left tackle.

Mock draft 6.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: Acquisition of Kirk Cousins will not change this selection.

2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: Fifth time in six mocks. Time to etch it in magic marker.

3. Arizona: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: This selection will directly affect the Browns at No. 6.

4. Tennessee: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Cam Ward gives his Love.

5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: After spirited debate over a Buckeye teammate.

6. Cleveland: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Comment: Tough and nasty culture-changer, right tackle or not.

7. Washington: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Comment: His stock’s on the rise.

8. New Orleans: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Comment: Best player on the board.

9. Kansas City: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Comment: Lost both starting CBs through trade and free agency.

10. Cincinnati: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Bengals have to replace Trey Hendrickson.

11. Miami: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

12. Dallas: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC

14: Baltimore: OL Spencer Fano, Utah

Comment: Ravens choose versatility over top-rated guard.

15: Tampa Bay: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

17. Detroit: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

21. Pittsburgh: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Comment: Native Clevelander dons black and gold.

22. L.A. Chargers: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

23. Philadelphia: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Comment: Browns first WR in first round since Corey Coleman (yikes).

25. Chicago: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

26. Buffalo: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

27. San Francisco: DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

28. Houston: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): WR Omar Cooper, Indiana

30. Denver: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missouri   

32. Seattle: CB Aveion Terrell, Clemson

The post Mock Draft 6.0: Browns Come Full Circle With Two Mocks To Go appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Why is it so hard for Browns to say five simple words — We will not trade Myles! — and put to rest the read between the lines debate? Can’t we fans get a little peace?

— Aaron, Toledo, OH

Hey Aaron: At NFL meetings, Andrew Berry was asked a simple question: ‘Can you state unequivocally that you’re not trading Myles Garrett?’ This was his response: ‘I’d say this: Myles is a career Brown. He is one of the faces of our organization. I think we’ve been very clear both past and present in terms of our goals. I understand all the questions. I’ll be honest, I don’t really want to waste a ton more breath on the topic.’

Hey Tony: If — and a big IF — Myles is traded, would you demand 3 1st round picks or 2 1st round picks and a young player that is proven and could contribute immediately?

— Andrew, Arlington, TX

Hey Andrew: I would demand three No. 1s, which could be two No. 1s plus a player previously drafted in the first round … plus another 2027 pick. Securing as many high picks in 2027 would be the priority. A No. 1 and No. 2 in 2027 would be an important part of the total package.

Hey Tony: How frustrating was it to hear Andrew Berry provide non-answers about the Browns’ willingness to trade Myles Garrett instead of just being credible and acknowledging it. 

— AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: There is a skillset needed to maximize a trade of this magnitude. I’m not sure Berry can pull it off.

Hey Tony: Would drafting Jeremiyah Love at 6 help improve the offense?

— Joe, Cambridge, OH

Hey Joe: Yes … but … Using high picks on running backs in back-to-back drafts feels dysfunctional.

Hey Tony: Should the Browns use No. 6 on a blue chipper, regardless of position, then address OT /WR at 24, 39?

— Mike, Charlotte, NC

Hey Mike: It truly depends on who’s on the board when they select. One new thought in my mind: If edge rusher David Bailey of Texas Tech is there at No. 6, Browns should contact the Cowboys and deal it for No. 12 and a high pick in 2027. Then use No. 12 on the best left tackle, No. 24 on best wide receiver, and No. 39 on best cornerback.

Hey Tony: Was Jimmy simply trying to save face when he walked back his “swing and a miss” statement considering Watson may end up playing this year? Seems like he wanted to smooth things over a bit and prepare fans for what may be coming.

— Ethan, Richmond, VA 

Hey Ethan: Haslam and Watson are fine, despite his biting comments a year ago. The second part of your question is true. The Browns know there is a potential PR problem if Watson beats out Shedeur Sanders. That may be mitigated only if Watson looks really, really good when he gets back on the field.

Hey Tony: Do you think the Browns will be more interested in acquiring draft capital instead of top draft talent?

— Bob, Wooster, OH

Hey Bob: Not “more interested,” but certainly interested in acquiring some 2027 picks.

Hey Tony: If Deshaun Watson magically turns back the clock to 2020 and leads the Browns to 11+ wins, throws for over 4k yards and wins Comeback Player of the Year, would it be the biggest comeback in Cleveland sports history? (I realize it’s not bigger than Cavs, 3-1).

— Neil, Mentor, OH

Hey Neil: It would be a hell of a story, for sure.

Hey Tony: Will Dawand Jones be the starting left tackle game 1?

— Russ, Alliance, OH

Hey Russ: Geez, at this point, maybe.

Hey Tony: Any interest in bringing Njoku back at a lower salary as the market is bearing that out? And, any interest in signing Chubb to vet min as a short yardage specialist?

— Mike, San Antonio, TX

Hey Mike: I don’t feel either scenario will play out. But never say never.

Hey Tony: Did the Browns make a mistake not trying to acquire Jaxson Dart last year? Rebuild would have been further along.

— Cory, Columbus, OH

Hey Cory: Obviously, yes. I liked Dart as the No. 2 QB after Cam Ward. It’s very difficult to criticize the Browns’ 2025 draft — except for their decisions on quarterbacks.

Hey Tony: With all the excitement around Deshaun Watson coming back healthy, do you think the Browns may bring training camp back to the Greenbrier?

— Josh, Ooltewah, TN

Hey Josh: You know I’ve checked into it. Unfortunately, no, they won’t be returning to the Greenbrier. Miss that place. Almost heaven, West Virginia.

Hey Tony: Is there an update on Joel Bitonio status?

— Dave, Fairlawn, OH

Hey Dave: Who?

Hey Tony: What is the future of the Rooney rule?

— Tony, Tucson, AZ

Hey Tony: Despite objections by the Florida attorney general that the Rooney Rule violates Florida state law, Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “We’ve evolved it, changed it. We’ll continue to do that.”

The post #HeyTony: Why Won’t The Browns Just Say, ‘We’re Not Trading Myles Garrett?’ appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Leftover takeaways from NFL owners meetings …

Kevin Stefanski didn’t survive an 8-26 record the past two seasons, but Andrew Berry did.

Berry not only survived it, he emerged with more authority than he’s had in six previous years as Browns general manager.

It was disclosed in a Q&A session with Berry at NFL owners meetings this week that the current organization chart of Browns football operations calls for coach Todd Monken to report directly to Berry.

Technically, that is not a change, according to a Browns source.

Originally, when the Stefanski-Barry partnership was formed in 2020 by former chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta, both men reported to owner Jimmy Haslam and were overseen by DePodesta, who worked remotely from La Jolla, CA.

But when Stefanski and Berry received contract extensions following the 2023 playoff season, an unreported change occurred, according to the source. At that point, Stefanski — despite earning his second NFL coach-of-the-year award in four years – was realigned to report to Berry.

That foretold a diminishing of authority for DePodesta. He would leave two years later for his first love, Major League Baseball, as a top executive with the Colorado Rockies.

The 2024 adjustment in the organization chart also explains how, and why, Stefanski could not block the firing of coordinator Alex Van Pelt after the Browns made the playoffs despite having to play five quarterbacks that season.

Berry wanted Stefanski’s staff and offensive system adapted to fit the playing style of Deshaun Watson. Ken Dorsey was hired to replace Van Pelt, which indirectly led to offensive line coach Bill Callahan leaving to join his son in Tennessee.

(Stefanski has reunited Van Pelt and Callahan on his new coaching staff with the Atlanta Falcons.)

The Browns are now clearly a GM-dominated football operation.

That’s not unique. It puts the Browns in the company of the Bills, Eagles, Seahawks, Packers, Rams, Lions, Saints, Buccaneers and Colts.

If you attach a team’s record to its GM, here is where Berry stands compared to the GMs of the teams listed above:

* Brandon Beane, Bills (2017 first season), 98-50 (regular season), 8-8 (postseason), .646 overall.

* Howie Roseman, Eagles (2016), 101-63 (10-6) .636.

* John Schneider, Seahawks (2010), 161-99-1 (13-9) .616.

* Brian Gutekunst, Packers (2018), 82-49-2 (2-5) .607.

* Les Snead, Rams (2012), 123-105-1 (10-6) .568.

* Brad Holmes, Lions (2021), 48-36-1 (2-2) .561.

* Mickey Loomis, Saints (2013), 117-96 (4-5) .545.

* Jason Licht, Buccaneers (2014), 93-104 (6-4) .478.

* Chris Ballard, Colts (2017), 70-78-1 (1-2) .470.

* Andrew Berry, Browns (2020), 45-56 (1-2) .442.

“I think Andrew over the last year has done a very good job,” Haslam said when discussing the firing of Stefanski on January 5. “I think that core that Andrew has put together this year will help move us forward. We hope to have similar results  this coming year.”

Offensive line carousel

Less than one week before the start of Monken’s first offseason conditioning program, the Browns’ revamped offensive line is far from complete.

For now, new additions Elgton Jenkins, Zion Johnson, and Tytus Howard could line up anywhere. The Browns would like to position Jenkins at left guard, Johnson at right guard and Howard at right tackle. But that could change.

“Still a lot of work to be done,” Berry said. “I think as we look at that offensive line group, [they are] good players, but also very versatile. And particularly, like with Elgton and Tytus, both of those guys are players who can play at a quality starting level at [multiple] positions across the offensive line. And that’s super helpful because it really is a war of attrition with that position group.”

Berry said that 24 teams last year played with less than 50% of their starting five.

“So to have that resiliency built into a position group where you have guys that can start all across the line of scrimmage, it’s really important, in addition to the flexibility it gives you going into the draft,” Berry said.

“We feel good if we had to line up and play today that we could with that group of linemen. But it certainly doesn’t pigeonhole you into anything as you get to drafting again.”

Both Berry and Monken have suggested Jenkins could wind up at center. In that case, they might move reserve Teven Jenkins to one of the guard spots.

None of this flexibility, however, hides the fact the Browns still don’t have a final answer at left tackle. Even if they opted to draft Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauignoa with the No. 6 pick, it doesn’t solve the void at left tackle.

Pro days

The Browns had reps at all the major pro days, but Berry didn’t attend any of them.

I asked him his philosophy on pro days attendance.

“I’d say No. 1, every GM probably has their own process,” Berry said. “Number two, as a general manager, you’re not the personnel director, you’re overseeing the entire football operation.

“That’s certainly a part of it. Probably the bigger thing is, I’d say a lot of us that maybe don’t hit the pro day circuit go out a lot in the fall and see these guys.

“For me, the biggest part of the pro day is if you haven’t seen a guy move around live or let’s say it’s a prospect that you’re going to have play in another role or another position, maybe you get to see that in the workout. But for someone that you’ve seen multiple times in the fall, you’ve seen them live and you’ve seen them at the combine work out. The question is like, okay, you only have so much time, how [productive] can that actually be?

“And then the other thing is they’re always all on film as well. So every pro day that’s out there, you get to [see] on film.”

I asked Berry about using the pro days to talk directly with trainers, equipment managers and strength coaches to gather further insight on a prospect.

“You should be doing that in the fall,” he said.

Brownie bits

Berry’s update on running back Quinshon Judkins, who had surgery on December 23 to fix a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula: “He’s progressing really, really nicely. I’d imagine that we’re going to see him in some form or fashion this spring and, knock on wood, should be full-go  [for training] camp.” …

The Browns have no second thoughts about hard-balling Jim Schwartz, who resigned as defensive coordinator after getting passed over for the head coach job. The Browns doubled Schwartz’s salary to about $5 million after 2023 and added years to his deal. They apparently did not ask him his plans if he were passed over and thought he’d honor his contract as DC no matter the coach. Unless the Browns change their minds, Schwartz will sit out the 2026 season. The Browns will not hold him to the option year hold for 2027 …

The Browns have not been informed if they will play an International Series game in 2026 in Paris (v. New Orleans) or in London (v. Jacksonville).

The post Andrew Berry’s Authority Has Increased In Browns’ Subtle Organization Changes appeared first on The Land On Demand.

PHOENIX, AZ

When Todd Monken opens his first Browns offseason conditioning program one week from Tuesday, the quarterbacks will notice a distinct change in their competition for the starting job compared to last year.

They will be presented a completely new playbook with different terminology, and different pass and run schemes from what they’ve been used to under Kevin Stefanski.

“Offensively, there’s going to be a pretty big learning curve,” Monken said at NFL owners meetings on Tuesday.

And changes will continue when the quarterbacks take the field, officially, in Phase Two of the program starting with the third week.

Unlike Stefanski, who sought to divide practice reps among Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders close to evenly over two fields – well, except for Sanders, who never took reps with the first team — Monken will have none of that circus.

“The reps can’t be divided up evenly. There’s no chance. At least on a daily basis,” Monken said.

The coach said he experienced a “four- or five-way competition” his first year as Georgia offensive coordinator and “that was not ideal.”

So while he has tabbed it an open competition between Deshaun Watson, Sanders and Gabriel, Monken said that on any given day one quarterback will take the majority of snaps. And then it could change the next day

“There’s always competition irrespective of the number of reps a player gets,” Monken said. “The number of reps a player gets doesn’t eliminate competition. It’s just in a given day, let’s say for instance, you want to see a quarterback with the first group, the second group, the third group. Well, are you going to divide those reps up evenly? Are you going to divide up the reps everywhere evenly? I don’t see it that way. That doesn’t mean there’s not competition.

“How players compete, how they approach their job and their every day diligence, that’s non-negotiable. But how we do things, the number of reps we get, that’s an every day decision.”

Monken said he hopes to arrive at a QB depth chart for training camp by the conclusion of the eight-week, spring minicamp season. As to who gets the first crack to begin the competition, Monken said he would lean toward “what we’ve seen in the past and where the year ended last year.”

The 2025 season ended, of course, with Sanders starting the final seven games, winning the last two; with Gabriel as QB2 after recovering from a concussion in Game 10; and with Watson on an injury list after practicing for three weeks following a 412-day layoff recovering from a second Achilles tendon surgery in January of 2025.

So, does Sanders open the spring season first in line?

“I’m not ready to say that yet,” Monken said.

Sanders clearly has taken more initiative in forming a relationship with Monken in the two months since Monken was hired than Watson and Gabriel.

Sanders has been a frequent visitor to the Browns facility during this period when the NFLPA frowns on player involvement with coaches and teams. Sanders presented Monken with a porcelain horse head as a gift on the coach’s 60th birthday on February 5.

(Monken said he’s displaying the horse head between two Browns helmets in his office. Monken said, “If Deshaun gave me an elephant, then I’d have the elephant up there as well.”)

Monken said of Sanders, “It’s been great that he’s been in the building. It’s refreshing to see a player that recognizes where he’s at and where he wants to get to.”

The coach said he hasn’t seen Gabriel, who’s from Hawaii, in the building and hasn’t spoken to him. He has spoken to Watson once, he said.

On Monday, owner Jimmy Haslam spoke glowingly about Watson and the prospect of this competition being a “fresh start” and a “great chance” for Watson to reclaim his starting job in the final year of his Browns contract.

“I dated my wife for five years before we decided to get married. So one day’s not enough,” Monken said of his interaction so far with Watson. “I will say two weeks isn’t enough, two months isn’t enough. It’s a process.”

Monken seemed to be aware of fan backlash toward Watson re-taking the field after missing 49 games in four seasons with the Browns.

“I will just say this: We’re excited to have him,” Monken said. “We’re excited to see what he has. He’s part of our roster. Anybody that’s part of our roster, it’s our job as coaches to try and get the most out of him. Why isn’t that obvious? I don’t understand it at all.”

On other topics, Monken:

* Professed the hope of incorporating a fullback into his offense.

He utilized 300-pound fullback Patrick Ricard extensively in short-yardage situations with the Ravens. “I think it’s helpful in all the areas where you have to run the football,” Monken said. “We’re going to look for any player that we think gives us an opportunity to run the football at a high level.”

* Re-upped his commitment to running the ball when speaking about offensive line coach George Warhop and offensive coordinator Travis Switzer, who was Ravens run game coordinator the past three seasons.

“George and I are aligned, as Travis and all of us are, in terms of who we want as our offensive line coach [and their style of play]. And that is to be able to run the football and make them deal with us. And that’s an old-school mentality and that’s what we want.”

* Specified what he’s looking for in a wide receiver.

“It’s real simple,” he said. “Big, fast, physical ball skills. Run after catch. I mean, of course, that’s what everybody’s looking for. But I do think [at] any position [you’re] looking for what is a players elite trait? How can you continue to develop and round out the rest of their game and how does it fit into what you want to do offensively?”

* Said he will conduct a three-day “voluntary” minicamp on the week of the draft (possibly on April 20-22).

The post Browns QB competition will be much different under new coach Todd Monken appeared first on The Land On Demand.

PHOENIX, AZ

You can replace his Browns gear with Atlanta Falcons red and black, but you can’t change Kevin Stefanski the person.

The former Browns coach is who he is. He’s not going to open up about his six seasons in Cleveland. You can ask him anything and he will do his very best to not say anything to create a headline.

With his new interrogators from Atlanta media still getting to know their new coach during a morning interview session on Monday morning, Stefanski fielded a barrage of pointed questions from me without cracking. He seemed to enjoy it.

(At one point, a Las Vegas reporter dropped in to inquire about Klint Kubiak’s bland personality and asked if Stefanski thought Kubiak would open up more as a head coach. Kubiak was QB coach when Stefanski was offensive coordinator with the Vikings. “I’m probably the wrong person to ask that question,” he answered, looking at me with a grin.)

In the context of one question about the chip on his shoulder that new Falcons QB Tua Tagavoila brings to Atlanta, Stefanski mentioned that he carries a chip into his new job, too.

“Where does that come from?” I asked.

“Have you been fired? No? Not yet? Um, just kidding,” Stefanski replied good-naturedly.

“No, anytime you lose your job or you fall short of what you were trying to do, you take that with you. You take that personally. So, I don’t mean it in a way that you hold a grudge. I think it means that it motivates you. You want to do better.”

In a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, Stefanski revealed that he was informed he was going to be fired as Browns coach on the Friday before his last game. I asked what was his reaction when first told he was out.

“I don’t remember,” he said. “That’s a long time ago.

“I would tell you – I’ve said this publicly and privately – I have nothing but love for that organization, for that group. In the end, it didn’t work out and I understand that. But I’m proud of a lot of things we did. I am proud of that [last] week, finishing with a win. I’m proud of that.”

I mentioned that it didn’t take him long to reunite in Atlanta with former Browns assistant coaches Bill Callahan and Alex Van Pelt. I said that led me to believe that firing Van Pelt after the 2023 playoff season wasn’t his idea. (Callahan also left then to join his son, Brian, with the Tennesee Titans, according to the Browns.)

“Yeah, not gonna get into that, thanks,” Stefanski responded.

Quick follow-up: Are you surprised that [former Browns defensive coordinator] Jim Schwartz is not coaching anywhere this season?

“Again … nice try, but not going to get into that,” he said.

What about this one, Kev? Who do you think will win the Browns QB competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders? I mean, just as a football fan, not as their former coach?

“Respectfully, I trust Coach [Todd] Monken can answer that one for you.”

After fielding a few questions regarding his new team, I pursued.

“Did the Cleveland job present unique challenges that you might not have expected?” I asked.

“No. I would not say that,” Stefanski answered. “I think all 32 teams have their own challenges, that’s for sure. The challenges in the NFL are both real in every city and unique in every city.”

The Falcons are on the Browns’ home schedule this season, so I asked what his feelings will be about returning as a visiting coach.

“Yeah, I’m not there yet. Is it still March? No, I’ll be excited to see a lot of friends. It’ll be a special game to see a lot of special people that I remain very close with.”

One of the turning points of Stefanski’s final season in Cleveland was the trade of veteran QB Joe Flacco to the Bengals after the team returned from its international game in London against the Vikings. I asked him if he were aware that Flacco would be traded.

“Yes. I was well aware of what we were doing with Joe,” he answered.

But didn’t that present a whole new set of challenges for you and your staff to be left with two raw rookie quarterbacks for the remaining 12 games?

“Respectfully, I am not going to get into that,” he said with a chuckle.

Atlanta media turned the discussion to Stefanski’s decision to let offensive coordinator Tommy Rees call plays this year. It’s the third year in a row Stefanski handed off play-calling to an assistant, though this is the first time from the beginning of a season.

“I thought you liked calling plays?” I asked.

“I don’t know that I ever liked it,” he said. “I don’t think you’re gonna find a quote from me saying I liked it.

“I just think I like game-planning. I like putting plans together. The order of which those plays come off those call sheets on game days is not as important to me as what’s on that call sheet. And the way I’ve always done it, I was very reliant on a lot of people on our staff, so it wasn’t a one-man show. I’m very comfortable with Tommy Rees doing it.”

As the interview session wound down, I asked Stefanski: “Other than not completing the job in six years, not getting the Browns further into the playoffs, what is your biggest regret?”

“No regrets,” he answered. “The only regret, like I said, we’re competitors, and any team you’re on you want to win and be the last team standing. And we didn’t accomplish that. That’s my regret and something all of us take with us. I certainly take that with me and my desire to do better.”

The post Stefanski Has No Regrets About Time In Cleveland, And He Wouldn’t Tell You If He Did appeared first on The Land On Demand.

PHOENIX, AZ

Whatever plan Andrew Berry has of reviving the Browns from 8-26 the past two seasons apparently doesn’t include trading Myles Garrett for draft assets.

Apparently … but not exactly unequivocally.

In a 30-minute sit-down on Sunday with Northeast Ohio media on the first day of NFL owners meetings at the sumptuous Arizona Biltmore Resort, the Browns GM delivered the proper platitudes to Garrett but didn’t quite say, “We’re not trading him.”

“He is one of the faces of our organization,” Berry said. “I think we’ve been very clear both past and present in terms of our goals. I understand all the questions. I’ll be honest, I don’t really want to waste a ton more breath on the topic.”

Garrett requested a trade a year ago and the topic resurfaced last week when the Browns modified Garrett’s $160 million, four-year contract extension. Salary cap experts analyzed the move as making it easier to trade Garrett amid the complexities of his new contract. 

Berry defused that angle by saying, “I guess probably the easiest thing to say is if we wanted to trade Myles, we wouldn’t need to make a contract adjustment, so it doesn’t have anything to do with that.”

He wouldn’t comment, however, why the adjustment was made, falling back on his standard line of “I don’t comment on contracts.”

Nobody disputes Garrett’s place as the pre-eminent defensive player in the NFL, a two-time defensive player-of-the-year. I pressed Berry on why he wouldn’t explore using that fantastic asset to improve the team in the long run.

“We’ll always do what we think is in the best interest of the organization,” he responded. “We really like our core. I think as we look at the team, we have an elite young defense. We have a really rebuilt offensive line. We have nine picks this upcoming draft and I think seven are in the top 150, three in the top 40. We have a good offensive young core that we brought in last year. And honestly, as we saw last year, there are more than one way to generate assets in the NFL.

“So we’ll always do what’s best for the organization, but we feel really good about our roster right now before the draft.”

Ironically, Berry had a brief conversation with Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman before meeting the media.

Maybe we’re parsing words on this Garrett story. Anything the Browns do with Garrett hinges on the whims of ownership, anyway. So it will be a topic with owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam in a scheduled meeting with NE Ohio media on Monday.

On other topics, Berry:

* Declined to handicap the expected quarterback competition between, ostensibly, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson.

“We wouldn’t be doing the right thing for that position if we didn’t go in with eyes wide open,” he said.

Berry stressed that the spring season, beginning when new coach Todd Monken’s offseason program opens on April 7, will be an important liftoff to the QB competition.

“I think all of our guys coming in, they’re going to learn a new offensive system,” he said. “We’re going to have a fair amount of turnover on that side of the ball, they’ll have new teammates to learn, which is why the spring will be really important for the guys that are at the offseason program for us to really, really get a sense of their progress year over year.

“But [Sanders has been] working really hard. I would expect him to take a step forward and we’ll deal with that kind of week by week and month by month.”

As to a fourth QB addition to the room, Berry said he leans to a younger quarterback, but wouldn’t rule out anything.

* Raised the possibility that newly acquired offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins could open the season as the starting center.

Jenkins, one of three veteran O-linemen acquired in free agency or trade, had his best years in Green Bay at left guard. But he started nine games at center last year before a season-ending injury.

Luke Wypler was the heir-apparent to center Ethan Pocic, who won’t be back, but Wypler suffered a knee injury in Game 17. Berry has said Wypler will be ready for the start of training camp. But he labeled the center position “TBD” (to be determined).

“That’s something that we’re going to sort out as we get a little bit further through the acquisition season,” Berry said. “We would view [Jenkins] more as an interior player. That is what we think is more his natural home. Whether it’s center or whether it’s guard, we’ll work through that as we put together a position group.”

* Could not conceal that left tackle is a position of need.

“I’d say between Dawand [Jones], Tytus [Howard] has obviously played there before and was a college left tackle as well. We’ve had KT [Leveston], so we do have options there,” Berry contended.

But it’s no secret the Browns are considering left tackles and wide receivers with their No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the first round of the draft.

It has been reported that the Browns have had seven receivers and only one tackle – mid-round projected left tackle Markel Bell of Miami — visit their faciility in the so-called Top 30 pre-draft visits.

With a wry grin, Berry said, “I would not … can’t believe everything you read.”

He conceded “a lot” of the top offensive linemen have paid Top 30 visits to the Browns.

* Did not profess a lot of hope that his proposal to trade up to five years of future draft picks, instead of the present three years, will pass, or even come up for an owners vote.

“Honestly, I think a lot of the perhaps resistance to this idea is that a desperate general manager, a desperate head coach, could leverage a team’s future irresponsibly. I think that’s a little bit more rooted in fear than reality though,” he said.

Ultimately, though, Berry knows that such radical rule changes need years of discussion to be passed, and he wanted to get the ball rolling on this particular one.

The post Browns GM Andrew Berry On Garrett Trade Speculation: ‘I Don’t Want To Waste More Breath On The Topic’ appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns are denying that their modifications of Myles Garrett’s contract, which headlined NFL news inside and outside the league on Wednesday, have anything to do with an intention to trade him.

“We ain’t trading Myles,” a Browns source texted to 850 ESPN Cleveland radio host Emmett Golden.

Team officials will comment at NFL owners meetings beginning Sunday in Phoenix, AZ, on why they asked Garrett to agree to contract modifications that make him eminently more tradeable, yet don’t intend to trade him.

Maybe they will also articulate their plan to turn around a team that is 8-26 over two seasons and has fallen further behind other languishing teams that have stocked up on draft picks over the next two seasons in hopes of cashing in on the expected “historic” quarterback draft of 2027.

Since they fired head coach Kevin Stefanski and replaced him with 60-year-old first-time head coach Todd Monken, the Browns have had an unspectacular transaction season. They also hard-balled defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz into a one-year exile after he resigned when bypassed for the head coach job.

The Browns’ biggest player moves were adding three veteran offensive linemen – two will be 30 years old during the 2026 season — and a linebacker. They still have no clarity at left tackle and center — the offensive line’s two most vital positions –  and have not added a receiver to play opposite Jerry Jeudy.

Their conspicuous inaction at quarterback leaves the starting position up for grabs via an open competition among Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel – who combined for the lowest quarterback ratings of any active passers over the past three seasons.

Trading Garrett for a bushel of high draft picks would facilitate a much-needed rebuild as owner Jimmy Haslam attempts to sell costly personal seat licenses to help fund his $2.5 billion indoor stadium in Brook Park.

If the Browns would just explore that possibility at the league meetings, they would find multiple suitors for Garrett.

If they changed their mind, they would have to deal only with Super Bowl contenders for Garrett to waive the no-trade clause the Browns generously gave him in his four-year contract extension last season.

They also would be wise to limit their negotiations only with teams in the NFC, so that Garrett could not help an AFC team haunt the Browns in the event they met in a future AFC playoff game.

With those restrictions in mind, here are some potential trade partners for the Browns, along with their current arsenal of high draft picks in the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

1. Dallas Cowboys

This is such an obvious match for a trade. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, 83, is running out of time to end his 31-year Super Bowl drought and is still dodging barbs from trading pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay last year. The Cowboys made two offers for Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby but were outbid by the Ravens, who eventually rescinded because of concerns about Crosby’s long-term health. Bringing Garrett back home to Texas, where he grew up a few miles from AT&T Stadium and played at Texas A&M, would create the buzz Jones lives for. The Cowboys have a high-powered offense that was submarined by the league’s 30th-ranked defense in yards and 32nd in points allowed.

2026 first and second day picks: No. 12, No. 20, No. 92.

2027: Green Bay’s first, own second and own third.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

Howie Roseman, whom Berry considers the league’s best GM after serving one year under him in 2019, needs an elite pass rusher to complete his Super Bowl-contending team after losing Jaelen Phillips in free agency. The Eagles are too far down in the first round to fill that need with an elite pass rusher in the draft. They were rumored to have inquired about Garrett last year when he demanded a trade, then took the bag to stay in Cleveland.

2026 first and second day picks: No. 23, No. 54, No. 68, No. 98.

2027: Their own first, second and third.

3. Chicago Bears

On the rise as quarterback Caleb Williams ascends into his third season, the Bears have one big splash contract to give while Williams remains on his rookie deal. Although opportunistic in takeaways in their surprise division-winning season, the Bears had one of the league’s worst pass rushes among playoff teams.

2026 first and second day picks: No. 25, No. 57, No. 89.

2027: Their own first, second and third.

4. Detroit Lions

The Lions have been searching for a rush complement to Aidan Hutchinson for three years. Their Super Bowl window hinges on completing their defense to support an offense that is among the league’s best.

2026 first and second day picks: No. 17, No. 50.

2027: Their own first, second and third.

5. San Francisco 49ers

Pairing Garrett with edge rusher Nick Bosa would keep the 49ers on the heels of rivals Seattle and the Rams in the league’s most competitive division. They did trade their 2026 third-round pick to Dallas for defensive end Osa Odighizuwa.

2026 first and second day picks: No. 27, No. 58.

2027: Their own first, second and third.

The post Possible NFC Suitors Await If Browns Would Just Explore Myles Garrett Trade appeared first on The Land On Demand.

PHOENIX, AZ

The possibility of Deshaun Watson reclaiming his starting quarterback job in 2026 is real.

That’s the word from the same man who a year ago declared the ill-fated Browns trade for Watson “a big swing and a miss.”

Yes, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is totally on board with Watson competing with fan-favorite Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the starting job. The competition unofficially opens on April 7, the start of coach Todd Monken’s offseason conditioning program.

Haslam’s case for Watson as the starter was made in answer to a question about his critical remarks a year ago, which seemed to put the Watson era to bed.

“I think like most things we say, we could probably articulate a little bit better,” Haslam said. “But listen, it’s not for lack of effort, OK? I mean, I don’t think anybody in our organization would question his effort, his toughness, everything he’s put in the job. The reality is he’s had major injuries, right? His shoulder, tore his Achilles tendon twice. So he’s been really ravaged by injuries and that, along with the 11-game suspension, have kept him from playing.

“Now, Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, [with an] offensive minded coach, who has, in his past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make him successful. So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now. We talked to him the other day. He said he weighed the less he’s in several years … was in great shape. He’ll be here on April 7th when we start and let’s see what Deshaun could do. We’re all excited.”

At the same time, Haslam – reflecting the organization’s QB plan – is not discounting Sanders or even Dillon Gabriel. The rookies combined for a 4-9 record in their 13 starts after Joe Flacco began the 2025 season with one win in the first four games.

Haslam said he was impressed with Sanders’ commitment to getting better as his second season approaches.

“He’s been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication to wanting to be a NFL quarterback and understanding what it takes,” Haslam said. “His body looks better. I think he’s been working hard. I think it’s hard for a lot of college kids to understand what it takes to play in the NFL and particularly quarterback. I think Shedeur got an education on that, and my instincts are he’ll come back ready to play.”

As for Gabriel?

“Would things have been different if Dillon doesn’t get a concussion in the Baltimore game?” Haslam said. “I don’t know. So let’s not rule him out that quickly, either. We’ve got three guys who have been successful at various levels and let’s see how the competition goes. And we have a head coach who’s been very good at developing all kinds of different quarterbacks.”

So right now the pursuit of the final answer at the position appears to be on hold.

“We’ll know a lot more over the next six months, right?” Haslam said.

It’s not difficult, then, to link the search for the quarterback answer with the Myles Garrett stay-or-go situation. What the next six months bring with the first issue may lead to finality in the Garrett saga.

Haslam said the organization is “1000 percent committed to getting this [team] fixed.” And he believes, for now, that Garrett staying put is part of the solution.

“I could argue that Myles is the best player in the NFL, okay? And you could say, ‘Well, no, you’ve got to pick the quarterbacks’ and I wouldn’t argue against that because quarterback is so important in the NFL,” Haslam said. “But he had his best year ever. If you know Myles, he takes phenomenal care of himself and I think he’ll remain the best player in the NFL and a top-rate defender for the next five years.”

Does Haslam believe he and Berry and Monken can “getting this fixed” in that five-year window?

“I do … I do,” he answered. “We have a long way to go and talk is cheap, but teams have turned things around quickly. So we’ve got a lot of work to do on offense.”

Haslam is encouraged by the quality and quantity of Berry’s 2025 draft class. With nine picks available this year – four among the top 100 – he is counting on a needed repeat from Berry.

“We need to do the same thing this year. If we could do that, then you’re on your way to building a good team,” Haslam said.

On other topics:

* Haslam said Berry “read the room” correctly in withdrawing his proposal to trade draft picks up to five years in advance. There wasn’t enough support from the league competition committee, let alone ownership, to have the measure passed.

* The Haslams’ $3.6 billion Brook Park stadium and mixed-use project is going forward despite a lawsuit against the state of Ohio’s plan to used unclaimed taxpayer funds to cover its $600 million commitment to stadium costs. “We’re confident that it’s going to come through and obviously we’re starting a stadium,” Dee Haslam said. “We’re building a stadium. So we’re full steam ahead, but we’re pretty confident. I mean, they’ve done it in the past for economic development and this definitely fits into that criteria.” Groundbreaking has started and a formal ceremony is set for April 30.

* Haslam said Sanders’ proven marketability will not factor into the competition for the starting job against Watson and Gabriel. “First of all, I’m not making the decision,” he said. “Todd will make that decision, and I assure you he’s going to go on who can win the most games first.”

* Haslam would not explain why the Browns have hard-balled defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz after he resigned and would not allow him to pursue other jobs. Haslam said Schwartz did well in his interview for the head coach position but there was “bias to hire an offensive guy.” Why, then, treat Schwartz differently than Kyle Shanahan, who was let out of his offensive coordinator contract after the 2014 season? “It’s a different situation. Jim had been — I don’t really want to get into that. I’ll just say it’s a different situation,” he said.

* Haslam said he will not go on any trips prior to the draft to scout quarterbacks – as he did a year ago – and does intend to attend college games next year, when Arch Manning and a new crop of QB hopefuls emerge for the 2027 draft. “You all probably underestimate what big [college] fans we are in general,” he said. “If we’d have had a great quarterback, we still would have gone to those games.”

The post Haslam Does About-Face On Watson And Pitches His ‘Great Chance’ To Be Browns’ Starting QB Again appeared first on The Land On Demand.

’ve been saying that I don’t believe the Browns have an “April surprise” in store when it comes to the draft, but I’d be happy to be wrong.

The possibility of a bombshell trade of Myles Garrett increased when the Browns and Garrett agreed to move a $29.2 million option bonus due on Wednesday to seven days before the league season in September.

The contract modifications, exclusively reported by Field Yates of ESPN.com, include other complex details that benefit Garrett and the Browns – or, importantly, his next team.

According to two league sources, the out-of-the-blue contract modifications on a four-year extension signed a year ago essentially make Garrett easier to trade.

“All this does is make him tradeable if he agrees to waive a no-trade clause,” Jason Fitzgerald, owner of Overthecap.com, wrote in a text.

Now what?

As things stand, the Browns are in no-man’s land in the coming draft with the No. 6 and No. 24 picks.

There isn’t an offensive left tackle or wide receiver truly deserving of the No. 6 pick. And even if GM Andrew Berry skillfully maneuvers down, or up, or both, nothing he does on draft night is going to take the Browns out of quarterback purgatory.

Nothing is going to inspire fans or businesses to sign up for costly PSLs for the Brook Park stadium project now underway. Jimmy Haslam needs to create hope. Fast.

I recall the immortal words of Anthony Molina, the fictitious owner of the Browns in “Draft Day,” imploring GM Sonny Weaver, “I want a splash, Sonny. Make a splash.”

To his credit, Haslam stepped to the plate in 2022. In his words, he took a “swing and a miss” on the trade for Deshaun Watson. OK, fine. What does a slugger do after striking out? He steps to the plate and swings again. It’s time for that.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ proposed trade of Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks should have opened the Browns’ eyes and their minds to a lucrative trade market in place for Garrett.

It has been reported that the Dallas Cowboys made not one but two offers for Crosby. It also is commonly believed that the Philadelphia Eagles are hungry for an elite pass rusher.

All it takes is one team. Two teams give the Browns great leverage to pull off a bombshell trade that would ultimately position themselves for the 2027 QB draft, which analysts already are hyping as “historic.”

Hello, Jerry 

Here’s how this can work.

The Cowboys own picks No. 12 and No. 20 in this year’s draft. They also have Green Bay’s No. 1 pick in the 2027 draft as a result of the Micah Parsons trade, but gave up their own No. 1 to the Jets for defensive tackle Quincy Williams. Terms of that trade guarantee the Jets the better of the No. 1s – whichever is higher between Dallas and Green Bay.

The key to a Garrett trade, of course, would be to secure an extra pick, or more, in 2027. So I would propose to the Cowboys a trade of their No. 12 this year and their remaining No. 1 next year, plus a player, for Garrett.

Jerry Jones is still feeling heat for trading Parsons, and he knows a new edge rusher – no, the best edge rusher of his generation – would quiet the critics and take his beleaguered defense to a much-needed new level.

Is the price tag a bit high? Well, here’s the kicker: Jimmy tells Jerry, “Either I trade the best pass rusher of our generation to you or I trade him to the Eagles. And you will never see another Super Bowl in your lifetime. Don’t be a donkey, Jerry.”

Win, win, win 

What about that no-trade clause in Garrett’s contract? You don’t think he’d happily waive it to play for America’s Team — literally in his hometown of Arlington, TX — and compete for a Super Bowl?

Come to think of it, why haven’t we heard from Garrett at all since the season ended? And why did he agree to this recent contract restructure knowing it improves his tradeability?

So Garrett wins. And the Cowboys win.

And here’s how the Browns win.

Garrett’s a certifiable Hall of Famer. But in his eight seasons, the Browns are 58-74-1 for a .439 win percentage. (That’s better than what they accomplished during Hall of Famer Joe Thomas’ 11-year career — 48-128 .272). Garrett will be 30 by season’s end. His trade value will never be higher.

The assets from a trade of Garrett must be channeled into the 2027 QB draft.

So the Browns could replace Garrett with, say, Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain with the No. 6 pick.

They could use No. 12 on a left tackle, presumably Monroe Freeling.

They could use No. 24 on a wide receiver or trade it to a team seeking to move up from the second round to take quarterback Ty Simpson and then choose the receiver with their extra second-round pick. Oh, that trade also should net a 2027 No. 2.

The Browns’ offense is turned over to Shedeur Sanders to keep fans interested in the 2026 season.

The buzz would carry into next year’s draft. No matter what the Browns’ final record in 2026, they would be armed with two No. 1s and possibly two No. 2s in 2027.

Why have the Browns proposed a rule change to include trades for up to five years of future draft picks, instead of the present three?

If needed, Jimmy could tack on a No. 1 in 2028 to the two in 2027 to move into position for one of the top QBs in the 2027 draft – Arch Manning, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, C.J. Carr, Brendan Sorsby. Surely, they won’t all crap out, like the 2026 college class did.

To me, this is the Browns’ ticket out of no-man’s land.

Make a splash, Jimmy. Don’t be a donkey.

The post A Myles Garrett Trade Would Be The Browns’ Ticket Out Of No-Man’s Land appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Under no circumstances will Arch Manning play for the Browns. It is a pipe dream. Mannings are known to manipulate the draft (Eli!). Do you foresee a scenario similar to when Eli was drafted?

— Sam, Strongsville, OH

Hey Sam: Prior to the 2004 draft, Eli and his family had concerns about the San Diego Chargers’ ownership and their handling of Drew Brees’ shoulder injury. Despite the Browns’ problems in building a winner, I think the Haslam family has a good relationship with the Manning family that dates to Peyton’s time at University of Tennessee. I don’t see Arch Manning and his father, Cooper, pulling an Eli. That depends, of course, on the Browns even being in position to draft Arch, which is impossible to predict.

Hey Tony: Why should Browns fans believe that Andrew Berry has significantly improved the OL? The two biggest signings came from awful lines, and are graded lower than the players they’re replacing. They’re younger, and only one is slightly better at pass blocking. What gives?

— Ryan, Ashtabula, OH

Hey Ryan: Actually, Elgton Jenkins (Green Bay) came from a decent line. Overall, though, I can’t disagree with you. My biggest concern is Berry did not cover himself in the draft by signing a temp left tackle and there’s still uncertainty at center. I’m really curious to see where they place Jenkins because he’s been only really good at left guard but they might envision him at center. Everybody forgets that Joel Bitonio-Ethan Pocic-Wyatt Teller was a formidable interior until injuries hit last year. The final two pieces will determine how well Berry does in rebuilding the line.

Hey Tony: Why did Kevin Stefanski offer up so little in his interviews? Did he really think that gave [the Browns] a competitive advantage? It was very frustrating to his customers.

— Josh, Ooltewah, TN

Hey Josh: I don’t know the answer other than to say it was his genuine personality as a coach to give up as little as possible. There were a few times he said something noteworthy, making a controversial headline, and they may have spooked him into clamming up further. He was pretty consistent throughout his six years, though, in trying to be non-controversial.

Hey Tony: What are the odds Browns draft best player available at pick six? If you really dive deep into this draft class, you’ll realize there are starters for LT and WR to be had in the top 100! Malachi Fields is one of them and he’s projected in the 60’s.

— Joe, Galion, OH

Hey Joe: The worst-kept secret in NFL draft rooms is “best player available” has been amended in recent times to “best player available – for us.” Which means, if you have an obvious need and there is a qualified player on the board, you take him even though he might not have the highest grade. That said, I still doubt at this time the Browns take a defensive player at No. 6 even if he has a higher grade than an offensive tackle or wide receiver.

Hey Tony: I appreciate your work. Having a general idea of the roster needs, do you think the Browns could draft 2 WRs in the first 3 rounds?

— Demetrios, Cleveland, OH

Hey Demetrios: Possible, but highly doubtful. A little more possible if they acquired an extra pick and used it on a WR, but still doubtful.

Hey Tony: Would you trade for [Marvin] Harrison Jr?

— Chris, Belmont, NC

Hey Chris: Depends on the price, of course. Honestly, I wouldn’t give up more than a second-round pick. Love his size and he’s still very young, but didn’t like his pre-draft attitude or his production in two seasons. But, still, he’d be WR1.

Hey Tony: What’s up with Martin Emerson? Surely bringing him back is cheaper than using a high pick on a new cornerback.

— Tony, Tucson, AZ

Hey Tony: I think what’s going on is the Browns don’t believe a market will develop for Emerson and they will re-sign him at their price. I wouldn’t give up on him. Love his passion and work ethic.

Hey Tony: Do you see any realistic scenarios where we 1) make less than two picks in the first round or 2) trade up from 24?

— Matt, Columbus, OH

Hey Matt: The most realistic scenario is a QB-desperate team moving up from the second round to take Ty Simpson at No. 24. And, yes, I would make that trade in a heartbeat for two No. 2s (’26 and ’27).

The post #Heytony: Would Arch Manning Even Agree To Play For The Browns? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from Browns one month before NFL draft …

Another Passtronaut landing in Cleveland?

Whereas the Browns’ quarterback plan for 2026 appears to be an open competition mostly between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with Dillon Gabriel also on hand, and …

Whereas a fourth quarterback surely will be added, and …

Whereas the fourth quarterback should not be a developmental rookie because Sanders and Gabriel are developmental quarterbacks that deserve all the developmental energy of the coaching staff, and …

Whereas the Browns are not inclined to devote a first- or second-day draft pick on Alabama’s Ty Simpson, despite rumors, for they are wiser to wait for the rich 2027 QB draft class to invest in, and …

Whereas the fourth quarterback should not be a serious contender for the QB1 job and should have attributes that contribute to camaraderie and mentorship in the quarterback room …

I hereby nominate Josh Dobbs for the position of Browns QB4.

Dobbs was acquired twice before by GM Andrew Berry, but never appeared in a game.

In 2022, he was tabbed as Jacoby Brissett’s backup while Watson served an 11-game NFL suspension. When Watson was activated, Dobbs was waived. Rather than stay with the Browns’ practice squad, Dobbs moved to Detroit’s PS. He eventually was poached by Tennessee’s Mike Vrabel and nearly pulled off a win in a playoff-or-bust emergency start.

In 2023, Dobbs was reacquired by Berry. He was on track to be Watson’s backup – until he wasn’t. Moments after coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Dobbs was QB2 in the week before the season opener, Berry traded Dobbs to Arizona for a fifth-round pick – apparently unbeknownst to the coach (take note, Todd Monken). That left raw, fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson as QB2, which didn’t turn out well.

Anyways, Dobbs has now accumulated NFL stops in Pittsburgh (which drafted him in Round 4 in 2017), Jacksonville, Pittsburgh again, Cleveland, Detroit, Tennessee, Cleveland again, Arizona, Minnesota, San Francisco, and New England.  

Dobbs was informed on Monday he’ll be released by the Patriots after serving one season as Drake Maye’s backup.

So, why is Dobbs, 31, a good fit for a third stint with the Browns?

He’s well-liked in the locker room, avidly consumes the playbook, is super helpful to younger QBs, and has proven capable of filling in on a moment’s notice and giving a competent, professional effort in a game. He wouldn’t get in the way of the QB1 competition. Rather, he would be a healthy contributor to the room.

Also, he belongs back in close proximity of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Dobbs has a degree in aerospace engineering, has served two internships at NASA’s Kennedy Space Flight Center, and aspires some day to travel to space. Thus, his nickname – the Passtronaut.

Alas, I wouldn’t begrudge Dobbs from signing elsewhere. Berry has discarded him twice already.

What’s up with Jarvis? 

Former Browns receiver Jarvis Landry has gained some social media clicks by taking shots at former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on his fledgling 4th and South podcast with fellow LSU alum Leonard Fournette.

Landry, who played for Stefanski in 2020 and 2021, said the coach wasn’t personable or relatable with players. Landry was less critical than Fournette, who questioned why Stefanski got a second chance as a head coach in Atlanta over qualified minority candidates.

But on a second podcast, Landry was harsher on Stefanski, claiming he secretly handed off play-calling duties to coordinator Alex Van Pelt in 2021 when his offense stalled, and then took them back when things turned around.

“Only thing he got going for him is two-time Coach of the Year,” Landry said. “He’s not able to get it done as a play-caller and putting it off on somebody else. Team gets success and he takes over play-calling again.”

Ok, whatever. I’m in favor of setting the record straight, if this actually happened.

Now, I’d like Landry to touch on other topics from his four-year tenure with the Browns in future podcasts.

Such as:

* Why did Odell Beckham Jr. turn on Baker Mayfield during the 2021 season and submarine the QB’s leadership?

* Why didn’t Landry, an alleged team leader, defend Mayfield publicly and try to keep the locker room from dividing?

* Does he agree that the division sown by the viral hate video posted by Beckham’s father was the turning point of Mayfield’s career in Cleveland and was more instrumental in Mayfield’s demise than his shoulder injury?

Looking forward to Landry setting the record straight.

One-liners

The take that Ty Simpson is a better pro QB prospect than Fernando Mendoza smells like an agent-inspired payback …

Ohio State and Alabama both have their pro days on Wednesday. Shouldn’t Berry drive down to Columbus? I mean, I hear the Buckeyes have some good players in the draft …

Now that the Super Bowl champion Seahawks took over No. 1 in wide receiver spending after their record contract with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, can we bury the narrative that Super Bowl teams don’t need an elite receiver …

The Browns signed backup guard Teven Jenkins to a one-year contract with $3.96 million in guarantees. The Panthers signed starting left tackle Rasheed Walker to a one-year contract with $3.215 million in guarantees. What am I missing here? Why wouldn’t the Browns make a better effort to sign Walker?

The post Could Josh Dobbs Make A Third Landing With The Browns? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

NFL teams are in the final stages of the pre-draft season. Which means our mock draft series is over the hump – more than halfway done.

This is 5.0, with four more to go. That last one on April 23 will be our official first round prediction.

What’s happening now is the final week of pro days and the last rounds of Top 30 visits to club facilities.

The pro day schedule this week features Miami (Rueben Bain, Francis Mauigoa, Akheem Mesidor) and LSU (Mansoor Delane) and seven others on Monday, Notre Dame (Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, Malachi Fields), and Texas (Anthony Hill Jr.) and seven others on Tuesday, Ohio State (Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate) and Alabama (Ty Simpson, Kadyn Proctor) and five others on Wednesday, Texas Tech (David Bailey, Cashius Howell) and three others on Thursday, and Arizona State (Jordyn Tyson) and four others on Friday.

The Browns have had scouts at every major pro day, but owner Jimmy Haslam, GM Andrew Berry and head coach Todd Monken have been conspicuously missing from the pro day circuit. A year ago, the owner-GM-head coach triumvirate traveled to the pro days of five high-profile quarterbacks.

On the Top 30 front, the Browns reportedly have hosted seven wide receivers – Tate, Tyson, Makai Lemon of USC, Denzel Boston of Washington, Omar Cooper of Indiana, Chris Bell of Louisville and Germie Bernard of Alabama. They have also hosted Simpson, Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas and Georgia tight end Oscar Delp.

The only offensive lineman reportedly to visit Berea so far is Markel Bell of Miami, who played left tackle opposite Mauigoa. It is assumed that other linemen-of-interest will visit before the deadline, which usually is one week prior to the draft.

Mock draft 5.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: This will not change.

2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: Fourth mock in a row in this spot for Reese.

3. Arizona: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Comment: A big move up for the big Samoan.

4. Tennessee: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Feeling good about this pick.

5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: Three in a row for Styles here.

6. Cleveland: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Comment: Just turn the card in and don’t overthink it.

7. Washington: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: Joins recently-acquired Jermaine Johnson as a bookend edge rusher.

8. New Orleans: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Saints must replace Cam Jordan.

9. Kansas City: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Comment: Does the present regime see another Eric Berry?

10. Cincinnati: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Comment: Cornerback a high priority.

11. Miami: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

12. Dallas: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC

14: Baltimore: OL Spencer Fano, Utah

Comment: Ravens need reinforcements at interior offensive line.

15: Tampa Bay: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State.

17. Detroit: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

21. Pittsburgh: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Comment: Strongsville native moves on to Steel City.

22. L.A. Chargers: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

23. Philadelphia: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Comment: O-line coach George Warhop likes the behemoths.

25. Chicago: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

26. Buffalo: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

27. San Francisco: DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

28. Houston: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

30. Denver: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missouri   

32. Seattle: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

The post Mock Draft 5.0: A New Offensive Lineman For The Browns appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: What are the odds the Browns trade pick proposal gets approved, they trade five first round picks for Arch Manning next year, and he ends up being mediocre?

 — Jon, Indianapolis, IN

Hey Jon: FWIW, I’ve been told the Browns’ proposal has nothing to do with any Browns’ future acquisition in mind. But I agree, it’s impossible not to draw the conclusion that it was concocted as part of an elaborate attempt to go all out to acquire Manning. With your scenario in mind, I would hope the proposal gets shot down to save the Browns from yet another monumental blunder.

Hey Tony: Do you really think the QB choice will come down to Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson?

— Tom, Sumter, SC

Hey Tom: I honestly do. I don’t believe there is a quarterback surprise in store. They let the QB room play out in 2026, and go from there.

Hey Tony: Is Dillon Gabriel eligible for the practice squad this season? If so, would that be the ideal destination if they’re going with Sanders and Watson as No. 1 and No. 2 and do you think a team would sign him to their active roster? 

— Dustin, Columbus OH

Hey Dustin: Yes, Gabriel is eligible for the practice squad. But I don’t see Andrew Berry risking losing him via waivers. Berry has said he believes Gabriel has a bright future in the NFL. The perception that Gabriel’s only advocate in the building was Kevin Stefanski is off base. I believe all along that Berry was Gabriel’s biggest advocate.

Hey Tony: Is moving Dawand Jones to guard and letting Elgton Jenkins play center something they might be thinking about?

— Jason, Buffalo, NY

Hey Jason: Those are options. I’m not quite sure what the final starting five looks like. And I don’t think they know at this point.

Hey Tony: Do you think Paul DePodesta had less influence on the 2025 draft than in years past, and that could be a big reason he left the Browns?

— Randy, Port Orange, FL

Hey Randy: I have heard that he did have less influence. I think his influence overall was waning, and he had gone as far as he could working remotely in an NFL organization. And he needed another challenge. That’s why he decided to return to his first love, MLB.

Hey Tony: Did Kevin Stefanski lose a secret internal power struggle to Andrew Berry after “Moneyball” left for the Rockies?

— Tony, Tucson, AZ

Hey Tony: I wouldn’t call it a power struggle. I would say a power vacuum was filled by Berry. Stefanski didn’t want anything to do with power. All he wanted was to coach.

Hey Tony: Will the Browns be better prepared to start the season this year? Under Kevin we never seemed to be ready until we dug ourselves a hole.

— Rusty, Sanford NC

Hey Rusty: Todd Monken’s approach to training camp and the preseason will be a topic of much discussion in the coming months. I never agreed with Stefanski’s approach. They need more urgency to get ready for the season, agreed.

Hey Tony: Will the Browns trade for a WR before draft?

— Chris, Akron, OH

Hey Chris: If not before, then after.

Hey Tony: In your lengthy career covering the Browns, which draft class impressed you the most after just their rookie year?

— John, Ashtabula, OH

Hey John: There haven’t been many. I’d have to say the 2025 class is right up there. Honestly, I can’t think of another that compares after one season.

Hey Tony: With Jerome Ford’s departure, and Judkins coming back from injury, looking to add to RB position?

— Dave, Fairlawn, OH

Hey Dave: Judkins and Dylan Sampson will be RB1 and RB2, barring something unforeseen. A RB3 will be added, of course. There’s Rocket Sanders, too.

Hey Tony: What’s your favorite OU player that played for the Browns?

— Henry, Athens, OH

Hey Henry: Got to be Dave Zastudil.

The post #Heytony: Is The Browns’ Trade Rule Proposal Related To A Future Effort To Draft Arch Manning? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns haven’t tossed around the R (for rebuilding) -word around much, but that’s what they’re in the process of doing.

At least on the offensive side of the field.

It started with the replacing of head coach Kevin Stefanski with Todd Monken. It’s continuing with a possible complete overhaul of the offensive line. There will be additions to come at wide receiver and tight end. And the quarterback-of-the-future might not arrive until 2027.

After the departures of Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin and David Njoku, the longest-tenured Browns player on offense is – ready for this? — quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is entering his fifth season. And the mechanism already is in place for Watson’s roster exit after the 2026 season, whereupon his $85+ million in dead cap charges will loom like vapor trails for two more seasons.

The Browns have a defense ready to win now.

GM Andrew Berry’s challenge is to get the league’s worst offense over the past two seasons to catch up fast, before the playoff window closes on the defense, whose best two players — Myles Garrett, 30, and Denzel Ward, 29 in April – are well into their prime.

Can Berry rise to the challenge?

In this analysis, I compare the Browns to similar rebuilding projects being undertaken by the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins.

Each organization has its own assets on the roster, in the draft, and in future salary cap room. Each, also, has its own list of challenges to end its post-season drought.

The Jets haven’t made the playoffs in 15 years.

The Dolphins haven’t won a post-season game in 25 years.

The Browns haven’t finished first in their division in 36 years.

Here is a rundown of each organization’s situation.

New York Jets

2025 record: 3-14

Head coach: Aaron Glenn, 3-14, second year.

GM: Darren Mougey, 40, second year.

Player assets: Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, offensive tackle Armand Membou, running back Breece Hall, linebacker DeMario Davis, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Draft assets next two years: 19 picks.

2026: No. 2 overall (first round), No. 16 (first), No. 33 (second), No. 44 (second), No. 103 (fourth), No. 140 (fourth), No. 179 (fifth), No. 228 (seventh), No. 242 (seventh).

2027: Three firsts, second, third, fourth, fifth, three sixths.

Cap room

2026: $44.9 million.

2027 (projected) $160.6 million.

Analysis

Mougey was shrewd and proactive in trading defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner last season to acquire three additional picks in the first round and one in the second over the next two drafts. The Jets are now armed with five No. 1s in 2026-27, including three in next year’s draft when quarterbacks Arch Manning (Texas), Dante Moore (Oregon), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) and Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech) are expected to headline a talent-rich lottery. The Jets were very active in free agency this year, so they don’t feel they need to outwardly tank to position themselves for a franchise QB hopeful in 2027. Whether they usher in a new era with a new coach remains to be seen.

Miami Dolphins

2025 record: 7-10.

Head coach: Jeff Hafley, first year.

GM: Jon-Eric Sullivan, 49, first year.

Player assets: Quarterback Malik Willis, running back De’Von Achane, linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

Draft assets next two years: 20 picks.

2026: No. 11 (first), No. 30 (first), No. 43 (second), No. 75 (third), No. 87 (third), No. 90 (third), No. 94 (third), No. 130 (fourth), No. 151 (fifth), No. 227 (seventh), No. 238 (seventh).

2027: First, second, third, fourth, two fifths, sixth, two sevenths.

Cap room

2026: (fluid) Minus-$8.2 million.

2027: (projected) $156.2 million.

Analysis

Since being named Dolphins GM on January 9, the Packers-trained Sullivan has ripped his inherited roster down to the studs by releasing or trading the team’s highest salary cap liabilities – receiver Tyreek Hill, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, pass rusher Bradley Chubb, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and receiver Jaylen Waddle. At the same time, Sullivan signed the prize QB of the free agent market, Malik Willis, who looked great in one start – one! – with the Packers last year. Nevertheless, Willis’ three-year contract for $67.5 million, including $45 million guaranteed, reflects Sullivan’s confidence in Willis and effectively takes the Dolphins out of the QB draft market in 2027 – unless Willis bombs. With 20 picks in the next two drafts, including seven in the top 100 this year, Sullivan can concentrate on surrounding Willis with a young support group. The plan is for them all to grow up together.

Cleveland Browns

2025 record: 5-12.

Head coach: Todd Monken, first year.

GM: Andrew Berry, 38, seventh year.

Player assets: Top 5 defense, running back Quinshon Judkins, tight end Harold Fannin.

Draft assets next two years: 17 picks.

2026: No. 6 (first), No. 24 (first), No. 39 (second), No. 70 (third), No. 107 (fourth), No. 146 (fifth), No. 159 (fifth), No. 206 (sixth), No. 248 (seventh).

2027: First, second, third, fourth, two fifths, two sevenths.

Cap room

2026: $22.7 million.

2027: (projected) $76.9 million.

Analysis

Unlike his counterparts with the Jets and Dolphins, Berry declined to acknowledge a full team rebuild and is trying to toggle the integrity of a Top 5 defense with a decades-long pursuit of a franchise quarterback. By refusing (so far) to trade its top two player assets – Garrett and Ward – Berry may not have the draft capital in 2027 to compete for one of the top four QBs unless the record is bottom-five worst. At the same time, Monken is tasked with the challenge not only of improving the offense in his first season with a mish-mash QB room of Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, he has to keep the defense motivated to sustain its high level of play throughout another season of low expectations.

The post Browns, Jets, Or Dolphins: Who’s On Best Track To Rebuild The Quickest? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Leftover takeaways from Browns offensive line additions … 

1. Zion Johnson’s name sent me down a rabbit hole. I thought there were very few players in Browns history – a handful — whose first name start with a Z. Turns out there are eight. The only thing to do with this useless information is pose it as a trivia question. See how many you can name without googling it. I’ll post the answer at the bottom of this column.

2. Elgton Jenkins has played every position on the offensive line. How did that come to be? “Looking back on it, when I was, like, in 11th grade, I was playing left tackle,” he said. “Then we went to a run-heavy offense and I was playing guard. When I got to Mississippi State, I started off as a swing right tackle/left tackle. Then when one of my teammates went down, they put me at guard and I started excelling at that, so I finished that year at guard. Then my junior or senior year, I knew the offense better than anybody else, so my coach moved me to center. Then I got drafted in the second round.” In seven seasons with the Packers, Jenkins made starts at every position except right guard. He made the Pro Bowl at left guard in 2020 and 2022, which is probably where he ends up with the Browns. “We talked about it,” he said. “I told them I want to keep an open mind. The more guys the better to have to play different positions. You don’t want to play musical chairs and stuff like that, but you do want guys that can fill [a position] if needed. I’m definitely open to playing anything to help the team.” He added: “I think the offseason workouts are going to clear that out a little more, see who’s the best starting five. I think everybody’s keeping an open mind, cross-training, and being available.”

3. Jenkins started at center when the Packers, undefeated after two wins, left Cleveland with a 13-10 loss in Week 3 last year. It was the Browns’ first win in 305 days. The Packers were held to 230 offensive yards as QB Jordan Love was sacked five times and intercepted once. “Ya’ll kicked our butt,” Jenkins said. He said he was impressed with Jim Schwartz’s defense, obviously, but also running back Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for 94 yards and one TD in his first real full-time load in 2025 after missing all of training camp and preseason. “Having Quinshon run the ball last year … it was very motivating to come here and have a running back run with such confidence, power and the speed he got. I definitely think the [Browns’] record last year doesn’t show the team that we have.”

4. The Browns have had a lot of bad luck in the past two years with injured linemen missing games, mostly the tackles. Zion Johnson has been an ironman in his four years with the Chargers. He played and started in 65 of a possible 68 games. One thousand snaps is kind of a benchmark for offensive linemen. Johnson surpassed the 1,000-snap mark in each of his four seasons, lining up for 99%, 100%, 98% and 94% of the Chargers’ offensive snaps. “I take a lot of pride in it because, you know, you can’t help the team from off the field,” he said. “Sure you can through practice and whatnot, but I think the way that I add to the team, the way that I fill my role and do my job is being out there consistently, doing my job, giving everything I can, whether it’s my body or whatever to the team. So I take a lot of pride in that.”

5. Right tackle Tytus Howard is the only one of the new linemen to play for Browns offensive line coach George Warhop. They were together for the 2022 season in Houston. Howard was asked what separates Warhop from the average O-line coach. “Just his attention to detail when it comes to technique, play style,” he said. “You’re going to get the same guy every single day. He’s not going to sugarcoat it. He’s not one of those coaches that … he’s [not] going to treat the best player, highest paid player, different than any other guys that may be on the practice squad. He’s going to coach everybody the same way. And he’s going to demand the best out of each and every one of us every single day. This is how he’s built. And he kind of rubs it off on all the guys like on the line and basically rubs it off on everyone on the team because everyone I’ve ever seen been around him has the same thing to say about him. No matter where he’s been, players he’s coach, you’re going to hear the same thing. And, you know, he demands the best. And if you can’t meet that energy, you know, you won’t play for him. That’s the kind of coach I like to play for.”

6. Howard was the Texans right tackle in 2022 when Deshaun Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards, 8.9 yards per attempt, and 12.6 yards per completion. Watson’s passer rating was a career-high 112.4 in that last season in Houston. “He made some crazy plays that year,” Howard said. “And we did it with a lot of guys that got moved up from practice squad and he was still able to go out there and and make a ton of plays.” So I asked Howard if there is a fair quarterback competition in Cleveland this year among Watson and Shedeur Sanders, what will it take for Sanders to win the job. His answer showed his veteran savvy. “You know, I wouldn’t say what’s it’s going to take,” he said. “I just know that it’s going to be a fair competition between those guys. I think when it comes to being quarterback, whatever guys go out there and take advantage of, leading a team in the right way and, having everyone going to buy in to where they’re not there on the field and who they are as a person. That’s the guy that’s going to win the job. But it’s not my up to me to say who’s going to win or what the other one has to do.”

7. Trivia answer: The Browns never had a player whose first name started with a Z until their expansion era. The Elite Eight of Z-men, in reverse chronological order: Zion Johnson (2026), Zak Zinter (2024-26), Za’Darius Smith (2023-24), Zaire Mitchell-Paden (2022-23), Zane Gonzalez (2017-18), Zach Banner (2017), Zac Diles (2014), and Zola Davis (1999-2000). You don’t get this info anywhere but TLOD.

The post Takeaways And Trivia From The New Browns Offensive Linemen appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from the Browns’ offensive line rebuild project …

1. The three new additions to the offensive line – guards Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and right tackle Tytus Howard – each has been introduced to media via video conference. They all repped themselves well and sounded genuinely excited about their new opportunities. That said, the ongoing rebuild of the starting O-line is far from complete and GM Andrew Berry’s process has raised a few questions.

2. Jenkins (left) and Johnson (right) figure to be the new starting guards, and Howard the right tackle. That leaves left tackle and center – perhaps the two most important positions – to be addressed. Let’s delve into what’s going on with those two positions.

3. All along, the two most obvious targets for the Browns at left tackle appeared to be Green Bay free agent Rasheed Walker and Georgia prospect Monroe Freeling. Walker, who started 48 games at left tackle for the Packers the past three years, was projected by Spotrac.com to command a $20 million-a-year contract. I doubted the Browns would bite on a deal that large. But it turned out the market never materialized for Walker, and he agreed to a one-year “prove it” deal with the Panters reportedly for $6 million, maxing out at $10 million. I wonder why the Browns wouldn’t be interested at that price. That way, they could conceivably pencil in Walker as the immediate starter and still draft Freeling, and ease him in when ready. While Freeling is considered an athletic specimen and potential long-term starter in the NFL, his one season as a starter at Georgia and reported performance shortcomings at the NFL Combine make him “a reach” to draft at No. 6 overall and push him into the lineup immediately. Double-dipping at the position would seem a prudent move. So why didn’t the Browns attempt it?

4. By all accounts, Walker picked a bad year to have a bad year. His grades computed by ProFootballFocus plummeted, his sacks and pressures allowed were up, as were his penalties. Walker’s play in a 31-27 loss to the Bears in the wild card round was not good and probably sealed his exit from the Packers, who always have a succession plan in place on the offensive line. Walker also is facing a court date this month stemming from a gun charge in January. He reportedly attempted to check an unlicensed firearm at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. His attorney told ESPN that he is “confident the matter will be resolved favorably.” Even so, Walker could be subjected to a suspension under NFL personal conduct policy. If the matter is not resolved favorably, the Browns made a good decision on passing on Walker. If Walker’s arrest was simply a “misunderstanding,” however, I contend a double dip of Walker and Freeling would be a good way to address the position for the short- and long-term.

4. Now, the Browns could still deploy an “ease in” strategy with Freeling and Dawand Jones serving as the immediate starter. But only if they still see Jones as a bona fide left tackle. Jones opened the 2025 season at left tackle, then was moved back to right tackle in Game 3, during which Jones suffered a torn LCL and hamstring avulsion. It was the third season-ending injury in three years for the big guy. At the NFL Combine, Berry said of Jones, “He’s right on track [on his rehab] and I would expect him to factor in [the remake of the offensive line].” There’s an obvious risk in banking on Jones from staying healthy for the first time in four seasons. But at least there’s no big money involved.

5. There are two left tackles other than Freeling to consider in the first round. One is Kadyn Proctor, a 6-7, 352-pound behemoth from Alabama, and Caleb Lomu of Utah, who is 40 pounds lighter and more agile, but not as strong. Both are projected to go off the board much closer to No. 24 than No. 6. If either is to Berry’s liking, the GM could devote the No. 6 pick to a receiver, such as Ohio State’s Carnell Lake, and take the left tackle at No. 24.

6. Berry’s lack of action at the center position is equally as baffling as the inaction at left tackle. Luke Wypler has been considered the heir-apparent at center since he was taken in the sixth round of the 2023 draft out of Ohio State. He started one game in place of incumbent Ethan Pocic his rookie year, then missed all of 2024 after suffering a broken ankle in the first preseason game. In 2025, Wypler took over as starting center in Game 14 after Pocic suffered a torn Achilles. Then, a knee injury in the final game made it another offseason of injury rehab for Wypler. At the Combine, Berry wouldn’t even confirm if Wypler had surgery, saying, lamely, “I can’t remember at this very moment, but he’ll be ready to go [in 2026].” But can the Browns count on Wypler being the starting center after two major injuries in three years? Which brings up Zak Zinter. The 2024 third-round draft pick from Michigan, who was drafted as a right guard, replaced Wypler at center in Game 17 in Cincinnati without incident, raising hopes, perhaps, as a candidate at center. Zinter had 11 “healthy scratches” in 2025 – made inactive with no injury status. Who knows? His role could be redefined by new offensive line coach George Warhop.

The post Browns’ Remake Of Offensive Line Is Only Three-Fifths Complete appeared first on The Land On Demand.

When the NFL says it’s open for business, it means business.

In one week since the new league transaction year opened, 204 players signed contracts with new teams, 171 signed new contracts with their existing teams, and 15 players changed teams through trades.

The Tennessee Titans led all teams with 17 new players signed.

The Washington Commanders and New York Giants tied for first with 23 total player transactions, each adding 11 and retaining 12 of their own.

The Houston Texans and New York Jets each added two players through trades.

The Denver Broncos were the only team not to sign a new player.

The Browns signed five new players, retained five, and added one in a trade.

There’s a lot more to come, of course. Free agency and trades extend through training camp. But the next five months won’t approach the first week in quantity of players changing teams.

All that activity in the first week affects our latest mock draft. From this point on, however, my mock is not expected to undergo major changes.

Until I start mocking trades, that is.

Mock draft 4.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: With free agent prize center Tyler Linderbaum in front of him, maybe he has a chance to be good fast.

2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: He’d join eight new free agents on Aaron Glenn’s defense.

3. Arizona: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: They have added only one projected starter on defense in free agency.

4. Tennessee: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Give QB Cam Ward some Love.

5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: I’m ready to write this one in ink.

6. Cleveland: LT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Comment: Tougher than ever for them to camouflage this pick.

7. Washington: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Comment: Need an offensive playmaker besides Terry McLaurin.

8. New Orleans: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Comment: Joins Chris Olave to give Tyler Shough some juice.

9. Kansas City: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Chiefs failed to land edge rusher in free agency.

10. Cincinnati: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Comment: Bigger need, now, than safety.

11. Miami: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

12. Dallas: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC

14: Baltimore: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

Comment: After reneging on trade for Maxx Crosby, Ravens address biggest need.

15: Tampa Bay: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): OT Spencer Fano, Utah

17. Detroit: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

21. Pittsburgh: OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Comment: Steelers move him inside his first year.

22. L.A. Chargers: OL Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

23. Philadelphia: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Omar Cooper, Indiana

Comment: Edges out Denzel Boston, who hasn’t visited Browns just yet.

25. Chicago: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

26. Buffalo: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

27. San Francisco: DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

28. Houston: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

30. Denver: WR K.C. Concepcion, Texas A&M

31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missouri   

32. Seattle: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

The post Mock Draft 4.0: Our Most Up-To-Date Mock After 390 Player Transactions In First Week Of New Year appeared first on The Land On Demand.

(Caution: The following story may cause severe headaches and indigestion problems to Browns fans.)

In seven years on the job, Andrew Berry has established himself among the most aggressive GM “kickers.”

As in, kicking the can of salary cap charges down the road.

He’s right up there with Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman and New Orleans’ Mickey Loomis in creating cap room with elaborate contract restructurings and bonus conversions, topped off by “dummy” or void years at the end of contracts to further dilute cap charges in the present and roll them into the future.

“One of the things we feel like is a competitive advantage for us has been our contract management philosophy,” Berry said in March of 2024. “We’re firm believers that in that space the best front offices and the best teams are proactive as opposed to reactionary in market dynamics.”

There comes a time, however, to pay the charges once they’re used up. And that is what the Browns are doing this year – and for the next several years.

Which is one reason why Berry and owner Jimmy Haslam have been conditioning fans to expect one of the league’s youngest teams in 2026. Eventually, the “dead cap charges” of players no longer with the team lower the total cap space and force an influx of younger players with smaller salaries and cap numbers.

Thus, it puts an even higher premium on the draft. Which is why a draft-savvy team like the Eagles have effectively pulled off this exercise while the Saints and Browns have not had as much success.

Paying the piper

Over the years, Berry did financial gymnastics with the contracts of Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Wyatt Teller, David Njoku, Ethan Pocic, and others. And this week, the dead cap charges of those departed players started piling up.

Keep in mind, dead cap charges are not cash money. They are deductions from the team’s salary cap.

This year’s NFL salary cap is $301.2 million per team Some teams are able to roll in excess salary cap room saved from the previous year. The Browns rolled $20.1 million into their 2026 cap. So not every team’s starting cap is the same. But whatever the team’s salary cap figure, the dead cap charges reduce it.

When a player’s dummy years automatically void, the dead cap charges are assessed. On Wednesday, Bitonio’s four dummy years voided when he was technically released. His dead cap charge: $23.5 million.

On Thursday, the dummy years on contracts for Jack Conklin, David Njoku and Wyatt Teller were voided. The charges?

Conklin: $12.4 million.

Njoku: $24.33 million

Teller: $21.304 million.

Teams are allowed to designate a maximum of two players as post-June 1 releases, which allows their dead cap charges to be spread over two years. Njoku and Teller were the designees this year. So after June 1, Njoku’s charges come to $9.534 million in 2026 and $14.796 million in 2027. Teller’s charges are $8.293 million in 2026 and $13.011 million in 2027.

(All figures are culled from Spotrac.com and Overthecap.com.)

According to Overthecap.com, the Browns have $77.141 million in total dead cap charges in 2026. That ranks third-most to the Saints ($113.971 million) and Dolphins ($89.603 million).

Other departed players contributing to the Browns’ dead cap charges include Dalvin Tomlinson ($12.109 million), Juan Thornhill ($5.668 million), and Dustin Hopkins ($2.776 million).

It’s not ending soon

This is a big haul of dead cap charges in 2026, but it’s certainly not the end of it.

In 2027 and 2028, the Browns will be faced with the fallout of the end of Deshaun Watson’s contract, which has been tapped for salary-to-bonus conversions in each of his five years, kicking cap charges to the end.

Next year, a mechanism already in place will trigger the void of four dummy years Berry has attached to Watson’s contract and result in $86.2 million in dead cap charges.

(One way to look at it is this: Over five seasons, Berry created $86.2 million in cap room through his five conversions of Watson’s contract. That was intended to create room to sign other players. It resulted so far, however, in an overall team record of 26-43, including one playoff loss.)

When Watson is designated a post-June 1 release a year from now, his cap charges will be $34.663 million in 2027 and $50.446 million in 2028. So because of the conversions, Watson’s five-year, fully guaranteed, $230 million deal actually will have haunted the Browns for seven years.

It’s important to note that the salary cap continues to increase. That’s one reason for the philosophy of kicking the charges down the road. For instance, Watson’s future cap charges will consume less of a percentage of the total cap in 2027 and 2028.

One other consequence of using dummy years to create salary cap space is the forfeiture of possible compensatory draft picks.

Ordinarily, when a player’s contract runs out and he leaves for another team in free agency, the team could be eligible for a compensatory draft pick in the following season’s draft.

The complex formula depends on net losses in free agency v. net gains in a given year. But when a player’s contract voids because of dummy years and the player is released after the start of the league year, it is not eligible for compensatory consideration.

So if Njoku, Conklin, Teller, Bitionio and, even Watson next season, sign with new teams, the Browns won’t realize any compensatory picks from their departures.

The post Dead Cap Charges Of Departed Players One Reason Browns Intend To Field Younger Roster appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The official first day of the 2026 NFL season required the Browns to take care of some business.

Here is what they did.

Stood by and allowed Joel Bitonio’s contract with four “dummy” years to void

This inaction is very difficult to explain.

The Browns’ posture on Bitonio is that they believe he has earned the right to take his time to make a very personal and emotional decision on whether to retire or return for a 13th NFL season.

That’s well and good. But because Bitonio is not ready to commit one way or the other, his contract automatically voided at the 4 p.m. deadline on Wednesday, resulting in $23.5 million in dead cap charges to the Browns’ 2026 salary cap.

Had Bitonio made the decision to return, the Browns would have negotiated a new contract to mitigate the dead cap charges.

Had Bitonio made the decision to retire, the Browns could have divided the charges to $8.574 million in 2026 and $14.93 in 2027 – similar to a post-June 1 designation.

Although the Browns have used their allotted two post-June 1 designations on David Njoku and Wyatt Teller, there was a way for them to effectively do the same with Bitonio, according to salary cap expert Jason Fitzgerald, founder of Overthecap.com.

Fitzgerald wrote in a text message that if Bitonio had informed them he intended to retire, the Browns could have kept him on their roster until June 2, after which his dead cap charges would have been divided accordingly.

If Bitonio does decide to return for the 2026 season, the Browns will have to negotiate a new contract with him, with a resulting salary cap charge, in addition to the $23.5 million already assessed them.

Confirmed four free agent signings

Three players were previously reported – guard Zion Johnson (formerly with the Chargers), linebacker Quincy Williams (Jets) and guard-center Elgton Jenkins (Packers).

The fourth agreed to terms on a one-year deal on Wednesday. He is tight end Jack Stoll, who’s appeared in 76 games with the Eagles (2021-24), Dolphins (2024) and Saints (2025).

Stoll, 6-4 and 245 pounds, is almost an extension of the offensive line. He’s an in-line blocking specialist who occasionally catches passes – 28 in five seasons for 239 yards and one touchdown.

Confirmed one trade

Right tackle Tytus Howard was acquired from the Texans for the fifth-round draft pick acquired in last season’s trade with the Raiders for quarterback Kenny Pickett, No. 141 overall.

The Browns still own two picks in the fifth round – No. 146 (their own) and No. 149 (acquired in the trade with the Bengals for Joe Flacco).

The Browns also rewarded Howard with a three-year contract extension through 2029 for a reported $56 million, including $36 million fully guaranteed.

In the Browns’ official release of the trade, Howard said, ““It means a lot to be able to sign an extension here, a start fresh and be able to build my name up here in Cleveland. I’m excited for the future. I know that it’s great things to come, and hopefully, I can be here even longer than the extension to continue to make a positive impact on the city.

“Being in a city with such a love for football, and just excited to get here and make an impact – especially on the offensive line, to give Shedeur [Sanders], Deshaun [Watson], all these quarterbacks as much time as possible, to make an impact every day and win some games.”

(That second quote substantiates our ongoing narrative that the Browns are going full speed ahead with a quarterback competition involving Watson, Sanders, and possibly Dillon Gabriel.)

Confirmed a tender to one restricted free agent

The Browns gave safety Ronnie Hickman the right-of-first-refusal tender of $3.52 million.

It means Hickman can seek other offers, but the Browns have the right to match. If they decline, they would not receive a draft pick in compensation because Hickman was undrafted.

The Browns declined to reserve refusal rights on linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, tight end Blake Whiteheart, and defensive lineman Sam Kamara, who were RFAs (unsigned, three years in the NFL), like Hickman. Those players now are considered unrestricted free agents and can sign with any team.

The post Joel Bitonio’s indecision on retirement costs Browns $23.5 million in dead cap charge appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns won’t say that Joel Bitonio isn’t coming back, but their actions may say otherwise.

They continued to rebuild their offensive line on Tuesday by agreeing to terms with a pair of Jenkins – Teven Jenkins, who made four starts at right guard for them last year, and former Packers guard and center Elgton Jenkins.

Elgton Jenkins, 30, made the Pro Bowl twice with the Packers at left guard – Bitonio’s position the past 12 seasons – but he started at center for the first nine games of the 2025 season. He suffered a fractured fibula and ankle in Week 10, which required season-ending surgery.

The Packers released Jenkins with a “failed physical” designation on Monday to save $19.5 million in salary cap space.

The Browns and Jenkins reportedly agreed to a two-year contract for $24 million.

The Browns previously traded for right tackle Tytus Howard and agreed to terms with Chargers guard Zion Johnson.

Now, the addition of three guards – Johnson, Teven Jenkins, and Elgton Jenkins – would seem to indicate that Bitonio is not coming back.

A club source texted, “When Joel makes his decision, everyone will know.”

If Bitonio did come back, however, he could return to left guard for the 2026 season, Elgton Jenkins could be the starting center, and Johnson could move to right guard.

With Howard taking over right tackle, a starting left tackle would be the only missing piece for GM Andrew Berry to fill in. That final piece could come in the draft.

Elgton Jenkins, however, reportedly struggled during his time at center in 2025 and has been a much better player at left guard in his Green Bay career.

If Bitonio does not return, Elgton Jenkins would be the new starting left guard and Johnson would start at right guard. Berry then would still need to find a center, although he has said he expects Luke Wypler to be ready for the 2026 season after he suffered a knee injury in Game 17.

Wednesday would seem to be a deadline for Bitonio’s decision because his contract, which technically has four “dummy years” remaining, will void at the start of the new league year, which begins at 4 p.m.

If that happens, the Browns would be assessed $23.5 million in dead cap charges due to past restructures of Bitonio’s contract. Those charges could be broken up to $8.5 million in 2026 and $14.9 million in 2027 if the Browns designate Bitonio a post-June 1 release.

The post Browns Are Mum On Joel Bitonio’S Future, But They Added Two More Veteran Guards appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Working both sides of the ball on the first day of free agency, Browns GM Andrew Berry added starting guard Zion Johnson (Chargers) and starting linebacker Quincy Williams (Jets).

Berry also is pursuing a trade for Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who is drawing interest from multiple teams, per reports.

Meanwhile, the Browns are hoping to hear a decision on Tuesday from guard Joel Bitonio on whether he will retire or return for a 13th season.

Bitonio’s contract is scheduled to void on Tuesday, which would result in $23 million in dead cap charges to the Browns. But it’s possible that deadline could be extended again to give Bitonio more time to make a decision.

The Browns saw two of their free agents leave for greener pastures. Linebacker Devin Bush, coming off a career year, reportedly agreed with the Bears on a three-year deal for a maximum of $30 million. Defensive end and special teamer Cam Thomas agreed to a one-year deal for $3.095 million with the Falcons.

Added by the Browns

1. Guard Zion Johnson, 26

According to overthecap.com, Johnson’s three-year contract is for a maximum of $49.5 million, with $32.39 million guaranteed. Multiple void years keep his salary cap numbers moderate over the first two seasons with a bump occurring in the third season (2028).

Johnson was a first-round pick (17th overall) of the Chargers in 2022 by then-GM Tom Telesco, whom Berry has used as a consultant this offseason.

Johnson, 6-3 and 316 pounds, started 17 games as a right guard in his rookie season and then was moved to left guard in 2023, where he stayed through 2025. In four seasons with the Chargers, Johnson started 65 of a possible 68 games.

Johnson’s flexibility means he could be the starting right guard if Bitonio returns. If Bitonio retires, Johnson could be the starting left guard and a competition at right guard might ensue between returners Zak Zinter, Dawand Jones (in a position switch), and others.

Johnson is the second veteran lineman added by Berry. Last week, he traded with Houston for Tytus Howard, who has played guard but is being paid like a tackle.

2. Linebacker Quincy Williams, 29

Williams was a third-round draft pick of the Jaguars when new Browns coordinator Mike Rutenberg was assistant linebackers coach. They reunited with the Jets in 2021 when Rutenberg was named linebackers coach under head coach Robert Saleh and Williams was claimed when the Jaguars released him at the 53 roster cut.

Williams’ career took off immediately as a starter with the Jets under Rutenberg’s tutelage.

In his first two seasons, Williams started in 28 games and earned a three-year contract. In 2023, Williams had a career-year — 139 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 pass deflections, two interceptions, two sacks, and one fumble recovery. He was named to the All-Pro first team.

Williams had another 100-plus tackle season in 2024, and then his production dropped off in 2025 when Rutenberg departed the Jets to join the Falcons.

Williams, who turns 30 on August 28, reportedly agreed to a two-year deal for up to $17 million.

What the Browns didn’t do 

Although the Browns had interest in Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, they were blown out of the water by the Raiders’ reported deal of three years for $81 million ($60 million guaranteed). And they sat tight as center Cade Mays agreed with the Lions for three years for $25 million.

They were not major players for receivers Alec Pierce (Colts, four years for $114 million), Rashid Shaheed (Seahawks, three years/$51 million), Wan’Dale Robinson (Titans, four years/$78 million), Mike Evans (49ers, three years/$42.4 million), and Jalen Nailor (Raiders, three years/$35 million).

They watched both Ravens free agent tight ends find new teams. Isaiah Likely agreed with the Giants for three years/$40 million and Charlie Kolar agreed with the Chargers for three years/$24.2 million.

Who could be next?

The Browns might still be interested in the top left tackle, Rasheed Walker of Green Bay, who did not find a new team on the first day. 

If the Browns want to add a veteran quarterback, the unsigned ones include Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, Tyrod Taylor, Jimmy Garoppolo, Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, Brandon Allen, Sam Howell, and Jake Browning. None seem to be on the Browns’ front burner.

Quarterbacks taken off the market after reported deals on Monday include Malik Willis (Dolphins), Tua Tagovailoa (Falcons), Kenny Picket (Panthers), Gardner Minshew (Cardinals), Marcus Mariota (Commanders), Case Keenum (Bears), Kyle Allen (Bills) and Mitchell Trubisky (Titans). Tyler Huntley was re-signed by the Ravens over the weekend.

How Day 1 affects the draft

Without a starting left tackle or a receiver who could be WR1 or WR2, those two positions remain the top priorities of the Browns’ early draft.

Nickel cornerback looms as the top defensive draft priority.

The post Browns Add Two Starters On First Day Of Free Agency appeared first on The Land On Demand.

In advance of the new NFL league year, which starts on Wednesday, teams made seven trades last week.

Two of them involved picks in the first round, which have affected the 2026 draft order.

Las Vegas acquired Baltimore’s pick at No. 14 in the trade of defensive end Maxx Crosby, and Kansas City acquired the Rams’ pick at No. 29 in the trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Other trades, such as the Browns’ for right tackle Tytus Howard, could affect teams’ plans in the first round.

So Mock Draft 3.0 reflects possible changes as a result of the trades.

But this mock could be outdated as early as noon on Monday, when formal negotiations for free agents begin. After a full week of free agent signings, our next mock draft will get down to real business.

Mock draft 3.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: At some point soon, the Raiders will say they will not trade this pick.

2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: He probably fits Aaron Glenn’s 3-4 defense best.

3. Arizona: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Mike LaFleur’s offense will get a new QB in free agency and new playmaker here.

4. Tennessee: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: Traditional 4-3 end for Robert Saleh’s defense.

5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: Was told at Combine that Giants won’t pass on him.

6. Cleveland: LT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Comment: This reach might not be necessary if free agency brings a left tackle.

7. Washington: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Commanders turn to best edge rusher available.

8. New Orleans: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Comment: Any help for Tyler Shough would be desirable.

9. Kansas City: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Comment: Chiefs nab heir to Travis Kelce’s TE1 spot.

10. Cincinnati: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Comment: This is a natural match.

11. Miami: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

12. Dallas: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): OT Spencer Fano, Utah

14: Las Vegas (via Baltimore): OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

15: Tampa Bay: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): WR Makai Lemon, USC

17. Detroit: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

21. Pittsburgh: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Comment: A needed complement to DK Metcalf.

22. L.A. Chargers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

23. Philadelphia: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Comment: Best available receiver on the board.

25. Chicago: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

26. Buffalo: DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

27. San Francisco: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

28. Houston: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): DT Peter Woods, Clemson

30. Denver: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missouri   

32. Seattle: DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

The post Mock Draft 3.0: Trades Shake Up First-Round Order And Selections appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Instead of a current NFL QB as a reclamation project (rumors) would it not be wiser to take on one of the college reclamation projects? Allar, Klubnik, Nussmeier? All were potential 1st round picks last year. Cheaper and more time  to develop.   

— John, Stow, OH

Hey John: I’m of the opinion the Browns don’t need another developmental quarterback this year. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are still in developmental stage. Why glom up their development? Let’s see what they have under Todd Monken’s direction. Nobody in the 2026 draft is “the answer” to the Browns’ QB doldrums. I like Allar, but none of the others excites me. The franchise QB might be in the 2027 draft. So this is a year to further develop Sanders and Gabriel and have them compete with Deshaun Watson for the starting job. Watson is the veteran reclamation project. If healthy, Watson could be the veteran backup or eventual starter. For 2026 only. As for a fourth QB, the Browns should bring in Tyler Huntley again. Why not? He had good relationships with Watson in 2024 and Sanders in 2025 in training camp. With Monken now as Browns coach, it makes more sense now than ever to bring in Huntley as a security blanket for the season. That’s my Browns training camp QB room – Sanders, Watson, Gabriel, Huntley.

Hey Tony: How do they plan to get Arch in next year’s draft?

— Cory, Columbus, OH

Hey Cory: I don’t think it’s doable. The Jets have three No. 1 picks in the 2027 draft. They won’t trade down if they “earn” the No. 1 overall pick. And if they fall short of it, they have the ammo to overpay to draft Manning. Another Manning in New York? The Jets would be foolish not to go all-in on him. If I were the Browns, I would concentrate on Dante Moore of Oregon and LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina and hope they have good, healthy 2026 college seasons.

Hey Tony: Do you see a possibility in the Browns trading down from pick 6?

— Adam, Alberta, Canada

Hey Adam: Sure. But it won’t be as easy as it was last year when Jacksonville overpaid to move up from No. 4 to No. 2 to take Travis Hunter. I doubt that GM Andrew Berry can acquire a 2027 No. 1 pick by trading down from No. 6 this year. The 2027 draft is going to be loaded and every NFL team will want to keep its first-round pick. Actually, I think Berry has a better chance of trading No. 24 for a 2027 No. 1. At the very least, he should try to get an extra second-round pick in 2027.

Hey Tony: Do you think the Browns will look to pursue Tyler Linderbaum at all?  Plays right into the “draft one, trade for one, sign one” model that Andrew Berry admires.

— Mark, Bakersfield, CA

Hey Mark: Linderbaum is going to be a $20 million-a-year free agent and probably will be pursued hard by the Giants and Chargers. I’d aim for the second wave of centers – Connor McGovern of the Bills and Cade Mays of Carolina. Another option would be to draft Pat Coogan of Indiana, who is projected as fourth-round pick. I don’t feel comfortable relying on Luke Wypler, who has had injury problems.

Hey Tony: Why aren’t the Browns bringing back Martin Emerson? Injury worries, too expensive?

— Dave, Cedar Park, TX

Hey Dave: Emerson suffered an Achilles tendon tear in early August and missed the 2025 season. I think his situation comes down to this: The Emerson camp feels there will be a free agent market for him and the Browns don’t. I think the Browns would bring him back if a market doesn’t materialize for Emerson, but they’re not going to re-invest heavily, at least in 2026. I’m surprised the Browns didn’t make a nominal offer for Emerson before the 2025 season ran out.

Hey Tony: Do you think Andrew Berry ever makes jokes with the Texans GM when making trades? Something like “I’ll throw Deshaun Watson back to you to get this done today”?

— Josh, Ooltewah, TN

Hey Josh: Um, no.

Hey Tony: So are the Browns getting cap relief due to taking out insurance on Watson last year? This was constantly mentioned last year with his injury but it has been crickets since.

— Kyle, Celina, OH

Hey Kyle: The Browns will get some cap relief from the Watson insurance policy, but my understanding is it won’t be substantial. I think this news story will play out soon, possibly at NFL owners meeting next month.

Hey Tony: Do you see any situation where the Browns take a defender in the first round with one of their two picks? Seems a very Browns thing to do.

— Mike, North Olmsted, OH

Hey Mike: The only scenario I see the Browns taking a defender in the first round is if they sign a certifiable starting left tackle and a No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver in free agency. If they did that, which would come at great cost, they could justify taking a defensive player in the first round.

Hey Tony: We know the Browns won’t admit they are in a rebuild. But does it seem like we are trying to get everything to align by the ‘29 season when the new stadium opens?

— Andy, Bloomington, IL

Hey Andy: The Browns have all but admitted they are in rebuild. I mean, GM Andrew Berry has stated several times he expects to field one of the youngest rosters in the league in 2026. The key to the 2029 season is having a franchise QB in place by then. And they’re running out of time. Perhaps 2027?

Hey Tony: The general consensus of Deshaun Watson never starting another game for Cleveland again is slowly fading into abyss. When will it start to feel real for everyone about his potential return to QB1 status for the Browns?

— Eric, Columbus, OH

Hey Eric: If Watson can stay healthy, he’ll compete in camp to be QB1. If he wins it, it would be a one-year thing. He will not be back in 2027. They’re paying him $46 million. Why the hell wouldn’t they try to get some dividend on that investment?

Hey Tony: What was the most head scratching first round pick from drafts you covered in the 1980s and 1990s? What draft pick during the same time period surprised you most (worked out better than expected)?

— Don, Cleveland, OH

Hey Don: In the wee hours before the 1987 draft, I broke the story after midnight that the Browns were trading Chip Banks to the San Diego Chargers for the fifth overall pick of the draft. I had reason to believe coach Marty Schottenheimer intended to use the pick on Penn State linebacker Shane Conlan. Lo and behold, the Browns chose Mike Junkin from Duke, who was a bow-legged linebacker from Duke with a history of steroids use. Browns super scout Dom Anile described Junkin to Schottenheimer after his pre-draft workout as “a mad dog in a meat market.” (Anile later confided to me it would be his epitaph. He was right.) Turned out to be one of the all-time Browns draft busts. As for best surprises, I would list Earnest Byner (10th round, 1984), Brian Brennan (fourth round, 1984), and Michael Dean Perry (second round, 1988).

The post #Heytony: Should The Browns Draft A Qb Or Sign A Reclamation Project? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

At age 60, Todd Monken will be the third-oldest Browns head coach when he makes his debut in September.

Perhaps Monken wanted to balance that age difference with his 20-something players by surrounding himself with young coordinators.

The over-riding takeaway from the introduction of Monken’s coordinators is how young, energetic and excited they are. Each is getting his first crack at NFL coordinator.

Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer was the starting center at Akron just 12 years ago. If he was good enough to make an NFL roster, he’d still be playing. He’s 33.

Special teams coordinator Byron Storer had his playing career as a fullback prematurely ended in 2009 by two knee injuries. He’s 41, but looks closer to 21.

Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg broke into the NFL as a personnel intern at the age of 22. At 44, his energy flooded the Browns media room. He burst to the podium like he was breaking a huddle on fourth-and-1.

Here are more takeaways from Monken’s top lieutenants.

Travis Switzer, offensive coordinator

1. I don’t want to read too much into this, but it was interesting to hear Switzer’s first remarks about the present Browns quarterback room.

“Monk said this in his opening press conference,” Switzer said. “You don’t take a job if you’re not excited about the quarterbacks that are in the building, and it’s more than one. We’re excited about Dillon [Gabriel], we’re excited about Deshaun [Watson]. You know, anytime you have a guy who has had the success that he’s had, he’s got to be part of the equation when it comes to competing for that job. And then Shedeur [Sanders], what he was able to show last year, you know. He’s still young. He has a lot of growth that he can still achieve, especially [from] year one to year two. He only started, what, six, seven games last year? So yeah, I think there’s a lot to be excited about in that room.”

The fact Switzer mentioned Gabriel first made me think back to laudatory comments made by GM Andrew Berry at the NFL Combine. It leads me to believe Gabriel is not a forgotten man inside the building. Or they simply may be trying to drum up interest in a future trade.

2. Switzer had an interesting response to a question of what traits he looks for in quarterbacks.

 “He’s got to be an elite leader and decision-maker,” he said. “I mean, that’s where it starts. Somebody said this, I remember hearing it years ago. It might have been [Dan] Marino or somebody: As a quarterback, you got to go throw four picks in the first quarter and [be able to] step into the huddle in the second half, look your guys in the eye and they still believe in [you]. So that’s one of those things. I don’t know if you can coach that. I think it certainly helps. You can develop that through preparation and then having success and now you have confidence in your own process and all those things. And that does start to develop. But yeah, those are all the things that you look for.”

I heard Gary Danielson say similar things when he joined the Browns in 1985.

3. Switzer said the evaluation of who is QB1 will come down to a collaboration of Monken and “our entire staff. That’s just the way he’s always operated with everything. So, yeah, I think that will apply there, too.”

Byron Storer, special teams coordinator

1. In his opening remarks, Storer rattled off the names of several young special teams core players, such as kicker Andre Szmyt, snapper Rex Sunahara, linebackers Winston Reid, Nathaniel Watson and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, defensive tackle Adin Huntington, safeties Donovan McMillon and Chris Edmonds, and returners Malachi Corley and Gage Larvadain.

The omission of punter Corey Bojorquez was brought up in a later context. It sounded like a front office decision on Bojorquez, an eight-year veteran who is unsigned, has been made.

“We’re still going through the process,” Storer said. “We’re looking at free agents, draft, doing self-scouts. So we’re totally doing a complete evaluation of the roster and looking at what’s out there. The thing that I would say is that we’re exploring all options, but I do want to say, though, for Corey, that I respect the four years that he’s been here and what he’s done here for the Cleveland Browns. And as I go through this building and I ask people about him, there’s nothing but good things that they’ve said about him. So I really respect the player.”

2. Storer’s great-grandfather started a bus company in 1952. After he got into coaching, Storer’s father asked him in 2013 to help him run a new branch of the business in San Francisco. He left coaching for four years.

Which led to an analogy I have never heard in my life.

“The cool thing about the bus business is that the bus business is exactly like coaching in the fact that it’s all about the drivers,” he said. “Coaching is all about the players. Bus business is all about the drivers. So, it was a good transition in that way, but it was a total learning experience and a lesson in real world managing of people, all different kinds of people, single mothers and guys who have multiple jobs. And so, it was a really big learning experience that I cherished, and I’m really glad I did it.”

3. I asked Storer if he could lead the NFL in coverage or in returns, which would he choose.

“I’d say it all starts with punt,” he answered. “And so, it’s really punt protection and punt coverage. That’s where you start. So it’s going to be coverage, but also protection. I think you’re asking about coverage or return game, right? So I guess it would be coverage.”

Mike Rutenberg, defensive coordinator

1. An outgoing extrovert, Rutenberg is unfazed by the prospect of following popular coordinator Jim Schwartz and winning over the defensive players.

“Any new opportunity is about building relationships, right?” he said. “And relationships come from the heart. So we’re going to build relationships. I’m going to learn about the players, learn about the coaches, share my story and learn their story. And whatever is important to the players, I want to learn about them. Whether it’s their families, whether it’s football, any outside interests, I’m going to dive right in and build those relationships.”

2. No matter what tweaks Rutenberg brings to the defense, he is intent on maintaining the style it played under Schwartz.

“It’s always going to be style over scheme,” Rutenberg said. “No matter what, the way we play, how hard we play, playing for each other, how fast we play and how violent we play. And that’s always going to be over scheme. Us going after the ball and then putting our players in the best positions to be successful, it’s always going to start with the front. It forever and always will be in the history of football. And we’re going to continue to do that.”

3. Like Schwartz, Rutenberg believes the defensive front is the engine of the entire defense.

“Keep attacking [up front], keep getting downhill. Keep attacking, keep getting downhill,” he said. “Not only Myles [Garrett], you’ve got great players across the front … it’s always going to go back to the front.”

The post Browns youthful coordinators excited to start the next phase in new roles appeared first on The Land On Demand.

When I first started covering the Browns in 1984, head coach Sam Rutigliano employed a staff of nine assistant coaches.

And I distinctly remember owner Art Modell bemoaning, “When Blanton Collier won the NFL Championship in 1964, he had five assistant coaches.” Twenty years later, four more coaches on the payroll bothered Modell.

Well, the Browns announced Todd Monken’s completed coaching staff on Tuesday and it included a staggering 28 assistant coaches.

And that doesn’t include a separate staff of seven strength and conditioning coaches and nutritionists.

Former coach Kevin Stefanski had 22 assistant coaches in his last season of 2025.

Monken was one of 10 head coaches added in the 2026 NFL hiring cycle. His staff of 28 only ties for second for the largest staffs in the NFL. Baltimore’s Jesse Minter reigns supreme with 29 assistants.

Coaching staffs are like player contracts. They get exceeded each year. Which means next year’s hiring cycle probably will premier the league’s first 30-member assistant coach staff.

Here’s the scorecard of the other new NFL coaching staff hires in 2026:

Klint Kubiak, Raiders: 28 assistant coaches.

John Harbaugh, Giants: 27 assistant coaches.

Jeff Hafley, Dolphins: 25 assistant coaches.

Joe Brady, Bills: 24 assistant coaches.

Robert Saleh, Titans: 22 assistant coaches.

Kevin Stefanski, Falcons: 21 assistant coaches.

Mike McCarthy, Steelers: 21 assistant coaches.

Mike LaFleur, Cardinals: 21 assistant coaches.

“The closer you are to an elite staff, the more you have guys that are not only developers but are also schemers,” Monken said in a team release announcing the completed staff. “You either got to be an elite developer or an elite schemer. And the more guys you have that are elite at developing and scheming, the better you’re going to be.”

Here’s a rundown of Monken’s staff of 28:

Chief of staff: John Carr

He was director of football operations at Southern Mississippi when Monken was head coach from 2013-15.

Offensive coordinator: Travis Switzer

A 39-game starter at center for Akron from 2011-14, he spent the past nine years with the Baltimore Ravens, the last two as run game coordinator while Monken was offensive coordinator.

Pass game coordinator: Danny Breyer

He was an offensive assistant with the Ravens during Monken’s three years, working closely with tight ends.

Run game coordinator/tight ends coach: Jeff Blasko

He was Browns assistant offensive line coach in 2019 when Monken was offensive coordinator. He also worked with the Jets and Cowboys.

Offensive line coach: George Warhop

He’s been a line coach with nine teams, including twice now with the Browns. He worked with Monken the last two years with the Ravens and previously with the Buccaneers (2016-18).

Assistant offensive line coach: Bobby Johnson

An Akron native, his latest of nine NFL stops was offensive line coach with the Washington Commanders.

Quarterbacks coach: Mike Bajakian

He left Michigan State to rejoin Monken. They worked together with the Buccaneers.

Assistant quarterbacks coach: Matt Baker

A former QB coach and offensive coordinator at John Carroll, he’s worked with the Falcons and the Steelers.

Wide receivers coach: Christian Jones

One of four Stefanski offensive assistants retained, he was Browns tight ends coach last year.

Assistant wide receivers coach: John Wozniak

He worked with Monken at Oklahoma State, LSU and Mississippi State. This is his first job in the NFL.

Running backs coach: Duce Staley

He survived the coaching change and is in his third season with the Browns.

Offensive quality control coach: Ian Kolste

He was a coaching fellow with the Ravens the last two years with Monken.

Offensive assistant/offensive line coach: Sanders Davis

He was brought to the Browns last year by former offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren. He was Bloomgren’s offensive line coach at Rice University.

Offensive analyst: Travis Monken

Son of Todd, he was an analyst the past two years at Purdue and was student assistant at Oklahoma State.

Offensive analyst: Dom Borsani

He started with the Browns in 2023 as a football research analyst and moved last year to coaching analyst.

Defensive coordinator: Mike Rutenberg

A protégé of Robert Saleh, he was pass game coordinator with the Falcons last year.

Run game coordinator/linebackers coach: Jason Tarver

He received a promotion after being passed over for the DC job. He was Stefanski’s original linebackers coach in 2020.

Pass game coordinator: Ephraim Banda

He interviewed for multiple DC jobs and stayed on in a promoted role after serving as Browns safeties coach since 2023.

Defensive line coach: Jacques Cesaire

He was retained at the position he’s held since 2024.

Assistant defensive line coach: Ralph Street

His first NFL job comes after nine years in the college ranks at Prairie View A&M and Marshall University.

Defensive backs coach/pass game specialist: Brandon Lynch

Another member of Stefanski’s first staff in 2020, he received a promotion after coaching cornerbacks the past three years.

Senior defensive assistant: Dom Capers

Former head coach with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, this will be his sixth stint in seven years as a senior defensive assistant.

Defensive assistant/nickelbacks coach: Jeff Anderson

He was promoted after serving as Browns defensive quality control coach since 2022.

Defensive assistant/assistant linebackers coach: Zach Dunn

He’s been a defensive assistant since a member of Stefanski’s original staff in 2020.

Defensive quality control coach: Paul Worrilow

A former NFL linebacker, he most recently was a volunteer assistant at the University of Delaware.

Defensive analyst: Shaq Wilson

He worked with the Jets in 2023-24 and was a scouting intern with the Buccaneers one summer when Monken was offensive coordinator.

Special teams coordinator: Byron Storer

A former NFL fullback, he’s been an assistant special teams coach with the Bucs, Chargers, Raiders and most recently Packers.

Assistant special teams coach: Keith Tandy

A former NFL safety, he’s been with the Bucs since 2020 as assistant special teams coach.

That’s a lot of titles. Which brings up another classic Modell line.

“We have a lot of titles,” he once said of Marty Schottenheimer’s coaching staff in the 1980s, “but no championships.”

The post Todd Monken’s Staff Of 28 Assistant Coaches Is The Largest In Browns History appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will be the Browns’ offensive line.

But the first building block was laid on Monday when GM Andrew Berry called on his favorite trade partner — the Houston Texans – to acquire right tackle Tytus Howard.

The Browns sent the Texans the highest of their three fifth-round picks – No. 139 overall, acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in the trade for quarterback Kenny Pickett last summer – for Howard.

The trade will not be official until the start of the new league year on March 11.

In Howard, the Browns receive a durable, legit, starting right tackle. He made 93 starts for the Texans in seven seasons. Howard, 6-5 and 322 pounds, was drafted in the first round, 23rd overall, in 2019 by former Texans coach Bill O’Brien.

Howard was a mainstay through three other Houston head coaches and earned a second contract from the Texans.

Howard also made starts at left guard and right guard due to injuries on the Houston offensive line. But the Browns see him as their new right tackle, evidenced by reportedly giving him a three-year contract extension for $63 million.

The details of the contract aren’t on record yet, but it’s probable the Browns view Howard, who turns 30 on May 23, as a two- or three-year player. They can convert his 2026 salary of $17.5 million to a cash bonus and reduce his $17.97 million cap number significantly.

The Chicago model

Howard is the first of what is expected to be multiple transactions as Berry overhauls an offensive line that got old, costly and undependable. 

At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last week, Berry confided he would like to follow the model executed by Bears GM Ryan Pace last season, when he added four new starters on the Bears’ offensive line with two trades, a free agent signing and a second-round pick in the draft.

A key component in Berry’s rebuild would be Joel Bitonio, the left guard who is contemplating returning for a 13th season with the Browns. Bitonio has until March 10 to tell the Browns if he’ll be back.

A key chip in luring Bitonio back could be new offensive line coach George Warhop, who was Browns line coach from 2009-13. Bitonio missed Warhop’s tenure by a year, but Warhop was a favorite of Hall of Fame Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. Thomas has vouched for Warhop to Bitonio. Warhop also coached Howard in Houston in 2022.

If Bitonio comes back, it’s possible that Berry’s next move would be to sign a veteran center in free agency. Incumbent starter Ethan Pocic suffered an Achilles tendon tear in December, and is a free agent, and replacement Luke Wypler suffered a knee injury in Game 17 and has been injury-prone.

A name to watch if Berry shops for a center is Cade Mays, who turns 27 in April, and has started 20 games the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

Berry might also seek another guard in free agency or trade, or he could rely on third-year guard Zak Zinter to compete for a starting spot and possibly move oft-injured offensive tackle Dawand Jones to guard.

Draft ramifications

The trade for Howard surely eliminates right tackle as a draft consideration and puts a premium on left tackle if Berry doesn’t pursue one in free agency.

Thus, the focus of the Browns’ draft attention could turn away from Miami’s Francis Mauigoa and Utah’s Spencer Fano. Both played primarily at right tackle in college and are considered better pro prospects at guard.

The top left tackles in the draft are Monroe Freeling of Georgia, Kadyn Proctor of Alabama, and Caleb Lomu of Utah.

It’s unavoidable to peg Freeling as a favorite of the Browns. He fits the profile of a high Berry draft pick – SEC school (Georgia), young (21), and an outstanding athlete. Freeling’s athletic scores were accentuated at the Combine. Pro Football Network gave Freeling a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.99 on a scale of 1 to 10. That RAS, which the Browns take to heart, would rank No. 2 out of 1,512 offensive tackles measured from 1987 to 2026.

Freeling had only 18 starts in his Georgia career. That lack of experience makes him a “reach” to take at the Browns’ sixth overall spot in the first round. He is not expected to last until the Browns’ second pick at No. 24 overall, however.

Which means Berry will have to manipulate the first round to secure Freeling by either trading down from No. 6 or trading up from No. 24.

Or he can simply take Freeling at No. 6.

Or he can take Proctor or Lomu at No. 24.

In any case, left tackle might be the only position Berry reserves for the draft.

The post Browns offensive line rebuild begins with trade for Houston RT Tytus Howard appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The NFL Combine is the first major checkpoint of the mock draft season.

The Combine surely affects changes in the mock draft process, but it’s like a first preseason game. It merely opens discussion; it doesn’t close it.

I came away from a week at the Combine in Indianapolis with the following takeaways:

* It’s very possible the first four picks after No. 1 will be defensive players.

* More than ever, intense training specifically geared for the Combine drills is resulting in phenomenal testing results, which could inflate the evaluation of some prospects.

* There will be receivers available on the second day of the draft (second and third rounds) who are legitimate instant starters. Same can be said about offensive linemen.

* There is no quarterback after Fernando Mendoza worthy of taking in the first round.

* The Browns will have countless options at No. 6 and No. 24 – including possible trades involving either pick – that can’t be clarified until after the first two weeks of free agency.

Technically, this is only our penultimate mock draft before free agency. Mock draft 3.0 will come out early next Monday. At 12 p.m. on that day, March 9, the floodgates will open to free agents agreeing to terms with NFL teams.

And then mock drafts become more realistic.

Mock draft 2.0

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: Cheered wildly inside Lucas Oil Stadium, he was a Combine winner without even working out.

2. N. Y. Jets: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: A good Combine moved him into this spot.

3. Arizona: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State 

Comment: Cards choose defense instead of reaching for offensive tackle.

4. Tennessee: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Comment: Robert Saleh would use him everywhere.

5. N. Y. Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Comment: Rare is the safety good enough to be taken this high. Downs is rare.

6. Cleveland: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Comment: Long past time to take a stud wideout. If not now, then when?

7. Washington: RB Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: New OC David Blaugh gives QB Jayden Daniels some Love.

8. New Orleans: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Comment: There’s some concern about Chris Olave’s concussion history.

9. Kansas City: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Comment: Chiefs solidify bookend tackle to LT Josh Simmons.

10. Cincinnati: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Cornerback a serious consideration, too.

11. Miami: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

12. Dallas: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

14: Baltimore: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State

Comment: Tough call over best WR on board.

15: Tampa Bay: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

16: N.Y. Jets (via) Indianapolis: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

17. Detroit: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

21. Pittsburgh: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Comment: Steelers’ eye for receivers has blurred recently.

22. L.A. Chargers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

23. Philadelphia: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Comment: Pure right tackle from Strongsville broke Clemson record for career snaps.

25. Chicago: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

26. Buffalo: WR Makai Lemon, USC

27. San Francisco: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

28. Houston: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

29. L.A. Rams: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

30. Denver: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missouri   

32. Seattle: DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

The post Mock Draft 2.0: Time for Browns to catch a Buckeye receiver? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

It could have been Drew Allar taking first-team reps in Browns training camp last summer. There wouldn’t have been a Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders on hand to split reps.

It was going to be Allar. He was going to be the franchise’s next great quarterback hope. The Browns were giving off those vibes inside scouting circles, according to a source at the NFL Combine. This was during the 2024 college scouting season, as Allar was winding down a formidable third season at Penn State and rising as a high, first-round draft prospect.

Very early in the draft process, the Browns were honing in on the big-armed Allar as their own season was capsizing into a 3-14 catastrophe.

For a kid from Medina who grew up wearing Charlie Frye’s jersey to grade school all the time, who attended Browns home games for 10 straight years, who named his black labrador after Ozzie Newsome, the dream was maybe four months from happening. He may not even have realized it.

Then came that Allar social media post on December 16, 2024:

“This season has been the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life playing football and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team. I know there’s still more work to do which is why I look forward to making more memories with my teammates this year and beyond. But right now we are solely focused on the opportunity we have as a team in front of us.”

Allar postponed his NFL dream to play one more season in 2025. He wanted to lead Penn State to the CFP national championship.

And then fate sacked him harder than a host of Ohio State pass rushers.

Allar suffered a broken left ankle in Penn State’s sixth game in October of 2025 against Northwestern. He had season-ending surgery four days later. On Saturday, his comeback begins on the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium when he throws in front of NFL scouts and coaches for the first time in 19 weeks.

No regrets

“There were a lot of things I wanted to accomplish at Penn State,” Allar said at a Combine media room podium on Friday. “First and foremost, that was winning the Big Ten championship and national championship. Obviously, we fell short of those. But that was the main reason [to return] after my junior year.

“I decided to go back, and honestly, just to get more development and experience. I think experience is one of the quarterback’s best friends. The more pictures you can see throughout your college career I feel better prepares you for the NFL.”

The way things worked out, would he do it again?

“I think I would have,” Allar said. “Obviously, it’s not what I envisioned. I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. I’ve just taken this opportunity through this injury to better myself, both as a person, a teammate, and as a player. So, I wouldn’t change a thing. I know everything’s gonna work out for the best in the long run.”

Allar had a seven-figure NIL contract to serve as a security blanket, but he swears he would’ve returned to Penn State without it.

“My decision was not a financial decision,” he said. “It was a strictly football and personal decision to return to school, obviously to further my football career, but also to graduate. I’m proud to be a Penn State graduate. I graduated this past fall, so I’m really excited about that.”

The comeback

Allar’s prototypical size (6-5 and 238 pounds before Saturday’s official measurements) and an arm he touts as the best in the draft – “I’m not saying that out of cockiness or anything like that. It’s just something I truly believe in.” – will get him through the door of an NFL team.

But the injury has cost him millions, no doubt. Draft analysts see him going no higher than the fourth round. He will only showcase his arm here, and doesn’t expect to run even at his pro day.

Allar is optimistic, however, because he has been gearing up for this comeback since recovering from the ankle surgery on October 15.

“It’s the first injury I’ve really ever had to deal with and [there was] a substantial amount of rehab,” Allar said. “But I took it as an opportunity to grow and learn and better myself, whether that was physically with my ankle or just flexibility- wise, and working on all aspects of myself as a person and an athlete. I’ve had a lot of good people between PT [physical therapy] and athletic trainers. And you know, just coaches in general helped me throughout the process. So it’s been a fun one.”

Allar wasn’t the finished product at the end of 2024. He knew that and it was one reason he returned to Penn State. He was a late starter to the QB position, not playing it until his freshman year at Medina; he thought he’d be a tight end. He took the position seriously once he became a varsity starter in the second half of his sophomore year. By the end of his senior season, he was Ohio’s Mr. Football and certified as a five-star college prospect.

He finished his career at Penn State with a record of 26-9 as a starter, throwing for 7,402 yards with 61 touchdowns vs. 13 interceptions.

Now he has to prove himself all over again.

Allar said he met with the Browns in one of those snappy, informal interviews. It included new Browns QB coach Mike Bajakian, who tried to recruit Allar while offensive coordinator under coach Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern. He said it would be “surreal” to play for the Browns, but he would be happy with any NFL opportunity.

Growing up a Browns fan doesn’t assure Allar of a spot in their draft plans, of course. But it sure makes you want to root for him, wherever he lands.

The post Medina’s Drew Allar launches his comeback on Saturday at NFL Combine appeared first on The Land On Demand.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

One of the biggest decisions the Browns will make in the draft concerns Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Do they resist the urge to fill urgent needs on offense with the No. 6 overall pick and take what some believe is the best defensive player in the draft?

Or do they parlay widespread interest in Downs as a chip to trade down, collect extra draft assets, and address the offense at tackle or wide receiver?

Downs’ on-field credentials are impeccable – two-time unanimous All-American, Big Ten defensive player of the year, Jim Thorpe Award winner, key player on the 2024 CFP national championship Buckeye team.

So, what’s not to like?

Aside from the Browns’ strength on defense, there is an NFL stigma about taking a safety in the top 10 of the draft. Jamal Adams (sixth overall in 2017) was the last safety selected that high.

Only five safeties since 1970 have gone off the board in the top five. They are Kenny Easley of Seattle (1981), Rickey Dixon of Cincinnati (1988), Eric Turner of the Browns (1991), Sean Taylor of Washington (2004), and Eric Berry of Kansas City (2010).

At his Combine podium appearance on Thursday, Downs eloquently defended the value of taking a safety high.

“At the end of the day it’s ‘who’s the best defender?’” Downs said. “I mean, it’s not like really positional value. It’s who affects the game. If you affect the game in a lot of ways, that’s what’s most important.

“So, that’s really all I can worry about. Honestly, I can’t worry about what anybody else says or what the coaches have done. At the end of the day, my film is what it is, and they’re gonna make a decision based off of it.”

Downs cited his versatility to play all over the field – in the box, covering a slot receiver, or as a deep safety – and his instincts as the traits that put him ahead of all defenders in this draft.

“My confidence level is always at the highest when I’m on the field, and the belief in myself really never goes down,” he said. “No matter the circumstance. So I feel like my mind really puts me above a lot of people in terms of how I process the game and play with instincts, and I feel like that’s what makes me special.

He identified the Cowboys as one team he’s met with at the Combine but didn’t want to mention any others.

The message he’s trying to get across to teams in interviews:

“You’re getting a really talented player. You’re getting a smart player that can come and make an impact on the field and in the facility, to make a culture change. That’s what you’re getting.”

Downs sounded like a student of the position when he was asked to name his top five NFL safeties.

“I like watching a lot of safeties so I’m gonna go … Brian Branch [of Detroit]. I like his game a lot. Kyle [Hamilton, of Baltimore]. I love how Budda [Baker, of Arizona] plays, the intensity he plays with. Kevin Byard [of Chicago], his film this year was crazy. I’m gonna do Derwin [James, of the Chargers.]”

A few minutes later, he added Nick Emmanwori [of Seattle] to his list of favorites.

“[Safeties are] changing the game,” Downs said. “Nick changed the game this year with his size and how he played and the physicality he played with, and then also being able to play the coverage that he played. He had a great year, and I told him that whenever I saw him.”

The Browns reinvested in safety Grant Delpit with a three-year contract extension in December of 2023. His contract effectively runs out after the 2026 season.

Monken the play-caller … or not?

Todd Monken eliminated the mystery of who’s calling the offensive plays on game days when he flatly stated that he would at his introductory press conference.

He indicated, however, it could change over time – as it did during his only other stint as a head coach at Southern Mississippi from 2013-15.

At the Combine, a question came out of the blue about Chip Lindsey, who is moving from Michigan to become offensive coordinator at Missouri. Lindsey was Monken’s offensive coordinator at Southern Miss in 2014-15.

“We were running Air Raid,” Monken said. “I mean it’s four wide, you’re throwing it around, minimal run schemes and he fit what we were looking for at that time. We would’ve never done what we did at Southern Miss without him because I turned the play-calling over to him and it allowed me to be a hell of a lot better head coach.”

So, the natural question is whether Monken would follow that same route as a CEO head coach with the Browns.

This week, two renowned offensive-oriented head coaches – Sean Payton of Denver and Dave Canales of Carolina – announced they were handing over play-calling duties to their top offensive assistants.

“I don’t see it at this point, but you never say never,” Monken said. “I mean, you got to get things going in the direction you want, work with somebody long enough to where you feel comfortable handing that over. We’re not at that point yet.”

Monken brought Travis Switzer from the Ravens and named him his offensive coordinator. Switzer was Ravens run game coordinator the three years Monken was Baltimore’s OC.

At arm’s length

The Browns will be one of the teams very interested when offensive linemen are weighed and measured on Sunday.

One of the big questions about Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa concerns his arm length. Some teams feel better about moving tackles with shorter arms inside at the guard position. The measurement threshold is 33 inches.

The same question came up with Will Campbell last year. His arms were measured at 32 5/8. The Patriots lined up Campbell at left tackle, anyway, and he was a big factor in New England’s stunning turnaround from 4-13 to AFC Champions.

Campbell had a rough time in the post-season, however, and that raised questions again about whether the short arm length caught up with him against the better defenses the Patriots faced in the playoffs.

Patrots GM Eliot Wolf disputed the short arm theory, and attributed Campbell’s drop-off to an MCL sprain in his right knee in late November.

“When Will came back from that injury, I personally didn’t see the same level of lower body strength that you saw before the injury, and I think you know, the film would attest to that,” Wolf said. “He probably had three of his four worst games in the playoffs. But before that, I thought Will played really well all year.

“I know everyone talks about the arm length, but he has a set of skills that enable him to play with that arm length. He’s really quick out of his stance. He’s technically sound. He’s adding more and more different pass sets to his tool bag that he can use to combat different rushes. And again, he’s 22 years old, and we expect some improvement out of him as well.”

Still, Mauigoa’s arm measurement might drop him closer to the Browns at No. 6 if it comes below the 33 in. threshold.

The post Can the Browns pass up Caleb Downs simply because he plays safety? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Takeaways from Todd Monken press availability at NFL Combine …

1. I’m featuring this anecdote at the top of this column for one reason, which I’ll explain. There’s a strong connection between Todd Monken and Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who enters the Combine as probably the No. 2-rated QB behind Indiana Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Monken explained, “I liked Ty when he was coming out. When I first got to Georgia [as offensive coordinator], they [Alabama] hadn’t offered him and I went up there and talked to his dad. In fact, his dad, Jason, is a Southern Miss alum and I was the head coach at Southern Miss. So we got to know them really well. Really fond of Ty. Obviously really good football player. Fired up for him because in today’s day and age, for him to stay as long as he did at Alabama and then get a chance to be the starting quarterback’s pretty cool. And that is really cool for him to live out his dream at the school he chose whatever it was three or four years ago.”

2. Should we now pencil in Simpson as a potential pick for the Browns at No. 6 or No. 24? The answer is no. For two reasons. Simpson doesn’t fit the profile of a player GM Andrew Berry would take high in the draft. He started only 15 games – all in 2025 – in four seasons at Alabama. No way would Berry devote a first-round pick to a quarterback with that few career starts. Further, drafting Simpson in the first round would result in an all-in commitment to Simpson as ‘the guy.’ You don’t devote that high of a resource to a quarterback and not commit to him.The Browns aren’t inclined to do that. So why do I bring up the Monken connection to Simpson?

3. Monken’s most value in the Browns’ draft process stems from his connections to the college game. He was Georgia’s offensive coordinator from 2020-22. We know Berry has a bias for players from the SEC. Fourteen of 44 draft picks made by Berry in six drafts have come from the SEC. That’s the most of any Power 4 conference. Next is 12 from the B1G (27.2 percent). Monken believes he can get truthful feedback about college prospects as a result of the relationships he’s built in the SEC. “You want to know about a certain player,” Monken said. “Tell me about how this player is wired. Do they love football, the day to day? I think any of those relationships that are stronger, you’re going to cut to the core of what they really are.”

4. Which brings up the extent of influence that Monken will have in the Browns’ draft. Kevin Stefanski had little, to be honest, in the six drafts as Browns head coach. In 2025, Stefanski was part of the Browns’ entourage that traveled to quarterback pro days and workouts when the organization sought to populate the QB room with young prospects. But other than that, Stefanski had little to do with Berry’s drafts – and he was fine with that. Monken, who flatly describes himself as “a football coach” – no more, no less – doesn’t expect, or desire, a great influence in the Browns’ draft. “I think not only myself, but our staff and anyone who’s been involved with this, we’ve had a big say, but not ‘our way.’ And I think that’s all you can ask for as a coaching staff is you have a say, right? We’re going to evaluate these players. Now, we don’t have enough film to do the work that the scouting staff has done the whole year. We can’t.”

5. As for the present Browns quarterback room, Monken echoed the sentiments of Berry that he would be content to conduct a competition among Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel. Another quarterback will be added, but Monken, like Berry, gave no indication that fourth QB would be a serious contender for QB1. At this time, the organization sees the QB1 emerging from Sanders, Watson and Gabriel. “I think it’s an open competition,” Monken said. “I mean, I don’t why it wouldn’t be an open competition. I don’t mean that saying it harshly, but I don’t think there’s enough on film over the last couple years one way or the other to say, ‘Boy, we have our starter at quarterback’ yet. Whether internally or externally.”

6. Monken said he has dived more deeply into evaluating his QBs on hand, but that process hasn’t resulted in any conclusions. On Sanders, Monken said, “I think what you see is elite playmaking ability. That’s in him. You’ve seen it. You saw it in college. You saw it on tape last year. Sure, there’s a ways to go, but what rookie … what first year player doesn’t have a long way to go? I’m excited to get started with him and all of our quarterbacks, and all of our players.”

7. On Watson, Monken said, “I think anytime that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skillset 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 him again, and I think that’s how you should look at every player. I’m going to let it play out. I think it’d be completely unfair … just like it would be in any classroom setting, be it a history exam and all the students walk in and before they’re actually given the exam, you give them a grade. Well, how would you give them a grade? Based on male, female, race, how they look, how they’re dressed? I think that’s unfair. Now you’re going to have some pre-conceived 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.”

8. There’s a narrative going around that Monken favors dual-threat quarterbacks because of his experience as an air-raid offensive coach at Southern Mississippi and his three years with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. Truth is, most NFL coaches want a mobile QB, as pocket-passers (Jared Goff, Joe Flacco, et al.) are finding it more difficult to operate in the modern game. Monken believes all three QBs on hand fit the bill. “I think all three of the quarterbacks have mobility,” he said. “I think you see that on tape. I think Shedeur surprised me a little bit … he’s got a knack, he’s got a feel. Like he does in playmaking, he has a real sense in the pocket when it starts to collapse and moving around the pocket, and he made more plays or got himself out of trouble than I would’ve guessed, than I would’ve thought even coming out, which was nice to see. As has Deshaun and Dillon.”

9. Monken amplified the desire of the Browns to have left guard Joel Bitonio come back for a 13th season. He said he met Bitonio in his office a few weeks ago. “We tried to talk him into it right then. But he was not in that position yet to say he wanted to come back.” As the Browns seek to reconfigure their offensive line, they would love to have one ‘anchor’ they can count on and that would be Bitonio. “A hundred percent,” Monken said. “I’m for really good football players and I’m for really good football players that are wired like Joel. There’s not many wired like Joel. Like, what he says, how he carries himself, how he prepares. I mean it’s unbelievable. He’s a rare — I mean how many years he played [12]? And the pounding he’s taken and continued to play at such a high level.”

10. Monken has been interviewing candidates for assistant defensive line coach. He said it’s the last remaining vacancy on his staff and he expects to fill it imminently.

The post The Todd Monken connection to Ty Simpson should not be overstated appeared first on The Land On Demand.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Takeaways from Andrew Berry’s press availability at the NFL Combine …

1. When it comes to the Browns’ quarterback situation in 2026, a lot is “to be determined.” That was a frequent answer to QB questions posed to Andrew Berry. There’s no doubt Berry will add at least one quarterback to join Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. While it may come from the draft, Berry offered a strong hint that the organization is not going to invest the travel time in the position it did last year, when Berry, owner Jimmy Haslam and coach Kevin Stefanski traversed the country to attend pro days and conduct private QB workouts. “We’re in maybe a little bit of a different position, [and there’s] a little bit of a different class,” Berry said. “We’re not picking two, although we are picking six. I think the quarterback class is different than it was in terms of when guys may go off the board … but needless to say, we will devote a lot of time to the passers like we do every year.” Just not to the extent of last year, though.

2. As for the veteran QB market, Berry coyly wouldn’t rule anything out, but he sounded lukewarm about pursuing a veteran quarterback who would come in certifiably ahead of the others in the room. “I think there’s always the possibility, but we have a long way to go before we get to that point,” he said. “We expect to have a competitive room and that’s important to us, but what that looks like, I can’t exactly define that as we sit here today.” In other words, tap the brakes on talk of pursuing Malik Willis, Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, et al.

3. My theory is the Browns are content to let Watson and Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, to an extent, compete for the starting job, and they would expect Watson to win it. But they are cognizant of the fan backlash that exists with the very thought that Watson might displace fan-favorite Sanders. “I think any player on our roster we would want to compete,” Berry said. “We believe in competition at every spot. That’s no different than quarterback. Deshaun’s been working really hard, he’s been working his tail off. And like I said, we’re excited to go in April with all of our players across the roster because competition is something that we really believe in.”

4. Berry had three opportunities to commit Sanders a year ago, and refrained each time. First, he drafted him 50 picks after Gabriel. He stood back and watched Sanders receive no reps with the first team in training camp. And when he traded Joe Flacco, Berry made Sanders wait his turn behind Gabriel. He still is not willing to commit to Sanders even as offseason QB1. “I think the biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth,” Berry said. “I think he grew a lot from start one to start seven. I think certainly playing more efficiently … not putting the ball in harm’s way as much would be important while maintaining the ability to produce out of structure and generate explosive plays. You’re not going to see all that in the upcoming months because we’re not on the field. So the biggest thing that he can do is learn the new offense, get in with the coaching staff once our offseason program starts, continue to work on his body physically and then make strides when we actually get on the grass.”

5. While it appears that a Watson v. Sanders competition for QB1 is the most likely to happen, don’t count out Gabriel. Berry isn’t. “I’d say this: He may be forgotten externally, but he’s not forgotten to us,” Berrry said. “Dillon, he’s working like he’s going to handle everything that’s within his control and, look, we love all of our players on the roster. Dillon’s a guy that has a bright future in this league and we’re going to continue to work with him.”

6. For weeks we’ve been touting the Chicago Bears 2025 template as the one to follow in rebuilding the Browns’ offensive line in one offseason. For the first time, Berry cited the Bears as an example he might follow. “I actually think what [Bears GM] Ryan Poles did last year is a really nice model. If you think about it, they did a combination of internal development, veteran additions and draft, right? You had [2023 first-round pick] Darnell Wright, who really came into his own at right tackle this past year. They traded for Joe Thuney, they traded for Jonah Jackson, they signed Drew Dalman in free agency, and they drafted Ozzy Trapilo in the second round. So it’s a nice mixture of youth and experience and I think that we would look to take a similar approach if the player markets line up for us.”

7. Speaking of offensive linemen, Berry said he’d “absolutely” welcome back left guard Joel Bitonio, but he will give Bitonio “the time and space” to make his decision whether to come back for a 13th season. Actually, the deadline for a Bitonio decision is March 10. Also, Berry said he expects two linemen whose 2025 seasons ended with injuries – tackle Dawand Jones and center Luke Wypler – to be “ready to go” when field work resumes and expects them to “factor in” the remake of the offensive line.

8. To me, the biggest surprise I heard from Berry was his noncommittal to bringing back cornerback Martin Emerson, whose 2025 season ended with an Achilles tendon tear in August. Emerson rehabbed all year and Berry restrained from re-signing Emerson and keeping him under contract. Berry termed Emerson’s future with the team “unsettled.” “He’s doing a nice job with this rehab. Obviously, he’s coming back from an Achilles injury. His contract is up, so we’ll have to see what that looks like in the next few weeks,” Berry said.

9. Contrary to public opinion, Berry doesn’t foresee an overhaul of the receivers room. Adding a veteran and/or a draft pick feels obvious, but Berry is not ready to give up on Jerry Jeudy and he shouted out Isaiah Bond and Malachi Corley as future contributors. “Jerry is gonna be a big part of it and we’re pleased with Isaiah’s rookie year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t add to the arsenal,” Berry said. “Malachi, he carved out a nice role.” More love for Jeudy came when Berry compared his 2025 season to that of Jacksonville receiver Brian Thomas Jr. “They were the two first ballot Pro Bowlers a year ago and both of those guys had down seasons,” Berry said. “It does happen, but we have a lot of confidence in Jerry. For a guy to produce how he did [in 2024[ and at 25 years old break all the [franchise] records and play to his ability, we think if we can make our offense a bit more operational we can expect a bounce back.”

10. The Browns added Dom Capers as a senior defensive assistant. Capers, 75, is a native of Cambridge, OH, who served as head coach of the Carolina Panthers (1995-98) and Houston Texans (2002-05). Capers has made a second career as a senior defensive assistant in recent years with Jacksonville, Minnesota, Detroit and Denver.

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN

The first two days of the NFL Scouting Combine have come to be reserved for NFL GMs and coaches in the media room while the first wave of players checks in and tends to physicals and measurements.

Thus, Browns GM Andrew Berry and head coach Todd Monken will take questions for the first time since their partnership was consummated with Monken’s hiring on January 28.

Berry steps to the media podium on Tuesday for his 15-minute session with national media, followed by a semi-private scrum with Northeast Ohio media. Monken does the same on Wednesday.

Now that Monken’s introduction has passed and his coaching staff has been assembled, attention can be devoted more specifically to issues on the team irrespective of the coming draft.

It’s no guarantee frank answers will be given, but these are some of the issues that may be presented to Berry and Monken.

For Andrew Berry

1. You’ve stated you will make a significant investment in the offense this year, particularly at receiver and offensive line. Given your track record in drafting receivers, do you feel more comfortable and confident upgrading that position group in free agency or trade rather than in the draft?

2. It’s been reported that Tom Telesco, the former Chargers and Raiders GM, was used as a consultant during the coaching search. Will he continue in that role, or in another role, during the draft process?

3. If, say, Mike Vrabel asked for permission to add departed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as a part-time consultant in 2026, would the Browns allow it?

4. Center Luke Wypler injured a knee in Game 17 in Cincinnati. Did he need surgery and what is the prognosis for his recovery?

5. Do you consider Wypler, Dawand Jones and Zak Zinter viable contenders for starting jobs in 2026, or do you expect to have to find essentially five new starters?

6. Was moving the void date on Joel Bitonio’s contract to March 10 done to give him more time to contemplate returning for a 13th season? If so, is he coming back or not?

7. Quinshon Judkins had two serious injuries on his right leg in late December – a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula. When is it realistic for him to return to full work on the field?

8. It’s inevitable a fourth quarterback will be added. Do you envision him being a viable competitor for the starting job, a developmental rookie, or a veteran insurance backup?

9. Last year, you, owner Jimmy Haslam and coach Kevin Stefanski traveled to five or six pro days of quarterback prospects. Do you anticipate spending that kind of effort on the quarterback prospects this year?

10. Martin Emerson rehabbed all of last year from an Achilles tendon tear in early August. You elected to allow his contract to run out. Is he in the team’s plans for 2026?

For Todd Monken

1. What other positions on your coaching staff need to be filled?

2. Now that the main positions are filled, have you and the new coaches been able to familiarize yourselves with the players you’re inheriting?

3. Somebody has to take the first snap from center when you get to OTAs. Do you anticipate designating an offseason QB1 at some point?

4. Dillon Gabriel’s been a forgotten player since he gave way to Shedeur Sanders as a result of a concussion in the second Baltimore game last year. What is Gabriel’s future with the team?

5. If you’ve had time to fully digest the QBs you inherit, what is the type of QB you prefer adding to the room? Do you need a legit starter, somebody to compete with the others, a veteran backup, or a developmental rookie?

6. How would you characterize your discussions with Jim Schwartz when you met with him? Did you try to persuade him to stay? Did you feel it wouldn’t work out even if he had stayed?

7. How important is agility and mobility in your offensive linemen for the run game system you intend to run?

8. How active will you be in player acquisitions in free agency and the draft?

9. Do you anticipate using a lot of multiple tight end sets like you did in Baltimore?

10. Is it a good idea to start two rookies on the offensive line?

The post Browns GM Andrew Berry and coach Todd Monken face the music as NFL Combine gets underway appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns come to the NFL Scouting Combine this week focusing on upgrading an offense that has averaged 15.8 points per game the past two seasons. That’s why Todd Monken was chosen head coach over Jim Schwartz.

“It’s no secret that’s where we’re going to invest most of our resources this offseason,” GM Andrew Berry said on January 5.

Free agency will contribute to that effort, also, but it’s imperative that Berry hits bulls-eyes on offensive targets in the 2026 draft.

He did so last year with the selections of running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin with the 36th and 67th overall picks in the 2025 draft.

They were two of only eight draft picks out of 19 overall in the top 100 Berry has devoted to offense in his six drafts. The 11 others were used on defense.

At present, Berry will have four picks in the top 100 this year – No. 6, No. 24, No. 39 and No. 70.

It remains to be seen if Berry drafts offense with his top four picks. But it’s a safe bet his first two picks in the first round will be offensive players.

So that’s how we start in our Mock Draft 1.0.

Our plan is to post a mock draft every Monday through the draft season and culminate on draft night, April 23, with Mock Draft 9.0, our final official prediction of the first round.

Occasionally, we will include trades in our mock, but not in this first one.

1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Comment: There’s a 99.99999 percent chance this pick doesn’t change.

2. N. Y. Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Comment: Why not take the best edge rusher in a great year for edge rushers?

3. Arizona: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Comment: Cards need help on the O-line, but there’s no real consensus on the best offensive tackle.

4. Tennessee: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Comment: Robert Saleh is going to take a D-lineman.

5. N. Y. Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Comment: Tate and Malik Nabers should accelerate Jaxson Dart’s growth.

6. Cleveland: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Comment: This would be an easy choice.

7. Washington: DE Rueben Bain, Miami

Comment: Beef up D-line now a Commanders priority.

8. New Orleans: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Comment: Time to add some playmakers for QB Tyler Shough.

9. Kansas City: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Comment: Seems unfair that one of top offensive players winds up with Patrick Mahomes.

10. Cincinnati: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Comment: Fits like a glove.

11. Miami: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

12. Dallas: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

14: Baltimore: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Comment: Some think he’s the draft’s best overall O-lineman.

15: Tampa Bay: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

16: N.Y. Jets (via) Indianapolis: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

17. Detroit: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

19. Carolina: DE Keldric Faulk, Oregon

20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

21. Pittsburgh: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Comment: He would join DK Metcalf and provide some needed punch to the offense.

22. L.A. Chargers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

23. Philadelphia: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Comment: He would be Browns first receiver taken in first round since Corey Coleman in 2016.

25. Chicago: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

26. Buffalo: WR KC Concepcion, Texans A&M

27. San Francisco: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

28. Houston: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

29. L.A. Rams: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

30. Denver: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missoouri

32. Seattle: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame

The post Mock draft 1.0 kicks off the Browns’ draft season appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns head to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this weekend hunting for big game. Or, rather, big men. Specifically, big offensive linemen.

Their offensive line is at ground zero. All five starters from last season are free agents.

They may entice left guard Joel Bitonio to postpone retirement and return for a 13th year. Even so, a minimum of four new starters must be found.

“The offensive line, that’s a position group that I do imagine will have a fair amount of turnover as we go into 2026,” said GM Andrew Berry, in a classic understatement.

The Chicago Bears rebuilt their offensive line a year ago with two trades, one free agent signing, one pick in Round 2, and one returning starter.

Berry is expected to use similar means to rebuild in one transaction season an offensive line that got old, expensive and beaten down by injuries and penalties.

The first step was new coach Todd Monken adding peripatetic offensive line coach George Warhop to his first Browns coaching staff.

Warhop, 64, returns for a second tour of duty with the Browns, one of nine NFL teams with which he has served as offensive line coach. Bitonio just missed Warhop’s first stint by a year. Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, Bitonio’s former teammate, has conveyed his fondness for Warhop.

Warhop is the Browns fourth offensive line coach in four years – following Bill Callahan, Andy Dickerson and Mike Bloomgren.

Scouting the draft

While the Browns need linemen at all five positions, the critical voids are at left and right tackle, which have been problem positions for at least four years.

The consensus top five tackles heading into the draft season are Spencer Fano of Utah, Francis Mauigoa of Miami, Blake Miller of Clemson, Monroe Freeling of Georgia, and Kadyn Proctor of Alabama.

Right now, Fano and Mauigoa are considered ahead of the rest. But NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah said on a video conference call on Thursday that the gap to the others is not wide.

“Monroe Freeling’s going to have a lot of love as we go through the rest of the process,” Jeremiah said. “I don’t think it’s that big of a gap there with him and the top guys. I really like Blake Miller. I would say most teams would have Monroe Freeling over Blake Miller, but if you’re talking about the way I see them, the top two guys are my 12th and 13th [overall] players and the next two or the next three really are 23rd, 24th 28th … even 29th with the next one. So there’s a big clump of them there.”

Fano (6-6 and 302 pounds) played left tackle his freshman year and moved to right tackle his next two seasons at Utah. Mauigoa (6-6, 315) started 42 games at right tackle in three years at Miami. Freeling (6-7, 315) made 18 starts at left tackle in three years at Georgia. Miller (6-6, 315), who is from Strongsville, was an iron-man, 54-game starter at right tackle for Clemson. Proctor (6-7, 366) is a behemoth and is said to have agile feet but will always have to manage his weight, like the Browns’ Dawand Jones.

In his latest mock draft 2.0, Jeremiah had the Browns double-dipping at offensive tackle in the first round, taking Fano at No. 6 and Freeling at No. 24.

No team, however, has taken two offensive linemen in the first round in the draft since the Browns returned as an expansion team in 1999.

In fact, it’s rare for an NFL team to unearth two starting tackles in the same draft. It has been done only two times in the last five years.

In the last five drafts, nine teams have taken two offensive tackles. Green Bay has done it three times.

This past season, the Packers fielded starting tackles Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan, who both were taken in the 2022 draft – Walker in Round 7 and Rhyan in Round 3. Walker is a potential free agent.

That same draft in 2022, Seattle took Charles Cross in Round 1 and Abe Lucas in Round 3. They were instant starters as rookies and were Seattle’s starting tackles in their Super Bowl championship season in 2025.

On to Indy

Berry’s first draft pick as Browns GM was Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills with the 10th overall selection in the 2020 draft. Wills, a natural right tackle, started 57 games at left tackle through 2024 and spent 2025 out of the NFL after his Browns contract ran out.

The only other offensive tackles drafted by Berry were James Hudson in Round 4 in 2021 and Jones in Round 4 in 2023.

So unless Berry relies on free agency and trade to rebuild the Browns’ offensive line, he’ll have to do his homework on the tackle position next week at the Combine.

Position groups arrive at the Combine on a staggered schedule. Offensive linemen are the last to arrive in Indianapolis on Wednesday. They conduct team interviews through Friday, do media interviews on Saturday, and work out on the field on Sunday.

It will make for a long week for Berry, Monken and Warhop.

The post Two offensive tackles in first round of draft by Browns would be extremely rare, but one analyst has mocked it appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Do you think staying with our quarterback room that we have is best option for now till the Deshaun Watson situation is over?

— Bob, Wooster, OH

Hey Bob: I do, for multiple reasons. 1. Like a year ago, there is only one QB in the draft worthy of committing to as a franchise quarterback. That is Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders aren’t likely to bypass him with the No. 1 pick. 2. Watson should be healthy for the start of his final season with the Browns. Why not see if he can return something – one decent season — for the enormous investment they’ve made in him? 3. Shedeur Sanders deserves a fair chance to compete for the starting job under a new coach and new offensive system. 4. After 2026, Watson will be gone (but not off the books until 2029) and the Browns should know if Sanders is their permanent QB. If not, the search continues in the 2027 draft.

Hey Tony: Do the Browns trade back at this point? Do you think they should (accumulate more draft capital)? I know a lot depends on who is there but if you had to make a decision now what would it be?

— Chris, Seven Hills, OH

Hey Chris: I’d try to acquire an extra No. 1 in 2027. That won’t be as easy as it was last year because the Browns sit at sixth overall instead of second in the 2025 draft. But if there’s an opportunity to slide down in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, I would seriously consider it.

Hey Tony: Is there a breaking point where ownership realizes the loss of top coaches cost us game and players? We seem more willing to let player production fall off and let them walk in free agency & be replaced with lesser talent than keep a coach who can get the most out of them.

— Steve, Dayton, OH

Hey Steve: At the risk of belaboring this point, the Browns in the last 12 years have allowed the following coaches to leave their building – Kyle Shanahan, Bill Callahan, Mike Vrabel and Jim Schwartz. Each left for his own reasons, of course. An organization that can’t identify its best coaches and keep them is an organization that needs to look itself in the mirror.

Hey Tony: What percent chance do you think Joel Bitonio comes back?

— Josh, Ooltewah, TN

Hey Josh: At the end of the 2025 season, I would have answered 5 percent. After the recent joint decision to move the void date of Bitonio’s contract to March 10, I would raise that to 50 percent. Otherwise, Bitonio would have said, “Naw, I’m good. I’m done.”

Hey Tony: With all the annual restructurings of the Watson contract and other highly paid players is Andrew Berry brilliant when it comes to the cap and cap management or is he really just creating a problem that is going to blow up on us at one point?

— Mike, North Olmsted, OH

Hey Mike: Berry did a lot of restructuring and kicking the can of cap charges down the road because the organization thought it had a window to compete for a Super Bowl. Now that it has closed, it would be wise for Berry to slow down the practice of rolling cap charges into the future. Rather, it would be wise for ownership to stop it because future cap charges conceivably could make it harder to recruit a quality successor to the GM job.

Hey Tony: If you were the Bengals & Raiders would you make this trade? The Raiders first pick in this year/s draft and their first pick in 2027 to the Bengals for Joe Burrow?

— Bobby, San Diego, CA

Hey Bobby: Are you kidding? The Raiders would make that trade in a heartbeat. The Bengals – nor any NFL team with half a brain – would trade Burrow for two No. 1s.

Hey Tony: What do you think will happen to Dillion Gabriel this year? 1. Gets cut. 2. Gets traded. 3. Gets the starting QB position. 4. Gets it together.

— Tim, Amherst, OH

Hey Tim: You left out my answer. 5. Competes with Watson and Sanders for the starting job and if he doesn’t win it remains on roster as a backup.

Hey Tony: I am about 9 years older than you. Like every other Browns fan, I watch every game hoping for a win. At this point the SB is too far off. I will settle for an AFC North title. How soon will we see one?

— Sam, Strongsville, OH

Hey Sam: Honestly, I have no clue anymore.

Hey Tony: How much do you think Wyatt Teller’s wife contributed to his decision to not return to the Browns / mid season drama?

— Chris, Chicago, IL

Hey Chris: Teller always wanted to stay with the Browns. He told me in November that he wanted to end his career with them. The decision to part ways is totally on the Browns. They wanted to get younger and cheaper at the guard positions. That is also the reason behind the ‘mid-season drama.’ They wanted to audition possible replacements at right guard.

The post #HeyTony: Why is staying with the current quarterback room the best option for the Browns? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from NFL and Browns news as the Combine approaches …

1. The Browns and Joel Bitonio reportedly agreed to move back the void date of his contract a couple weeks, which gives the venerable left guard more time to decide if he wants to return for a 13th season. Because of past salary-to-bonus conversions and void year add-ons, the Browns would suffer a dead cap charge of $23.5 million against their 2026 salary cap if Bitonio retires. And they wouldn’t be able to designate him a post-June 1 cut to break that up over two years. I thought Bitonio was a lock to retire when he sobbed during reflection of his legacy as a franchise stalwart player at his last press availability. The addition of George Warhop as new Browns offensive line coach, however, could lure Bitonio back for another year. Bitonio is an all-timer in Browns franchise history. He would fit as a great teammate in any era. For that, you have to give some credit to Ray Farmer, the GM who drafted Bitonio in the second round in 2014 after taking cornerback Justin Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel in the first round – the two worst draft selections in Browns expansion history.

2. GM Andrew Berry’s No. 1 task this transaction season will be to rebuild the offensive line. The Chicago Bears did it in 72 hours last year by trading for two veteran starters, signing one in free agency, and adding a fourth in the draft. Their fifth was a holdover former first-round pick. If Bitonio returns, he would do the Browns an enormous favor. They need an anchor on the line, and he would be that.

3. Mock draft season is heating up, and some are calling for the Browns to select offensive linemen with both their first-round picks at No. 6 and No. 24. Fans in most markets would howl in outrage over that, but not in blue-collar Cleveland. Remember how loud fans cheered when the 1999 Browns made guard Jim Pyne their first pick in the expansion draft? Browns linemen have been among the most popular players in franchise history, starting with Lou Groza – yes, he was a left tackle before gaining more fame as a kicker – Dick Schafrath, Doug Dieken, Alex Mack, Joe Thomas and Bitonio. Cleveland simply loves hard-working linemen. However, I would caution against lining up two rookie linemen from the start of a season; it ultimately hurt the Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye in the 2025 postseason. Berry might have no choice, however, than to roll the dice early on offensive linemen.

4. I believe one of the important decisions in the draft process the Browns must make concerns Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. While other pass rushers might be rated a tad higher, Downs would be the only defensive player I’d consider with the sixth overall pick. They have to accurately vet him also to gauge his trade value because teams below them in the draft order potentially would consider moving up for him. There is social media chatter about Dallas wanting to move up from No. 12 to draft Downs. Any trade talk with the Cowboys to move down six notches must start and end with a No. 1 pick in 2027 – not their other 2026 first-round pick at No. 20 — in my opinion. I don’t care what the trade value chart says.

5. If Mike Vrabel tells the Browns he’d like to add Jim Schwartz as a defensive consultant with the Patriots in 2026, would they block it? Would they be that petty?

6. The Browns haven’t formally confirmed Todd Monken’s coaching staff, but previous reports had him raiding the Baltimore Ravens of four assistants on the offensive side – Warhop; Travis Switzer, offensive coordinator; Danny Breyer, pass game coordinator; and Ian Kolste, offensive quality control. Except for Warhop, these are young coaches (Switzer and Breyer) getting promotions to positions they haven’t held before. In contrast, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh loaded up his new Giants offensive staff with experienced coaches, some of whom are over-qualified for their new positions. Harbaugh named former Bears head coach and Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy his offensive coordinator, former Titans head coach and Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan quarterbacks coach/pass game coordinator, and former Chargers/Ravens/49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman a senior offensive assistant. Why would a first-time NFL head coach (Monken) give up-and-comers some key roles and a 19-year veteran head coach (Harbaugh) fill his staff with veteran coaches? The only thing I can think of is Monken’s offensive background demands he be the man in charge on that side of the ball while Harbaugh (special teams background) needs to surround himself with offensive expertise. Harbaugh raided his former Ravens team of four defensive coaches and special teams coordinator.

7. An unfortunate column on NFL.com listed possible candidates to be cut next month because of contract/salary cap issues. Denzel Ward was on the list. It’s such an ignorant take I won’t even post the link. The author wrote, “At 29 years old, Ward may not be as elite as he once was but is still a solid corner with years left to give.” Closer to the truth is Ward enjoyed perhaps his best season in 2025. Because of a lack of targets, and, thus, interceptions, Ward is overlooked by media but certainly not by opposing coaches and players. The fact that Ward did not receive a single All-Pro vote among the Associated Press voting committee of 50 speaks to the lack of credibility of that group.

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Mike Rutenberg is the new Browns defensive coordinator, ending a search that lasted 10 days after Jim Schwartz resigned from the NFL’s fourth-ranked defense in 2025.

It’s the break of a lifetime for Rutenberg, 44, a 16-year veteran assistant coach, most recently as pass game coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons, who’s never called plays in the NFL.

And with the job comes the challenge and pressure of filling the big shoes of Schwartz and earning the respect of the players who publicly lobbied for the former defensive coordinator to succeed Kevin Stefanski as head coach.

Rutenberg was the choice of the Browns over two other finalists — internal candidate Jason Tarver, Browns linebacker coach, and Cory Undlin, pass game coordinator of the Houston Texans.

When Todd Monken was introduced as new Browns head coach on February 3, he said, “My anticipation is we’re not going to change the [Schwartz defensive] system. We’re built for the system that they’re in currently.”

For that reason, Rutenberg was considered the longshot of the three finalists.

Tarver, who’d been a coordinator with the Oakland Raiders, was probably Schwartz’s top aide the past three seasons with the Browns. Undlin worked under Schwartz with Philadelphia when the Eagles won the Super Bowl in the 2017 season and also worked under Houston coordinator Matt Burke, a Schwartz protégé who runs the same system.

Thus, Rutenberg’s surprise hire raised the question of who made the final choice – Monken or GM Andrew Berry?

Peter John-Baptiste, Browns chief communications officer, responded in a text that while Berry worked with and supported the head coach in the hiring process, it was “Todd’s decision. He is in charge of hiring the coaching staff.”

Most of Monken’s offensive assistants followed him from the Baltimore Ravens.

While Rutenberg never worked in Schwartz’s system, per se, he has been exposed to some of the same philosophies that Schwartz espoused in making the Browns’ defense one of the top five units over the past three seasons.

Rutenberg’s formative education in the NFL came mostly under Robert Saleh, first as co-assistants with Jacksonville and then with San Francisco when Saleh was defensive coordinator and with the Jets when Saleh was head coach.

When Saleh was fired by the Jets, Rutenberg stayed on as pass game coordinator under Saleh protégé Jeff Ulrich, and then he followed Ulrich to the Falcons in the same capacity. Rutenberg coached defensive backs and linebackers in stints as a position coach before taking on pass game coordinator duties.

Both Saleh and Ulrich believe in attacking the quarterback essentially with fast, four-man fronts, like Schwartz, and playing the run on the way to the passer. Saleh preferred playing mostly zone in the secondary and Ulrich favored man-to-man, like Schwartz.

Last year, the Falcons ranked second in sacks with 57; the Browns were third with 53. The Falcons created pressure by blitzing 33.4 percent of the time – second-highest rate in 2025. Schwartz’s defense was seventh with a 28.3 percent blitz rate.

Overall, the Falcons were ranked 15th in yards allowed (Browns were fourth), 24th in rushing yards (Browns were 16th), and were tied with the Browns and Vikings for 11th in total quarterback pressures – a number including sacks, hurries and quarterback hits.

The Falcons were 19th in allowing 23.6 points per game; the Browns were 14th at 22.3

The Falcons were seventh with 16 interceptions and the Browns were 17th with 11.

The Falcons held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 88.4 and the Browns were at 90.0.

Rutenberg is a native of Washington, DC, and broke into the NFL as a personnel intern with the Redskins in 2003. The next two years he served as administrative assistant to head coach Joe Gibbs.

After coaching stints at UCLA and New Mexico State, Rutenberg returned to the NFL for good as assistant defensive backs coach with the Jaguars under head coach Gus Bradley. The following year, Saleh joined the Jaguars as linebackers coach and that began Rutenberg’s association with Saleh.

When Saleh was hired as Tennessee Titans head coach this year, Rutenberg was a candidate to be his defensive coordinator. But Saleh hired Bradley.

Rutenberg attended Cornell University of the Ivy League and played linebacker on the school’s sprint football team.

Rutenberg joined the 49ers as pass game specialist under Saleh in 2020 after Joe Woods left the 49ers to join the Browns as Stefanski’s first defensive coordinator in 2020.

So now the Browns have poached Rutenberg from Stefanski’s defensive staff with the Falcons.

A club source said that most, if not all, of the defensive assistant coaches under Schwartz are expected to stay. That would help Rutenberg keep in place the systems that worked under Schwartz.

The post Mike Rutenberg chosen to fill big shoes of former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The NFL made 10 head coaching changes in 2026. The last time there was that much turnover was in 2022.

Four years later, of the 10 new coaches hired in 2022, only two remain with the teams that hired them – Kevin O’Connell of the Vikings and Todd Bowles of the Buccaneers.

Based on the most recent trend, then, the odds of Todd Monken staying on the job in 2029 when the Browns move into Jimmy Haslam’s new covered stadium in Brook Park are not good.

Monken signed a five-year contract, which would take him through 2030 if he keeps the job. But only one coach of five previously hired by Haslam in 14 years has lasted that long – Kevin Stefanski, who was fired in 2025 after his sixth season.

Chronologically, the Browns were the fourth team to have a head coach opening in 2026. Monken was the eighth head coach hired among the 10 new ones.

The Browns’ coaching search lasted 23 days.

Here are the lengths of coaching searches among the other seven teams that created vacancies after the 2025 season, and not during the season:

Buffalo – eight days to go from Sean McDermott to Joe Brady.

Miami – 11 days to go from Mike McDaniel to Jeff Hafley.

Pittsburgh — 11 days to go from Mike Tomlin to Mike McCarthy.

Atlanta — 13 days to go from Raheem Morris to Kevin Stefanski.

Baltimore — 16 days to go from John Harbaugh to Jessee Minter.

Arizona — 28 days to go from Jonathan Gannon to Mike LaFleur.

Las Vegas — 35 days to go from Pete Carroll to Klint Kubiak.

The Browns are one of two teams that have not completed their entire coaching staff. The Raiders, who waited till after the Super Bowl to hire Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, is the other.

Monken is expected to select his defensive coordinator to replace estranged Jim Schwartz this week, after which the Browns will formally announce their complete staff.

Here is a scorecard of the 10 NFL coaching changes made this season. The list is arranged from the first vacancy to the last.

1. Tennessee Titans

Fired Brian Callahan: October 13.

Hired Robert Saleh: January 22.

Key assistants hired: Brian Daboll, offensive coordinator; Gus Bradley, defensive coordinator; John Fassel, special teams coordinator; Carmen Bricillo, offensive line; Shea Tierney, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

2. New York Giants

Fired Brian Daboll: November 10.

Hired John Harbaugh: January 17.

Key assistants hired: Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator; Dennard Wilson, defensive coordinator; Chris Horton, special teams coordinator; Mike Bloomgren, offensive line; Brian Callahan, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Fired Raheem Morris: January 4.

Hired Kevin Stefanski: January 17.

Key assistants hired: Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator; Jeff Ulbrich, defensive coordinator; Craig Aukerman, special teams coordinator; Bill Callahan, offensive line; Alex Van Pelt, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

4. Cleveland Browns

Fired Kevin Stefanski: January 5.

Hired Todd Monken: January 28.

Key assistants hired: Travis Switzer, offensive coordinator; Byron Storer, special teams coordinator; George Warhop, offensive line; Mike Bajakian, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: Defensive coordinator.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Fired Jonathan Gannon: January 5.

Hired Mike LaFleur: February 2.

Key assistants hired: Nathaniel Hackett, offensive coordinator; Nick Rallis, defensive coordinator; Michael Ghobrial, special teams coordinator; Justin Frye, offensive line; Matt Schaub, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Fired Pete Carroll: January 5.

Hired Klint Kubiak: February 9.

Key assistants hired: Andrew Janocko, offensive coordinator; Rob Leonard, defensive coordinator; Joe Decamillis, special teams coordinator.

Key assistant vacancies: Offensive line, quarterbacks.

7. Baltimore Ravens

Fired John Harbaugh: January 6.

Hired Jesse Minter: January 22.

Key assistants hired: Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator; Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator; Anthony Levine, special teams coordinator; Dwayne Ledford, offensive line; Israel Woolfork, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

8. Miami Dolphins

Fired Mike McDaniel: January 8.

Hired Jeff Hafley: January 19.

Key assistants hired: Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator: Sean Duggan, defensive coordinator; Chris Tabor, special teams coordinator; Zach Yenser, offensive line; Bush Hamdan, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin resigned: January 13.

Mike McCarthy hired: January 24.

Key assistants hired: Brian Angelichio, offensive coordinator; Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator; Danny Crossman, special teams coordinator; James Campen, offensive line; Tom Arth, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

10. Buffalo Bills

Fired Sean McDermott: January 19.

Hired Joe Brady: January 27.

Key assistants hired: Pete Carmichael, offensive coordinator; Jim Leonhard, defensive coordinator; Jeff Rodgers, special teams coordinator; Pat Meyer, offensive line; Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks.

Key assistant vacancies: None.

Not for long: Colorful Houston Oilers coach Jerry Glanville is credited for coining the NFL the “not for long” league. Glanville’s quote was directed at a first-year official for making a call against the Oilers.

“This is the N-F-L,” Glanville fumed, “which stands for ‘not for long’ when you make them [bleeping] calls.”

Over time, the Not For Long league has come to be applied to the NFL head coach position. Look at the turnover of new head coach hires since the Browns last made a coaching change in 2020.

2020 (5 new coaches): Kevin Stefanski (CLE), Mike McCarthy (DAL), Matt Ruhle (CAR), Ron Rivera (WASH), Joe Judge (NYG).

2021 (7): Dan Campbell (DET), Nick Sirianni (PHI), Urban Meyer (JAX), Robert Saleh (NYJ), Arthur Smith (ATL), Brandon Staley (LAC), David Culley (HOU).

2022 (10): Brian Daboll (NYG), Mike McDaniel (MIA), Doug Pederson (JAX), Kevin O’Connell (MINN), Nathaniel Hackett (DEN), Matt Eberflus (CHI), Josh McDaniels (LV), Lovie Smith (HOU), Dennis Allen (NOLA), Todd Bowles (TB).

2023 (5): Sean Payton (DEN), DeMeco Ryans (HOU), Shane Steichen (INDY), Jonathan Gannon (AZ), Frank Reich (CAR).

2024 (8): Raheem Morris (ATL), Dave Canales (CAR), Antonio Pierce (LV), Jim Harbaugh (LAC), Jerod Mayo (NE), Mike Macdonald (SEA), Brian Callahan (TENN), Dan Quinn (WASH).

2025 (7): Ben Johnson (CHI), Mike Vrabel (NE), Liam Coen (JAX), Kellen Moore (NOLA), Pete Carroll (LV), Aaron Glenn (NYJ), Brian Schottenheimer (DAL).

2026 (10): Robert Saleh (TENN), John Harbaugh (NYG), Kevin Stefanski (ATL), Todd Monken (CLE), Mike LaFleur (AZ), Klint Kubiak (LV), Jesse Minter (BAL), Jeff Hafley (MIA), Mike McCarthy (PITT), Joe Brady (BUF).

The post Ten NFL head coaching changes in 2026 reaffirm it as the Not For Long league appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Deshaun Watson’s contract was simple and straightforward when he joined the Browns via a controversial trade with the Houston Texans in 2022 – five years at $46 million guaranteed each year, $230 million in total.

It remains the biggest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history.

Over time, the deal has aged in different ways and become infinitely more complicated.

Buffalo’s Josh Allen has surpassed Watson in guaranteed money. Allen’s newest deal for $330 million contains $250 million in guarantees. Also, Watson’s $46 million annual average salary has plummeted from first to 13th among NFL quarterbacks. At $46.5 million per year, even Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons has edged ahead of Watson in yearly average salary.

If Watson’s contract had been left alone, he would be carrying a salary cap charge of $46 million in 2026 – the last year of the deal — which is a moderate 15.2 percent of the estimated $301.2 million total salary cap for teams this year.

But because of repeated salary-to-bonus conversions done by the Browns in each of the first four years of the deal, Watson currently carries a cap charge of $80.7 million in 2026 – 26.8 percent of the total team cap.

With the help of noted salary-cap expert Jason Fitzgerald, founder of Overthecap.com, I try to answer some frequently asked questions about Watson and the ramifications of his contract.

Watson has played in only 19 of a possible 68 games for the Browns because of his NFL suspension in 2022 and multiple injuries since. At this point, why wouldn’t the Browns just cut their losses, release him and move on?

There are three reasons:

1. If they released him, they would suffer dead cap charges of approximately $131.16 million spread over the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Essentially, they would eat $80.7 million in cap space in 2026 and $50.4 million in 2027.

2. By keeping Watson and doing one last salary-to-bonus conversion, the Browns can reduce Watson’s 2026 cap number to about $46 million and actually create about $34 million in cap room this year. That is accomplished by reducing Watson’s base salary to the NFL minimum of $1.3 million and paying the remaining $44.7 million as a cash bonus. For accounting purposes, the bonus allotment is spread over three “dummy years” written into the contract previously.

3. Watson’s recovery from two Achilles tendon surgeries last year has gone well and the Browns expect him to compete for a viable roster spot, either as the starter or as the veteran backup quarterback. Without him, they would have to suffer the cap charges in addition to adding another veteran QB.

How will Watson’s contract affect the Browns after it expires at the end of 2026?

According to Fitzgerald, if the Browns, in fact, do another salary-to-bonus conversion, there will be $86.2 million in cap charges to account for after 2026. That number will be reduced some by a salary cap credit due to the fact the Browns took out an insurance policy last year in the event Watson didn’t play in 2025, which he didn’t. Fitzgerald does not know the amount of the credit; it is not expected to be substantial.

Last year, the Browns negotiated a “dummy guarantee” of $200 million if Watson is on the roster early in the 2027 league year. Per Fitzgerald, that was done for the sole purpose of allowing the team to designate Watson a post-June 1 release in 2027 and split the cap charges as $51.54 million in 2027 and $34.66 million in 2028.

Why did the Browns restructure Watson’s contract every year and add all these future cap charges?

They did it in 2022 because Watson and his agent knew an NFL suspension was coming and they wanted to preserve as much of his $46 million as possible. The eventual 11-game suspension that year essentially cost Watson $670,000 in lost wages instead of $29.7 million had his base salary remained at $46 million.

In subsequent years, the Browns did the salary-to-bonus conversions to create cap room for other roster additions. “Kicking the can forward” added cap charges to the back of Watson’s contract.

Could the Browns have done anything differently to alleviate some of the dead cap charges?

“I think it’s clear the team could have handled the contract better,” Fitzgerald wrote in an email.

First of all, the contract the Browns negotiated with Watson after satisfying Houston’s trade price (three No. 1 draft picks, and three mid-round picks) represented a $70 million one-year extension over a four-year, $160 million contract given him by the Texans in September of 2020.

Fitzgerald believes the Browns should have bitten the bullet and not done the salary-to-bonus conversion in at least one year to lessen the future cap charges.

“Instead they followed the same path and continued to kick the can with Watson, added too much salary elsewhere, and got nothing out of it,” Fitzgerald wrote.

The post Why it behooves the Browns to keep Deshaun Watson on the roster in 2026 appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Does Deshaun Watson see the field in the regular season?

— Greg, Westlake, OH

Hey Greg: If healthy, I would say yes. They’re paying him $46 million for the fifth and last year. Why wouldn’t they try to get at least some return on that lost investment? If not at the beginning then certainly at some point. The Browns usually go through 3+ quarterbacks per season.

Hey Tony: With all the talk of drafting a QB, whether early or late-round developmental, wouldn’t that put us in the same challenge of splitting camp reps (without jettisoning Gabriel, Sanders, both)?

— Matt, Columbus, OH

Hey Matt: My early read on this is the Browns will devote Todd Monken’s first year as head coach to seeing what they really have in Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson will be the veteran QB. A mid- to late-round quarterback is possible, but would not interfere with the stated objective. Dillon Gabriel seems to be the forgotten man, but would compete in training camp. GM Andrew Berry seems to trade a quarterback every summer and Gabriel could be the guy this year.

Hey Tony: With Kevin Stefanski gone & our O-Line in need of help, any chance Wyatt Teller is out of the dog house and back with a hometown deal next year?

— Mike, Byron, NY

Hey Mike: Anything is possible, but I doubt it. Stefanski didn’t make personnel decisions. If Andrew Berry wanted Teller back, he would have extended him before the 2025 season ended.

Hey Tony: Do you believe that if the Browns would have beaten the Titans and the Jets that Kevin Stefanski would still be the head coach of this football team?

— Ron, Highland Heights, OH

Hey Ron: Those two games would have made the final record 7-10, and, yes, that would have been enough to save Stefanski’s job.

Hey Tony: What do you think about the new special teams coordinator Byron Storer?

— Jeff, Louisville, OH

Hey Jeff: He’s paid his dues as a special teams assistant with three different teams. People say he’s ready to be a coordinator.

Hey Tony: I havent heard anything about JOK in a long time. Is he officially done with football or might he still make a comeback?

— Phil, Corvallis, OR

Hey Phil: I believe the Browns are leaving it up to JOK to make that announcement.

Hey Tony: Could Davis Mills be a trade candidate to compete for QB spot?

— Cory, Columbus, OH

Hey Cory: My feeling is there should be an embargo blocking any more Browns trades with Houston.

Hey Tony: Are we in a spot in the first round of the draft where we could trade back and pick up extra picks?

— AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: At this point, I can see them trading back from No. 6 and trading up from No. 24.

Hey Tony: Is there any way the defense performs as well as last year if Monken goes with one of the coordinators that runs a different defense than Schwartz?

— Kyle, Celina, OH

Hey Kyle: Monken was spot on when he said the team on defense has been built for the Schwartz system. Any deviation from that may have counterproductive results.

Hey Tony: Should the Browns consider RB Jeremiyah Love in the top 10 of this draft? You seemed concerned re Judkins injury history.

— Lawrence, Ada, OH

Hey Lawrence: Judkins had surgery on December 23 to repair a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle. Seems to me that two major injuries on the same leg could be a problem for a running back. Still, I wouldn’t expect Love to be in the Browns’ draft plans.

Hey Tony: With at least 3 positions on the O-Line needing new starters, do you take a swing at bringing Jed Wills back to compete for a spot even if at RT?

— Patrick, Wooster, OH

Hey Patrick: Hard pass.

Hey Tony: What are the odds Browns do anything besides prevailing wisdom of drafting WR/OT or OT/WR?

— Eric, Rock Hill, SC

Hey Eric: I would think other possibility would be to trade down from No. 6 and trade up from No. 24. But receiver/tackle still would be in play.

Hey Tony: Odds the Browns will win the AFC North at least once before moving to the Brook Park Barndominum in 2029?

— Alex, Valley View, OH

Hey Alex: Not good.

The post #HeyTony: Will Deshaun Watson see the field in 2026? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Todd Monken has chosen his special teams coordinator and is closing in on a defensive coordinator in hopes of completing his Browns coaching staff by the end of the week.

Former Green Bay assistant special teams coach Byron Storer is the man Monken selected to replace Bubba Ventrone, who was hired by the Rams despite a very rocky last two seasons with the Browns.

Storer, 41, was a fullback and special teams player with the Buccaneers before an ACL injury prematurely ended his playing career in 2008 at the age of 24. After a year on injured reserve, he moved into coaching as Bucs assistant special teams coach. He has held the same title with the Chargers, Raiders and Packers.

Also, a source confirmed that Duce Staley will be staying on as Browns running backs coach.

Monken has interviewed seven candidates for defensive coordinator. When he settles on the replacement for estranged coordinator Jim Schwartz, Monken is expected to retain most of the defensive assistants who worked with Schwartz.

Monken’s hires on the offensive side won’t officially be announced by the club until the entire staff is completed.

So far, Monken has hired:

* Travis Switzer, 33, offensive coordinator.

Switzer, who played center at Akron, has spent his entire coaching career with the Baltimore Ravens, moving up from administrative assistant in 2017 to run game coordinator the last two years.

* George Warhop, 64, offensive line coach.

Warhop returns for a second stint coaching the Browns’ offensive line. He filled that role under head coaches Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur and Rob Chudzinski from 2009-13. Since 1996, Warhop has coached the lines of the Rams, Cardinals, Cowboys, 49ers, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Texans, and the Ravens the last two years.

* Danny Breyer, 35, pass game coordinator.

Another Akron Zip alum and Ravens defector, Breyer was an offensive assistant in Baltimore the last three years and worked last season with tight ends. He previously held entry-level positions with the Dolphins, Buccaneers and Falcons.

* Mike Bajakian, 51, quarterbacks coach.

Bajakian agreed to leave Michigan State, where he had been hired as QB coach by new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, to rejoin Monken. Bajakian was Buccaneers quarterbacks coach from 2016-18 when Monken was Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator. Bajakian has been offensive coordinator with six college teams – Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Tennessee, Boston College, Northwestern and Utah.

* Christian Jones, 58, wide receivers coach.

Jones joined the Browns last year as tight ends coach after Tommy Rees was promoted to offensive coordinator. He’s been assistant receivers coach with the Vikings and assistant quarterbacks coach with the Giants.

* Jeff Blasko, 42, tight ends coach.

Blasko was Jets tight ends coach last year. He was Browns assistant offensive line coach in 2019 when Monken was offensive coordinator. He’s also been with the Cowboys and Packers.

* Bobby Johnson, 52, assistant offensive line coach.

An Akron native who began his coaching career with the Zips, Johnson was offensive line coach of the Commanders the past two seasons. He has also served stints with the Giants, Bills, Colts, Raiders, Lions and Jaguars.

* Daniel Stern, 31, associate head coach.

After serving as John Harbaugh’s key game management analyst in the coach’s booth, and doubling as assistant quarterback coach, Stern opted to follow Monken to Cleveland rather than rejoin Harbaugh in New York. He’s a graduate of Yale University who has been credited with advising Harbaugh on situational football, NFL rules and officiating, and coaches challenges.

* Ian Kolste, 31, offensive quality control.

The fifth member of the Ravens to defect to Monken’s staff, Kolste, a former Division III quarterback at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, was an offensive analyst the past two years in Baltimore.

The post Browns add Byron Storer as special teams coordinator, leaving defensive coordinator as Todd Monken’s last major hire appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The hunt for Jim Schwartz’s successor as Browns defensive coordinator is taking some unexpected twists.

When Todd Monken was introduced as the new Browns coach last week, he said, “My anticipation is we’re not going to change the [defensive] system. Very difficult to go against – not planning on changing the system. We’re built for the system that they’re in currently.”

Schwartz’s wide nine, attack-the-quarterback system relies on press-man coverage from the cornerbacks and a defensive line roster eight- or nine-deep with penetrating, pass-rushing tackles being a must.

Monken’s reported list of candidates numbers seven, but only three of them have experience in Schwartz’s system. These are in-house candidates Jason Tarver and Ephraim Banda, and Cory Undlin of the Houston Texans.

The four others on Monken’s list come from other defensive systems, which could lead to a system change if Monken hires from that group.

Here’s a snapshot of the reported candidates to replace Schwartz.

Jason Tarver, 52, Browns linebackers coach

Tarver is one of two assistant coaches from Kevin Stefanski’s original staff in 2020 still under contract with the Browns. The other is cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch.

Tarver was retained by Schwartz when Schwartz succeeded Joe Woods as defensive coordinator in 2023. His prized pupils include Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, whose career is on hold after a neck injury in 2024, and Carson Schwesinger, the 2025 NFL defensive rookie of the year.

Tarver has spent 13 of his 22 NFL seasons with the 49ers. He has coordinator experience with Stanford (2011), the Raiders under head coach Dennis Allen (2012-14), and Vanderbilt (2018-19).

Ephraim Banda, 44, Browns safeties coach

Banda joined the Browns when Schwartz was hired in 2023 after 11 years in the college ranks.

He was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Utah State (2021-22) and was at the University of Miami for five years prior to that, where he eventually served as co-coordinator.

Banda interviewed this hiring cycle for defensive coordinator positions with the Cowboys and Jets.

Cory Undlin, 54, Houston Texans pass game coordinator

Undlin has multiple connections to this job, which may give him an edge over all the candidates.

He spent four years on Romeo Crennel’s staff with the Browns (2004-08), working his way up from quality control to defensive backs coach. He moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars (2009-11), sharing two years on that Jack Del Rio staff with Monken, who was receivers coach.

Also, Undlin was defensive backs coach with the Philadelphia Eagles (2015-19) when Schwartz was coordinator there, culminating in a Super Bowl title. And for the past three years, he was passing game coordinator under Schwartz-protégé Matt Burke with the Texans. So he has the most experience of all the candidates in the Schwartz defensive system.

Undlin was Detroit Lions defensive coordinator under Matt Patricia in 2020. That experience didn’t go well. The Lions were last in points and total yards allowed.

Jonathan Cooley, 35, Carolina Panthers pass game coordinator

Cooley played four years at John Carroll University as a defensive back and returned to his alma mater (2013-14) to coach defensive secondary. He also coached the position at Kent State (2018) and Akron (2019).

Cooley broke into the NFL via the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and stayed with the Rams through 2022.

Cooley jumped to the Panthers in 2023 to rejoin coordinator Ejiro Evero, who previously worked with him with the Rams.

Aubrey Pleasant, 38, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach/pass game coordinator

A safety at Wisconsin and two-year teammate of Joe Thomas, Pleasant broke into the NFL as a Browns offensive coaching intern in 2013 under Rob Chudzinski.

He moved to his natural defensive side with the Washington Redskins (2014-16) and then joined Sean McVay’s first staff with the Rams. Pleasant joined the Detroit Lions in 2021 as defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator under Dan Campbell, and was fired midway through the 2022 season. He was immediately hired by Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur as an offensive consultant.

McVay rehired Pleasant in 2023. McVay has given Pleasant head coach responsibilities in preseason games in recent years.

Mike Rutenberg, 44, Atlanta Falcons pass game coordinator

Rutenberg was retained as part of coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s staff when Stefanski was named Falcons head coach.

Prior to that, he followed Robert Saleh from his first stint with the San Francisco 49ers to the New York Jets. When Saleh was hired as Tennessee Titans head coach, Rutenberg interviewed for defensive coordinator, but was passed over for Gus Bradley.

Rutenberg’s first NFL jobs were under Bradley with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2013-19).

Charlie Bullen, 41, New York Giants interim defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach

Monken poached a few of John Harbaugh’s former assistant coaches with the Baltimore Ravens, and now he is looking at Bullen, who was one of three Giants coaches retained when Harbaugh became their head coach.

Bullen’s stock soared after he took over as Giants defensive coordinator after interim head coach Mike Kafka fired Shane Bowen. In Bullen’s four games, the Giants decreased their scoring defense from 25.8 points per game to 18.0.

Bullen coached defensive line and linebackers with the Miami Dolphins (2012-18) under coaches Joe Philbin and Adam Gase, and linebackers with the Arizona Cardinals (2019-22) under Kliff Kingsbury.

The post Todd Monken’s list of defensive coordinator candidates hints at a possible change in Browns’ defense appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Instant takeaways from Seattle 29, New England 13 in Super Bowl 60 …

1. Defense reigns: New England avoided becoming the first team to suffer a shutout in a Super Bowl, and that’s the best that could be said of the Patriots in their return to the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first season as their head coach. The league-leading Seattle Seahawks defense ruled Super Bowl 60, forcing three turnovers, scoring one touchdown, and sacking NFL MVP runner-up Drake Maye six times. Jason Myers’ record five field goals and Kenneth Walker’s 135 yards rushing completed a 29-13 Seattle rout and made a Super Bowl winner of quarterback Sam Darnold with his fifth team. It was Seattle’s second Super Bowl championship in four appearances and first under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald. The title should secure a record price tag of $8 billion+ for the Seattle franchise, which will be sold within a few months, per terms of the Paul Allen Trust.

2. Too little too late: Maye salvaged two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to offset one of the worst QB performances in a Super Bowl. He managed TDs of 35 yards to Mack Hollins with 12:27 left and 7 yards to Rhamondre Stevenson at 2:06. Maye’s numbers – 27 of 43 for 295 yards, two TDs and two interceptions – don’t do justice to the domination of the Seattle defense in this game.

3. Greenman hits pay dirt: The first touchdown of the game was scored by Aurora’s AJ Barner on a 16-yard pass from Darnold in the fourth quarter. Barner, who was a Northeast Ohio Division III defensive player of the year as a linebacker, was a fourth-round pick of the Seahawks in 2024. He played three years at Indiana and then transferred to Michigan and had 22 catches in the Wolverines national championship season.

4. Putting the foot in football: Myers had field goals of 33, 39, 41, 41, and 26 yards to set a Super Bowl record.

5. Bad Bunny. Bad half: Field goals of 33, 39 and 41 yards by Myers – set up by Walker’s 94 yards rushing — was all the scoring in the first half as Seattle led, 9-0, at halftime. The Seahawks’ defense dominated, yielding only 18 passing yards and 33 rushing. Every one of New England’s five possessions ended in a punt. It was the fifth Super Bowl without a touchdown in the first half. No team shut out in the first half ever won a Super Bowl.

6. Defense rules both ways: The score could have been more lopsided if not for Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots cornerback made two fantastic PBUs, one on a leaping deflection of a pass for Rashid Shaheed and another at the goal line on a throw to Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Both PBUs forced Seattle to kick field goals. Darnold was 9 of 22 for 88 yards in the half, but did well to avoid turnovers. He led all the NFL in that dubious category this year.

7. Maye culpa: Maye had no chance in the first half, as his all-rookie protection on the left side, tackle Will Campbell and guard Jared Wilson, was manhandled and beat constantly by Seattle’s stunts, blitzes and power rushes. Maye was sacked 47 times in the regular season (five times by Myles Garrett) and 15 more in two AFC playoff victories. He was taken down three times in the first half.

8. Eat the flags: No Super Bowl has had zero penalties in the first half. This one came within 3:08 of being the first. A false start on New England’s embattled Will Campbell was the only penalty.

9. Make your plans: The next two Super Bowl sites are set, so if you’re feeling good about the Browns’ chances, now is the time to make plans. Super Bowl 61 is set for February 14, 2027, in SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA; and Super Bowl 62 is in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, with the date to be determined. Super Bowl 63 is expected to be awarded to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.

The post Sam Darnold is a Super Bowl winner as Seattle routs New England, 29-13 appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from the resignation of Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz …

1. At the onset of their covered stadium campaign to solicit public funding to offset the cost of the ambitious $2.1 billion project, the Haslams often asked critics, “Why can’t Cleveland have nice things?” To which I now counter, “Why can’t the Browns keep good coaches?” Jim Schwartz is the latest to leave of his own volition. The defensive coordinator penned a letter of resignation about a week after getting passed over for the head coach position he felt deserving of. Schwartz now rounds out a Mount Rushmore of great coaches the Browns have employed under Haslam ownership who have forced their exits from the company for various reasons.

2. In 2015, Kyle Shanahan put together a 32-point power-point presentation to break his contract as offensive coordinator due to the dysfunction caused by GM Ray Farmer forcing substance abuse-addled quarterback Johnny Manziel on the coaches. In 2024, offensive line coach Bill Callahan politely asked out to join his son Brian, who had been named head coach of the Tennessee Titans. That was a fine cover for Callahan, who was upset that offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was fired despite keeping the offense together through five quarterback starters and making the playoffs in 2023. Callahan, who disagreed with the front office mandate to tailor the offense to accommodate Deshaun Watson, recently rejoined Kevin Stefanski as his offensive line coach and lead advisor with the Atlanta Falcons. So did Van Pelt, as Stefanski’s QB coach. In 2025, Mike Vrabel left after his one-year sabbatical as coach and personnel consultant ran out. Vrabel made a beeline to the New England Patriots, and now is completing a team turnaround from 4-13 to the Super Bowl on Sunday in his first season as head coach. The Browns weren’t ready after one terrible season to replace Stefanski and never considered a full-time position for Vrabel. At the NFL combine in 2025, however, Vrabel told me, “I would’ve listened.” Now Schwartz has stomped out after overseeing a defensive unit that has been the lone source of pride of the entire organization for three years running.

3. According to Diana Russini of The Athletic, the Browns told Schwartz that based on a study conducted by their analytics department, he ranked as the NFL’s best defensive coordinator over the past 12 seasons. This tidbit might have been conveyed to him prior to their recent head coach search. It’s probably another reason why Schwartz felt so confident that he would be rewarded with a promotion to head coach and so hurt when he was passed over. At 59, it likely was Schwartz’s last, best chance at running his own program and proving he could be a winning head coach in his second time at it.

4. All the circumstances are different, obviously. But why would the Browns take a hard line against Schwartz when they didn’t against Shanahan or Callahan? A source in the league familiar with interactions between NFL owners and coaches believes the Browns may be following the instruction of league management executives who want to stem the tide of coaches breaking contracts for greener pastures. Schwartz has two years, including a club option, on his Browns deal. The source said the Browns should have demanded some type of compensation for allowing Shanahan and Callahan to leave. The Browns’ stance is that Schwartz coaches for them or sits out the 2026 season. What if the Las Vegas Raiders or Patriots come calling to interview Schwartz for a place on their coaching staff? Would the Browns seek a draft pick in compensation? “Absolutely,” said the source. “That’s what this is about.”

5. Some believe that with the amount of talent given Schwartz that just about any coordinator can take over and the Browns’ wouldn’t miss a beat. Or that his impact as a play-caller was over-stated. The fact is Schwartz’s influence on the defense transcended just calling plays or lining guys up in the best spots. Listen to what linebacker Carson Schwesinger, the NFL rookie defensive player of the year, said on an appearance on Up & Adams on Radio Row at the Super Bowl. “This year I loved playing for Schwartz,” Schwesinger said. “It was a great opportunity for me. I loved the belief he showed in me. I think that was pretty special. Whatever he does, he’s somebody that’s been instrumental in the first year I had. One of the things he always harped on was every time you take the field leave it with respect for the people you play against, the people who are watching. I think that’s something he shows every day, which is how he works and how he prepared us and got us ready, just his attitude. That’s something I’ll keep with me.”

6. At his introductory press conference on Tuesday, new Browns coach Todd Monken seemed to grease Schwartz’s exit with some comments that came across as rather cold. “[The defensive players] are a big reason why I took this job,” Monken said. “I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. I have a lot of respect for Jim Schwartz, as I would hope he has for me. But I’d tell you, because of the players that are here, the ownership, Andrew Berry and the ability to build this roster from the ground up on the offensive side.” Monken added, “And I said this to the other guys. I didn’t think I’d say it, but I’m going to say it. When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz. I was chipping Myles Garrett. And when I was sliding a protection to the outside backers or Grant Delpit that were blitzing off the edge, I was sliding the protection of the players. And when I was worried about throwing to the right against Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell to the left, that’s who I was worried about throwing at.” Throughout the day, neither Monken, Jimmy Haslam, nor GM Andrew Berry stated, “I’d like for Jim Schwartz to stay.” Why didn’t they say that? Because I believe they already knew the die had been cast and Schwartz wasn’t returning. Monken’s comments was a message to players and fans that he believes they’ll be alright.

7. Now Monken must fill Schwartz’s large shoes and repair any hard feelings in the locker room about his exit with the right hire to replace him. Ordinarily, I would call this Monken’s “Welcome to the Browns” moment. But he had plenty of those already during the 2019 season when he served as Freddie Kitchens’ estranged offensive coordinator. That may have been the most dysfunctional Browns season yet. Monken knew exactly what he signed up for when he took on the head coach job. So this was more like his “Welcome back” moment.

The post Why can’t the Browns keep good coaches? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

(The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 unveiled on Thursday night was Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, Roger Craig and Drew Brees.)

This year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame selection meeting, conducted remotely for the sixth consecutive year via Zoom, was held in mid-January. It started at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

What on Earth could take that long?

Eight-plus hours is longer than a Browns head coach interview, homework assignments included.

Every year I offer a glimpse into the meeting, but it can’t be too detailed because of strict confidentiality rules hammered into the heads of the 50 selectors by Jim Porter, president of the Hall of Fame.

We voters are constantly asked by the HOF to engage in thoughtful discussion on each candidate. The reason the HOF binds everyone to confidentiality is to encourage discussion that could be both positive and negative without fear of outside retribution.

Unfortunately, that confidentiality was breached this year when it was leaked to ESPN reporters Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham a week ago that Bill Belichick fell short of the necessary 80 percent voter approval to gain election in his first year of eligibility. A few days later, ESPN reported that Robert Kraft – Belichick’s boss with the New England Patriots for 24 years — also missed election.

We voters were spared of blame for the leaks because none of us was informed of the final results – even after eight-plus hours of doing all the work. This is a relatively new and controversial nuance of the voting process, which is constantly reviewed by the Hall.

A firestorm of controversy over other facets of the Hall’s voting process erupted after the revelations of Belichick’s and Kraft’s omission from the 2026 class. These centered mostly on the rules governing the election of the special category finalists – three players from the Seniors category (whose modern-era eligibility of 20 years had expired), one coach and one contributor.

Crux of the controversy

In the past, there would be one senior and one coach and/or one contributor, and each was voted on separately with a yes or no vote, with 80 percent yes votes (or 40 of 50) needed for election.

Two years ago, the Hall added two more seniors as finalists to accommodate a massive backlog of forgotten yet deserving player candidates. But the Hall also changed the voting procedure. Instead of voting on each special category finalist separately, selectors were instructed to vote on three of the five. That tweak diluted the votes and made it much more difficult for anybody to receive 80 percent yes votes. If nobody received 80 percent, the highest vote-getter got in.

In the first year of this change, only one of the five finalists was elected – Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe. The coach, Mike Holmgren, and contributor, Ralph Hay, were shut out – innocent victims of the new procedure.

Belichick and Kraft fell victim similarly. There has been a prevailing sentiment among many selectors to vote for the senior finalists who were facing perhaps their final opportunity to gain HOF immortality at the expense of the coach and contributor, who can more easily be brought back in future years.

This unintended consequence of the new procedure exposed a major flaw and subjected voters to undeserved ridicule. It probably will be changed, but the damage was done.

Now, on to the meeting …

On the clock

Each of the 20 finalists this year – five in the special categories and 15 modern-era eligibles (up to 20 years after retirement) – were presented by a pre-determined selector. And then everyone else is invited to contribute to the discussion.

I put a clock on the discussions because the time spent debating a candidate usually, but not always, reflects the diversity of opinion about that candidate.

So here are my clockings of discussion times with each finalist:

1. Bill Belichick (coach): 45 minutes, 38 seconds.

2. Eli Manning: 35:55.

3. Roger Craig (senior): 32:45.

4. Ken Anderson (senior): 21:26.

5. Larry Fitzgerald: 20:49.

6. Darren Woodson: 19:35.

7. Torry Holt: 19:09.

8. Adam Vinatieri: 18:39.

9. Robert Kraft: 17:08.

10. Willie Anderson: 17:06.

11. Drew Brees: 16:55.

12. L.C. Greenwood (senior): 14:22.

13. Luke Kuechly: 13:42.

14. Frank Gore: 13:05.

15. Jason Witten: 10:44.

16: Reggie Wayne: 10:02

17. Kevin Williams: 9:55.

18. Jahri Evans: 9:25.

19. Marshal Yanda: 9:05.

20. Terrell Suggs: 6:37.

The Belichick discussion, obviously, ruled the meeting in time, passion, and controversy.

The crux of the discussion centered on Spygate, the 2007 scandal in which Belichick was “tried” and “convicted” in the court of the NFL for illegally taping defensive signals to gain an edge in future games. The NFL ultimately fined Belichick $500,000 and the Patriots franchise $250,000 and the loss of a first-round draft pick.

After the opening presentation of Belichick, 23 of the 50 voters spoke during the 45+ minute “discussion.” Multiple selectors expressed the opinion that it would be an embarrassment to the selector committee if Belichick, winner of six Super Bowls as Patriots head coach and two others as an assistant coach, were not selected on his first year of eligibility. I agreed.

When the meeting ultimately adjourned, I thought the length of the discussion was the story of the day. Never did I imagine Belichick would fail to receive the required 40 votes for election. Same with Kraft.

My votes in the special category finalists went to Belichick, Kraft and Anderson.

Eli’s calling

Among the modern-era finalists, Manning’s discussion was the most passionate for the second year in a row.

In his first year of eligibility in 2025, Manning’s discussion consumed 52 minutes, 9 seconds. This year, it lasted 35:55. The result was the same – Manning did not make the first cut from 15 to 10 a second year in a row.

Ultimately, Manning’s two Super Bowl victories over the Patriots, and two SB MVP awards, failed to overcome arguments about his 117-117 career won-loss record, his 0-4 post-season record other than his two Super Bowl years, and the fact he led the NFL in interceptions three times.

Voting on the modern-era candidates began seven hours into the meeting. The first vote cut the field of 15 to 10. Then we were asked to cut the 10 to seven.

The final vote reflected another recent change in the process.

We used to cut it to five, and then voted on each of the five separately – yes or no.

Now, when we got to seven, we were asked to vote for five. Only those who received 80 percent – 40 of 50 – got in.

My final five were Wilie Anderson, Brees, Fitzgerald, Suggs and Vinatieri.

The post Inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame meeting room appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Leftover takeaways from Todd Monken’s introduction as new Browns head coach …

1. We received a good feel for what the Browns’ own expectations are for 2026 throughout the Todd Monken introduction. GM Andrew Berry said, “We wanted someone who could lead, develop and grow a young team. Because quite frankly, we’re probably going to be, if not the youngest, one of the youngest teams in football in 2026. The second thing that we wanted, certainly in the short term, was a coach, didn’t matter the background, that had a very strong and adaptable offensive plan, given the amount of turnover we’re going to have on that side of the ball, both in terms of personnel, scheme, you name it.”

2. Since owner Jimmy Haslam makes himself available for interviews only two or three times a year, invariably he is asked every time what are his expectations for the coming season. At the beginning of the 2025 training camp, he stated “three wins won’t cut it,” and it turned out that even five didn’t cut it for Kevin Stefanski to keep his job. On Tuesday, Haslam said, “Do I expect we’ll win more than [five] games? I do. And I think we’ll have a better football team. … We’re not going to be ugly to watch, OK? We want it to be a fun team to watch, a team that plays hard, plays smart, and most of all, wins.”

3. Leave it to Monken, though, to hit the ball out of the park on this subject. He said, “Dee and Jimmy [Haslam], they cut a check with my name on it. You know what they expect? A fricking kick-ass football team. That’s what they expect. You know what they want? They want to become a winning franchise that our fan base in our region is proud of. That’s all they’ve been about, is how you build a winning franchise that consistently competes for championships. You know what? My job is to prove it every single day, and I appreciate that.”

4. Another answer that Monken knocked over the fence came when asked to describe his offensive system. He said, “The way I’ll try to phrase it is to score any way possible. I don’t care what it takes to score, it’s about scoring points. I would hate to put some sort of … any type of connotation as to what system that we are, other than playing to our players’ strengths. I think one of the things that our staff, including myself, have been able to do is take advantage of what a player can do and not what they can’t do.” Berry pointed out that early on in his college coaching career, Monken was one of the first “air raid” coordinators – shotgun, spread formation, up tempo. He turned Brandon Weeden into 72.4 percent passer and first-round draft choice his senior season at Oklahoma State. Monken then adapted when he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following year. And the best example of Monken’s adaptability came in Baltimore. He inherited former coordinator Greg Roman’s power run game and developed Lamar Jackson into a legit Pro Bowl passer. And the very next year, the Ravens acquired Derrick Henry and they flourished in a downhill, running scheme. So, don’t pigeon-hole the Browns’ offense in 2026 until Monken and Berry are through revamping the personnel.

5. Monken endured one of the most utterly bizarre seasons in Browns history in his first stint in 2019 as Freddie Kitchens’ offensive coordinator. That season began with a pre-meditated scuffle in training camp practices with the Indianapolis Colts, which may or may not have indirectly led to a complete loss of composure in a season-opening trouncing to Mike Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans (18 penalties, one ejection, three Baker Mayfield interceptions). There was palpable lack of respect between Kitchens and Monken, to the extent that Monken reportedly complained to opposing coaches that Kitchens wouldn’t adhere to the prepared game plan on Sundays; the game in Denver, at which Mayfield actually shaved his facial hair before, during halftime, and after the game; and also at which safety Jermaine Whitehead posted threatening and racial messages in the locker on social media to critics of his performance while still in the locker room following the game, after which he was summarily waived; and, of course, the Myles Garrett incident with Mason Rudolph, which led to a six-game, season-ending NFL suspension of Garrett. Monken was admirably diplomatic when he commented on that eventful season. “I learned a lot in that 2019 season,” he said. “I think you learn a lot, in fact, you learn a heck of a lot more when things aren’t going well than when it is going well. And I learned a lot of things that I would have done different and I think collectively would have done different, and I’ve seen it from a different angle, different point of view. But I’m ready to move forward with this team, the 2026 team.”

6. Berry and Haslam made mention of Monken’s varied offensive background as a strong selling point for the job. It is ironic, however, that both of Sunday’s Super Bowl teams are headed by defensive-minded coaches, Vrabel with New England and Mike Macdonald with Seattle. Noting Vrabel and Macdonald, Berry said it “wasn’t necessarily the case” the Browns would go offensive-minded coach. But a central part of every candidate’s interview was hearing “their vision or their plan for the offense.” I would have loved to hear what Jim Schwartz’s offensive vision was. Obviously, it didn’t totally mesh with what Haslam and Berry had in mind.

7. Monken has coached four years now in the AFC North (one year as Browns coordinator, three with Baltimore), so it was interesting to hear his response about making his NFL head coaching debut within a competitive division now without its two trademark head coaches, Mike Tomlin of Pittsburgh and John Harbaugh of Baltimore. The new lineup has Zac Taylor of Cincinnati (seven seasons) inheriting the mantle of “dean” of the division, as Monken takes over the Browns, Mike McCarthy takes over the Steelers, and Jesse Minter takes over the Ravens. Asked about jumping into this new coaching fray, Monken said, “I can’t wait … I can’t wait.”

The post What the Browns revealed about their expectations for the 2026 season at the Todd Monken introduction appeared first on The Land On Demand.

He sobbed. He laughed. He cussed.

It was Todd Monken’s day to reach the finish line of his “long journey” to be an NFL head coach. Emotions spilled out for a lifer coach who turns 60 on Thursday.

He’s the oldest man to coach the Browns since Bud Carson, who turned 60 in his second season in 1990. Before that, Blanton Collier retired in 1970 at the age of 64.

“Wow! I’m jacked,” Monken said. “And I’m excited to be with the Cleveland Browns. It’s hard to even put into words.

“I mean, I’m not getting any younger, let’s be real honest here. Although I’ll say this, that the version your getting of me now is a hell of a lot better than it would have been 15, 20 years ago.”

As advertised, Monken didn’t mince words. He answered most questions directly. When he declined to answer, he didn’t hide behind a word salad.

Let’s get into specifics of what we learned.

Jim Schwartz

No light was shed on the status of disgruntled defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, though owner Jimmy Haslam stated, “Those conversations are ongoing.”

At no time, however, did Monken, Haslam, or GM Andrew Berry say, “We’d love to have Jim back.” That omission stood out.

Everyone used the “it’s inappropriate to comment at this time” line, which leads me to believe a resolution is coming soon, one way or the other.

In response to early questions about Schwartz’s future, Monken said he had spoken to him, but then his answer trailed off to what “a bitch” it was to go against the Browns’ defense six times in the last three years. He chose to credit the players for that.

Later, when pressed that the defensive players wanted Schwartz back, Monken elaborated on his opinion that the players have made the Browns defense what it is.

“First off, my anticipation is we’re not going to change the system,” he said. “Very difficult to go against. Not planning on changing the system. We’re built for the system that they’re in currently. And I’m not going to get into staffing because it’s not the time to get into that. But they can be rest assured that we’re going to keep the same system. We’re still going to let them attack. We’re still going to let them play free. I can’t see it any other way. They’re a big reason why I took this job, the defensive players.

“I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. I have a lot of respect for Jim Schwartz, as I would hope he has for me, but I took it because of the players that are here, the ownership, Andrew Berry, and the ability to build this roster from the ground up on the offensive side.

“So, and I said this to the other guys, and I didn’t think I’d say it, but I’m going to say it: When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz. I was chipping Myles Garrett. An, when I was sliding a protection to the outside backers or Grant Delpit that were blitzing off the edge, I was sliding a protection for players. When I was worried about throwing to the right against Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell to left, that’s what I was worried about.”

In a separate Q&A, Haslam made mention of the four “outstanding coaches” under Schwartz on the defensive side. At least three of those defensive assistants showed their support for Monken by attending the press conference in the rear of the team meeting room.

Haslam said “we would hope” to keep the defense intact.

“The same players, which is a great place to start, and then the same basic coaching staff,” Haslam said.

So who’s the starting quarterback?

Much has been made of the video the Browns posted on social media of Monken greeting quarterback Shedeur Sanders in his office on his first day on the job. And the fact the Baltimore Ravens wanted to draft Sanders in the fifth round, when Monken was the team’s offensive coordinator, but they retreated when Sanders informed them he didn’t want to sit behind starter Lamar Jackson.

Not surprisingly, though, Monken was non-committal about his thoughts on the Browns’ QB room, which currently is made up of Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel.

“Like any position on the team, that’s still to be determined,” Monken said. “Am I excited about Shedeur? Am I excited about all the quarterbacks in the room? Am I excited to coach this football team? Absolutely. I can’t wait for them to get back and for us to get started.”

Monken declined to answer how much he contributed to the Ravens’ scouting of Sanders a year ago.

Pressed on what he’s looking for in a quarterback, Monken responded, “Well, I’m just going to start with personality traits. I mean, when you talk about who’s going to lead this team, who has the ‘it’ factor? who has those characteristics that the team wants to follow and believes in them because the ball’s in their hand every down?

“This game is going to come down to two-minute situations, four-minute situations, where you’ve got to be able to execute the high level. And we’re just talking about some of the characteristics that you’re looking for, let alone some of the physical traits that we’ll get a chance to talk about later.”

Accountability

Haslam said he and J.W. Johnson, his son-in-law and a general partner, talked with “30 or 40” Browns players at times during the three-week-long coaching search.

“If you said give me one common word, it is we need more accountability,” Haslam said. “So that stuck with us.”

At locker-cleanout day, cornerback Denzel Ward was the only player to voice accountability, specifically on offense, as something he wanted in the next coach.

Monken said, “I always thought I understood what it meant to confront anything that gets in the way of winning football.” He doesn’t shy from keeping it real with his players and telling them what they might not want to hear.

“I think you have to hold the players accountable for what they say their dreams and aspirations are,” he said. “You have to find out what really do you want, individually with your career, and then what do you want collectively as a team. And all you’re doing is holding them to what their goals and aspirations are, like people did for me.

“I am who I am because my parents did that for me. They didn’t do that to me, they did that for me. And that’s the way I go about it, because I think everybody likes honesty till they don’t like what’s said to them honestly.

“And I’m the same way, I’m no different – I like being stroked in a good way. I’m no different. I don’t like the other side of it, but that’s how I’ve gotten a lot better. And the people that love you the most, they’re going to be honest with you. But all it is, is finding out what are your dreams and aspirations, and then let’s fight like hell to achieve them.”

The post On his big day, new Browns coach Todd Monken speaks on Jim Schwartz, the quarterbook room, and holding players accountable appeared first on The Land On Demand.

When Todd Monken is introduced as Browns head coach on Tuesday, two issues stand out as needing immediate attention.

1. What is the status of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz?

Unhappy about being passed over for the head coach job, Schwartz reportedly cleaned out his office and told assistant coaches he was leaving the organization. Problem is, Schwartz has one year left on his Browns contract with an additional team option year, and the team doesn’t want him to leave.

To that end, the Browns and Monken are trying to persuade Schwartz to change his mind and re-create a positive working environment. While Monken has made numerous hires to his offensive staff, the fact that no changes have been made on the existing defensive staff is a sign the Browns are still hopeful of Schwartz staying.

The Browns wanted the issue resolved before Monken’s introduction on Tuesday.

2. What are Monken’s plans to upgrade an offense that finished 31st in points, 30th in total yards, 31st in passing yards, 27th in rushing yards, 29th in third-down efficiency, and 30th in first downs?

At his season-ending press conference prior to hiring Monken, GM Andrew Berry said, “Specifically to the offense … it’s no secret that’s where we’re going to invest most of our resources this offseason.”

So Monken’s task in his first season is clear. Which is the primary reason the Browns chose him over Schwartz to succeed Kevin Stefanski.

As Monken completes his coaching staff, he and his new assistants must familiarize themselves through meticulous film study with the players they inherit and initiate decisions that will transform the offense.

Here is a summary of what they will find:

Quarterback

Under contract: Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson.

Analysis: After being placed on a shelf for much of his first season, Sanders started the last seven games and won three, including the last two against division rivals Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Sanders showed improvement over his time, but finished 41st among 42 qualifying quarterbacks with a passer rating of 68.1, 42nd with a completion percentage of .566, and had seven touchdowns v. 10 interceptions. A viral video clip posted by the Browns of Monken greeting Sanders with a hearty bro dap suggests Sanders will get a fairer shot than last year in an open competition for the starting job.

Seen as Stefanski’s favored rookie, Gabriel made six starts, winning one, and was felled by a concussion in what proved to be his last game. Gabriel’s numbers were a tad better than Sanders’ in certain categories, particularly passer rating (80.8) and ball security (seven TDs v. two INTs), but his 5.1 yards per attempt spoke to a frustrating reluctance to stretch defenses vertically.

After rehabbing from Achilles tendon surgeries in October and January, Watson was medically cleared to practice on December 3. The 21-day window to activate Watson expired and the Browns placed him on injured reserve to end the season.

Berry’s comment: “We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution for or the starter in 2026 is internal or external. But it’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks. And quite honestly, the new head coach will also have a lot of input into that as well.”

Offensive line

Under contract: Jeremiah Byers, Jack Conley, Kingsley Eguarku, Kendrick Green, Dawand Jones, KT Leveston, Cornelius Lucas, Justin Osborne, Tyre Phillips, Luke Wypler, Zak Zinter.

Analysis: The contracts of predominant starters Cam Robinson, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin – who made a total of 63 game starts in 2025 – are all up. Bitonio is contemplating retirement v. coming back for a 12th season. Jones, who had been pegged as a future stalwart at left or right tackle, has finished each of his three years with season-ending injuries.

Berry’s comment: “The offensive line [is] a position group that I do imagine will have a fair amount of turnover as we go into 2026. But we also do feel like it was important this year and quite honestly going into next year to give young players snaps if we’re ultimately going to build the core and foundation that we need to win perennially.”

Wide receiver

Under contract: Isaiah Bond, Malachi Corley, Kaden Davis, Luke Floriea, Jerry Jeudy, Gage Larvadain, Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Wooden.

Analysis: This is the weakest position group on the roster and arguably the weakest receiver group in the NFL. Only the Tennessee Titans had a No. 1 receiver with fewer receptions than Jerry Jeudy’s 50. Also, the Browns’ four touchdowns among wide receivers were the fewest in the league.

Berry’s comment: “I think there’s a lot of work that we still need to do on the offense from a personnel standpoint. I think that we have a number of players that will continue to be pillars and are players that we’ll continue to develop and invest in. But the offense is going to have significant investment this offseason.”

Tight end

Under contract: Sal Cannella, Harold Fannin, Caden Prieskorn.

Analysis: One of the many success stories of the 2025 Browns draft, Fannin led the team with 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns. For the first time since he was drafted in 2018, David Njoku appears not in the team’s plans.

Running back

Under contract: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Rocket Sanders.

Analysis: Judkins missed all of training camp while a legal situation played out, made his NFL debut in Game 2, and started 14 games overall before going down with a dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula in Game 15, for which he underwent surgery. He led the team with 827 yards rushing and seven rushing TDs. Despite missing three games, Judkins finished third among rookie backs in yards and tied for fourth in TDs. Sampson had 175 yards rushing and 271 receiving with two TD catches.

The post Jim Schwartz’s situation not resolved as Todd Monken is introduced as Browns head coach appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: Can the Browns get a high draft choice in a trade if Jim Schwartz goes with another team as defensive coordinator while he’s under contract with the Browns?

— Jim, Canton, OH

Hey Jim: Head coaches have been traded in the past, the latest being New Orleans’ Sean Payton to Denver in 2023 for first- and third-round draft picks. But I don’t recall an assistant coach ever being traded. The Browns could have considered a trade in 2024 when offensive line coach Bill Callahan asked out of his contract to join his son with the Tennessee Titans. But they didn’t. The Browns also allowed Kyle Shanahan out of his contract in 2015 when he became disillusioned with the dysfunction surrounding the 2014 season. Overall, the precedent is there for the Browns to just let Schwartz walk away – if that’s what he wants.

Hey Tony: With the eventual departure of Jim Schwartz, could Ephraim Banda or Jason Tarver be the next DC or does Todd Monken bring in his own guy?

— Gary, Charleston, WV

Hey Gary: If Schwartz does not return, Tarver, Browns linebackers coach, and Banda, safeties coach, could be candidates to succeed him. Same with Brandon Lynch, cornerbacks coach. The situation is fluid, however, and efforts to retain Schwartz are ongoing. If Schwartz leaves, the call for his replacement should be Monken’s alone.

Hey Tony: It’s been calm now for 4 days. Odds Schwartz has cooled off and Monken will be able to convince him to stay on board (Jimmy’s money can’t hurt)?

— Kyle, Celina, OH

Hey Kyle: I guess it’s possible. It depends on Schwartz’s top priority at this time – more money from the Browns, or the chance to return to the Super Bowl.

Hey Tony: “Fantasy Madden World” — Would you trade Schwartz and Myles Garrett for Mac Jones and multiple 1st’s? Throw in Brandon Aiyuk as a kisser.

— Greg, New Straitsville, OH

Hey Greg: My price tag for Garrett would be three No. 1s, minimum, and I wouldn’t want anything to do with Aiyuk.

Hey Tony: Do you think Jim Schwartz will cool off and realize this defense is his best chance to get that head coaching gig somewhere after one more year as DC?

— Greg, Middleburg Heights, OH

Hey Greg: I disagree. If Schwartz still aspires to get a second chance at head coach, his best route would be to join a Super Bowl contender as DC. If that team gets to the Super Bowl, he might still be a candidate in future head coach hiring cycles.

Hey Tony: When will we find out if and what the payout is on any Deshaun Watson injury insurance the Browns had for the 2025 season?

— Josh, Ooltewah, TN

Hey Josh: I would think something about this would come out at NFL owner meetings at the end of March.

Hey Tony: Are you excited knowing now offensively the Browns can just draft the best player available without having to worry about a scheme fit?

— Marcellus, Columbia, SC

Hey Marcellus: The Browns need help on offense everywhere except running back. Offensive line and wide receiver are the most pressing needs.

Hey Tony: How many new offensive line starters will the Browns have next year?

— Leonard, Troy, OH

Hey Leonard: I would think there would be five new starters different from the opening-game starters in 2025. A few contenders already be on hand, such as center Luke Wypler, guard Zak Zinter and offensive tackle Dawand Jones. I would expect at least three starters to come from new acquisitions, however.

Hey Tony: With Kevin Stefanski hiring several of his coaches he had with the Browns, doesn’t it make you wonder who is really running the team?

— Tom, Sumter, SC

Hey Tom: Three of Stefanski’s additions in Atlanta were from his Cleveland staff – offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, offensive line coach Bill Callahan, and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. Callahan and Van Pelt left the Browns in 2024 after a surprise playoff appearance in 2023 when Stefanski’s bosses made changes on the staff to tailor the offense to Deshaun Watson. Callahan’s official reason for leaving was to join his son with the Titans, but I believe the real reason was he disagreed with the firing of Van Pelt and the direction the team was heading.

Hey Tony: Can you predict the QB room for this year? If Dillon Gabriel leaves does ATL grab him?

— John, Stow, OH

Hey John: A Gabriel trade to Atlanta for a fifth-round pick is an easy prediction, right? Stefanski supposedly favored Gabriel and fifth-round picks seem to be GM Andrew Berry’s passion. Also, I would not discount the possibility of the Browns pursuing Tyler Huntley for a third time. He has been in two Browns training camps, but was released each time at the 53 roster cut.

Hey Tony: Was Charles Woodson involved in the coaching search? Any connections to Monken there?

— Mike, Tipp City, OH

Hey Mike: Woodson was brought in as a small investor in the franchise in August. He has already realized a big return on that investment as the reported value of the Browns increased from $5+ billion to $6+ billion in the last year. To my knowledge, he had no role in the coaching search. Woodson’s investment in the Browns appears to be only financial, not emotional.

Hey Tony: Who is your top WR that Browns should draft?

— Paul, Alva, FL

Hey Paul: It’s way early to commit. But to answer your question, I like Carnell Tate of Ohio State (who doesn’t?) and Denzel Boston of Washington.

Hey Tony: Now that Schwartz is likely gone, and with his value at its absolute peak, is there any possibility of the Browns restructuring Myles’ contract to make him movable?

— Ryan, Ashtabula, OH

Hey Ryan: Garrett’s contract extension signed last year includes a no-trade clause, which makes it harder to trade him because Garrett controls his destination. While Garrett’s recent social media post indicated sadness at the prospect of Schwartz leaving, we won’t know his true feelings until he tours Media Row at the Super Bowl this week.

Hey Tony: I don’t get Mason Graham with 5th pick. Good player but did AB do it to keep his job with a pick that would show up early? Appease Garret & his antics? Membou & Tet were both there. Can you explain it?

— Bruce, Mentor, OH

Hey Bruce: At the time, I thought Graham was the right pick after the trade down to No. 5. It speaks to the influence of Schwartz on the Browns’ draft process. He felt the team needed to upgrade the defensive tackle position even after signing Maliek Collins in free agency. Yes, Membou and T-Mac had good first seasons, but so did Graham.

The post #HeyTony: What are the chances of the Browns trading defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from the selection of Todd Monken as Browns head coach …

1. During the Browns’ coaching search, I kept harkening back to Denzel Ward”s comments about what he wanted to see in the next head coach. “Honestly, I think we need, like, assertiveness … just holding people accountable … holding the offensive guys to a higher standard … making sure guys are doing what they’re supposed to do, and just holding guys accountable when they’re not.” I interpreted those comments as an endorsement of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. But the qualities Ward desired in his next coach also apply to Todd Monken, who has the reputation of a demanding, hard-driven coach who holds his players and himself accountable. I don’t know how loudly Ward’s comments resonated with Jimmy Haslam, but if a star cornerback saw these traits lacking previously I’ve got to believe everyone else saw, too. In their official release welcoming Monken, the Haslams were quoted as saying, “He is an outstanding leader and has a clear vision to lead our team as a strong communicator who values trust with his players but also accountability and preparation.”

2. In a recent #HeyTony column, I was asked if the Browns needed “a disciplinarian coach or a younger innovative coach.” I favored the disciplinarian, again with Schwartz in mind. But, again, Monken certainly qualifies as such ahead of the third finalist, the youthful Nate Scheelhaase. So as the initial shock of Monken prevailing in this Browns coaching search wears off, the logic of the choice is making more sense.

3. I believe the Browns found it hard to reconcile promoting their defensive coordinator when the offense has floundered so poorly over the past two seasons. Ultimately, that’s probably the biggest argument to choose Monken over Schwartz. I’m pretty sure the Browns were not blind-sided by Schwartz’s angry reaction to being passed over. I don’t expect Schwartz to change his mind and agree to stay on as Monken’s DC, nor do I blame him. This might have been his last chance, and best opportunity, to get a second chance as an NFL head coach. Haslam previously let assistant coaches Kyle Shanahan and Bill Callahan out of their contracts to leave the Browns. I don’t see the merits of the Browns blocking Schwartz’s desire to leave. Without hesitation, they should grant any team’s request to interview Schwartz as its defensive coordinator.

4. The inevitability of replacing Schwartz had to be a topic in the interviews with Monken and Scheelhaase. And there is no question Monken had the edge over the neophyte Scheelhaase in tapping his network resources to replace Schwartz. Now that Monken reportedly has already hired George Warhop, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, as his offensive line coach, finding a defensive coordinator to earn the instant respect of the defensive players, who must be wounded by the expected departure of Schwartz, is his most important task in assembling his staff. I’ve floated the name of Anthony Weaver, most recently the defensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins who was Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach in Monken’s first season in Baltimore. Weaver also was Browns defensive line coach under Mike Pettine in 2014-15.

5. Speaking of Warhop, he received a hearty endorsement from Joe Thomas, whose future Hall of Fame career at left tackle progressed during Warhop’s five seasons as Browns offensive line coach (2009-13). Thomas wrote in a text to me, “He is an excellent coach. Much like Bill Callahan in how he develops young players and maximizes guys’ potential.” Warhop received another endorsement from former Browns center LeCharles Bentley, owner of an O-line academy in Avon, OH. When news broke of Warhop’s hire by Monken, Bentley posted on X: “Great hire. Whatever happens with that group won’t be a ‘coaching’ issue. Players just gotta play.”

6. It speaks to the importance of the offensive line coach that Monken addressed this position immediately. Callahan was Kevin Stefanski’s second hire when he assembled his first Browns staff in 2020. Of course, offensive line coach is not governed by the NFL Rooney Rule, so hirings can happen without those protocols. Keep in mind, the Rooney Rule applies to coordinator positions and to quarterback coach. So Monken will have to interview at least two persons of color and/or a woman for offensive and defensive coordinator and at least one for quarterback coach. A candidate for offensive coordinator might be Tee Martin, Ravens QB coach, although Baltimore will try to keep him.

7. Monken is expected to be introduced to media and fans early next week, possibly on Tuesday. No doubt a big topic of discussion will be his views on the Browns’ present quarterback room of Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. At this point, I don’t believe Monken’s hire favors one quarterback over the others to be the team’s opening-game starter in 2026. I would expect Monken to say there will be an open competition for the starting role. As for any future additions to the QB competition, I wouldn’t discount a drafted rookie, but probably not one in the first three rounds. What about a veteran? Clip and save this name: Tyler Huntley. Yes, the eternal ex-Raven who was on hand in two preseasons for the Browns but never took a snap in a regular-season game for them could be in the mix for a third summer stint. And why not? I’ve come to appreciate Huntley as a decent backup QB to have on a roster. Anyways, the 2026 season figures to be another “bridge” year in the Browns’ QB room.

The post At second glance, Todd Monken checks a lot of boxes as Browns head coach appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The final twist in the Browns’ 23-day coaching search hit on Wednesday like a blitz from the blind side.

Todd Monken is in as Browns head coach.

Jim Schwartz is out as defensive coordinator. Not officially, but probably.

That was the bottom line of the prolonged, unorthodox search that began after the firing of Kevin Stefanski on January 5 and ended in Monken being named the 19th full-time coach of the Browns and sixth in the 13 years of the Haslam family ownership.

Monken, most recently John Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, was the surprise final choice from among four finalists that included Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Washington Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, and Schwartz.

Other candidates interviewed were Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. McDaniel, Udinski and McDaniel withdrew from consideration for other opportunities.

The Browns were trying to marry Scheelhaase, 35, or Monken, 59, with Schwartz to preserve the team’s second-ranked defense and respect the wishes of prominent defensive players such as Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit, and Alex Wright.

Either the Browns had reason to feel Schwartz was willing to stay as coordinator if he didn’t get the head coach job or they hoped he would. But it appears not to be.

After Haslam chose Monken as head coach, Schwartz reportedly was outraged and told his staff he was leaving. Later, an NFL Network report said Schwartz cleaned out his belongings in his office.

Schwartz has a year to go on his contract, and the Browns may hope Monken could talk Schwartz into reconsidering. But Haslam has previously not held disgruntled coaches to their contracts, most prominently Kyle Shanahan and Bill Callahan.

Monken was a surprise final choice because it appeared that GM Andrew Berry, the head of the search committee, favored Scheelhaase, a young, up-and-comer who breathed the air of revered Rams coach Sean McVay the past two years. But after a seven-hour in-person meeting on Monday with Scheelhaase and a follow-up Zoom conference the next day, Haslam gave the job to Monken, whose only head coaching experience in 36 years was a three-year stint at Southern Mississippi, where he was 13-25.

Monken was offensive coordinator under Browns coach Freddie Kitchens in 2019. He held similar titles in the college ranks with Eastern Michigan, Oklahoma State and Georgia, and in the NFL with Tampa Bay and Baltimore.

“We are very excited to name Todd Monken the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns,” owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “Todd is highly intelligent, and his experienced, innovative offensive mindset has been at the forefront of constructing productive and successful offenses at the NFL and collegiate level over the last 20 years. He is an outstanding leader and has a clear vision to lead our team as a strong communicator who values trust with his players but also accountability and preparation. In our committee’s exhaustive reference work on Todd, his commitment to player development was evident, and his tough and straightforward coaching is respected by the players and the coaches he’s worked with, putting our team in a position to succeed while developing our players to maximize their talents. We welcome Todd, Terri, and the rest of the Monken family back to the Browns and look forward to him establishing the winning culture that will lead our team to the success our fans so deserve.”

Berry said in the statement, “Todd has a varied and diverse background that we found as a particularly appealing match for our team at this stage in its life cycle. He has a direct, demanding, and detail-oriented leadership style that will create a great incubator for a young team. His successful offensive track record at both the pro and college level with a variety of offensive systems and QB skill sets will allow maximum flexibility as we make several, long-term investments on that side of the ball. The lessons he learned from John Harbaugh and [Georgia head coach] Kirby Smart as well as his demonstrated track record turning around Southern Miss have shown us that he has a full understanding of what the position requires and the capacity to execute. We cannot wait to get started and we welcome Todd, Terri and Travis to Cleveland.”

The Browns included no comments from Monken in their official news release of the hiring. Monken is expected to be introduced early next week.

Monken has the reputation of a no-nonsense, hard-driving coach who holds his players and himself accountable for results on the field. Sources said those qualities, plus his roots in the Southeastern Conference in stints with LSU and Georgia, connected with Haslam.

Monken most likely also had an edge on Scheelhaase in ability to assemble a coaching staff because of his NFL experience. That was evident when Monken reportedly lured offensive line coach George Warhop from the Harbaugh’s former staff with the Ravens.

Warhop is a veteran O-line coach with nine NFL teams. He held the position with the Browns from 2009-13 under head coaches Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur and Rob Chudzinski.

Monken’s expediency in hiring an offensive line coach speaks to the importance of the position; the Browns may break in five new starters on the line in the coming season.

But of equal importance to Monken’s success will be with whom he chooses to replace Schwartz, who was beloved by the Browns’ best players on the team.

On the day Stefanski was fired, Berry sounded unconcerned about upsetting the locker room in the event of a possible Schwartz departure.

“Ultimately, our thought will be, ‘Hey, let’s find the right head coach, let’s find the right leader,’” Berry said. “Because schemes, they really do come and go.”

The post Todd Monken’s surprise hiring as Browns head coach apparently will lead to departure of Jim Schwartz appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns coaching search is over, and the final choice may finally be made on Wednesday.

The team’s search committee – owner Jimmy Haslam, GM Andrew Berry and Berry consultant Tom Telesco – spent Tuesday in Cleveland trying to form a consensus on a final result that would keep Jim Schwartz with the Browns.

Whether that is as head coach or defensive coordinator was the issue, and it was no guarantee that either would occur.

On Monday, Haslam et al. met for over seven hours in Los Angeles with Sean McVay protégé Nate Scheelhaase, Berry’s preferred candidate. But Haslam refrained from offering a contract when Scheelhaase honored a commitment to conduct a Zoom interview with the Buffalo Bills.

This unappreciated development caused Haslam to turn the discussion to the merits of Schwartz or Todd Monken, the New York Giants offensive coordinator-in-waiting, as the choice for head coach.

When the Browns’ contingent returned from L.A., the Bills came to an agreement with Joe Brady, their offensive coordinator, to succeed fired Sean McDermott as coach.

After that, it is believed that the Browns redoubled communication with Scheelhaase via a Zoom conference. But, again, no contract was offered.

The sticking point appears to be Schwartz’s future role with the Browns, and whether the prolonged search and effective snub as the No. 1 candidate has soured him on the concept of staying on as defensive coordinator to Scheelhaase or Monken.

Simply naming Schwartz the head coach goes against Haslam’s and Berry’s belief that the organization’s top priority is improving the offense rather than keeping the defense status quo. Ideally, they would do both, but it now appears easier said than done.

Haslam may have to weigh naming Scheelhaase, an up-and-coming offensive savant with no head coach experience, and finding a new defensive coordinator, v. promoting locker room-favorite Schwartz to head coach and finding an offensive coordinator outside the existing search.

While Monken remains an alternative to Scheelhaase as an offensive-minded candidate, the club seems very much aware that he would be a difficult sell to a fan base conditioned over the 23-day search to the promise of a younger and fresher offensive direction.

On Tuesday, former coach Kevin Stefanski was introduced to Atlanta media as the new Falcons coach and Mike McCarthy was introduced as the new Pittsburgh Steelers coach.

After Buffalo filled its vacancy, only the Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals were still without a head coach.

The post Decision day is here for Jimmy Haslam to choose Browns’ next head coach appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Have the Browns found their new head coach?

After Monday’s events in the Search That Wouldn’t End, the answer is … maybe, but not yet.

The day started with 30-year-old candidate Grant Udinski, the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator but not play-caller, withdrawing from consideration. He was the third Browns’ candidate to drop out, following Mike McDaniel, who opted to join the Los Angeles Chargers as Jim Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator, and Jesse Minter, who succeeded John Harbaugh as Baltimore Ravens head coach.

Udinski reportedly received a nice raise from the Jaguars but was still alive in the strange mix for the Buffalo Bills head coach vacancy.

The day ended with Sean McVay-protégé Nate Scheelhaase, the Browns’ pole-sitter after a seven-plus hour interview in Los Angeles with owner Jimmy Haslam, GM Andrew Berry and Berry consultant Tom Telesco, honoring a commitment to a Zoom interview with, yes, the Buffalo Bills.

Scheelhaase, 35, also may be considering the option of a promotion to Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator under McVay if current OC Mike LaFleur gets the head coach job with the Arizona Cardinals.

All are bad optics for the Browns, of course, and ultimately may result in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz backing into the head coach job.

Schwartz was the first serious candidate interviewed and has the support of the locker room but didn’t fit the profile set forth by Berry in his first attempt to hire an NFL head coach.

It was always presumed that Berry wanted to pair a young, up-and-coming offensive-minded coach with Schwartz as his defensive coordinator.

Berry preferred a complete break from the Kevin Stefanski offense that grew stale over the last two seasons. An unproven, young coach also would be a fitting “thought partner” in Berry’s age group who would defer to his personnel decisions.

It’s unclear if Scheelhaase simply got cold feet about the Browns’ job, or Haslam cooled to him and failed to make a formal offer. The fact that a deal with him did not get done was another twist in a coaching search that has been unusual, to say the least.

If Scheelhaase is dropped from consideration, the only remaining candidates would be Schwartz, 59; former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, 59; and Washington Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, 57.

A decision is expected on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, existing NFL coaching and personnel staffs are descending on Mobile, AL, for the start of Senior Bowl practices – the first milepost of the pre-draft season – and teams that have changed head coaches are filling out their assistant coaching staffs.

The post Is Jim Schwartz backing into the Browns head coach job? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns are in the final stage of their coaching search and could offer the job as early as Monday or Tuesday.

Owner Jimmy Haslam and GM Andrew Berry are in Los Angeles to conduct their second interview on Monday with Sean McVay-protégé Nate Scheelhaase, the youthful pass game coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams were eliminated from the post-season by the Seattle Seahawks, 31-27, in the NFC Championship Game.

If Scheelhaase earns the Browns’ affection, they could offer him the job. Scheelhaase will be the second person of color to receive an in-person interview with the Browns, making them compliant with the NFL’s Rooney Rule.

The Browns had an 11th-hour interview with Anthony Lynn, Washington Commanders run game coordinator and running backs coach, on Saturday night.

Scheelhaase went into the weekend as a co-favorite with Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski to become the sixth full-time head coach in Haslam’s 13 years as Browns owner. Udinski received his second interview in Berea on Friday. But the fact the Browns jetted to Los Angeles to meet Scheelhaase was an indication they liked him a lot.

Other candidates are Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and Lynn

Lynn, who coached Browns running backs under Romeo Crennel in 2007-08, was head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017-20. The Chargers were 34-32 under Lynn, including a 1-1 record in post-season. The Chargers’ GM at the time was Tom Telesco, who reportedly has assisted Berry in this coaching search as a consultant.

Lynn was the first person of color to receive an in-person interview with the Browns.

Udinski, 30, and Scheelhaase, 35, fit the profile of young, up-and-coming, offensive-minded coach preferred by Berry, 38, who is seeking a new “thought partner” to succeed departed coach Kevin Stefanski.

Udinski or Scheelhaase each would be the youngest coach in the NFL this season, to go along with Berry, the second-youngest GM.

Udinski would be the youngest coach in NFL history.

Schwartz, 59, Monken, 59, and Lynn, 57, do not fit Berry’s profile.

Schwartz, however, is expected to stay on as defensive coordinator if Udinski or Scheelhaase are Haslam’s coaching choice.

It’s possible, too, that Lynn would be a candidate for offensive coordinator, although he has no known past association with Udinski or Scheelhaase.

The post Browns coaching search nearing a decision appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: In theory, couldn’t the Browns simply choose to violate the Rooney Rule and pay the fine that comes with it? I believe the Detroit Lions had done this previously.

— Rick, Sugar Creek, MO

Hey Rick: The Lions were fined $200,000 for violating the Rooney Rule in 2003. Twenty-three years later, the NFL is much more vigilant in enforcing the rule. Discipline is at the discretion of the Commissioner Roger Goodell and could include loss of draft picks plus a greater fine. It’s also possible the NFL would invalidate the hiring. Overall, not a great idea to do what you propose.

Hey Tony: So what now for search for HC?

— Mike, Ceres, CA

Hey Mike: Nothing that’s happened this week – the withdrawal of Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter – has altered the Browns’ search. It’s down to Grant Udinski, Nathan Scheelhaase and Todd Monken in some combination with Jim Schwartz.

Hey Tony: Even with the front office kicking the Deshaun Watson contract down the road another season, will the Browns be able to make significant improvements to their roster (including OL & WR) via free agency this spring?

— Mike, Auburn Township, OH

Hey Mike: They have to do another Watson salary-to-bonus conversion just to get under the cap. There are others who might also receive contract adjustments (Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Jerry Jeudy, etc.). These contract adjustments also will push cap charges into the future, which creates immediate cap room for some free agency activity but ultimately must be accounted for by the next GM, which will make the job less attractive, and so on, and so on …

Hey Tony: Do you think the big picture for this next coaching hire is more about the ‘27 draft with Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith or trying to win now?

— Jean, Canton, OH

Hey Jean: Everything the Browns are doing is about the future, not 2026.

Hey Tony: Jimmy Haslam said this was the most critical 120 days. This AB HC search seems to be a disaster on all levels. Is it possible Jimmy sees this and intervenes for the good of the team?

— Ryan, Phoenix, AZ

Hey Ryan: There is always the possibility of a Haslam surprise, but I believe he was always sold on the idea of hiring the next, great offensive genius. The Browns may believe they are honing in on him.

Hey Tony: Why don’t they just promote Schwartz, hire one of the young guns as OC and give him the keys to the offense?

— Max, Ashland, OH

Hey Max: Still a possibility.

Hey Tony: Do you think the Browns are getting turned down by minority candidates right now because candidates view those interview requests as a transparent attempt to meet the Rooney Rule requirements?

— Paul, San Francisco, CA

Hey Paul: I don’t know, but that’s always a possibility when you get to the point of having to interview a candidate solely to comply with the rule.

Hey Tony: Why are some media and “insiders” trying to gaslight Browns fans into believing that there is a plan at work here, and that this coach search soundtrack isn’t Yakety Sax (again)?

— Jason, Stow, OH

Hey Jason: I can’t speak for them.

Hey Tony: Have the Browns reached out to Mike McCarthy or Sean McDermott?

— Drew, Castalia, OH

Hey Drew: As I write this sentence, not to my knowledge.

Hey Tony: Would Duce Staley be a good HC candidate for the Browns? He could be a CEO HC who has some fire and you can surround him with Schwartz and a young upcoming OC.

— Don, Cleveland, OH

Hey Don: They know him better than me and they didn’t think so.

Hey Tony: Are you concerned the Browns seem flat-footed in this coach search with as many coach vacancies already filled and we can’t even seem to meet the basics like Roney rule, or is it just me?

— Mike, North Olmsted, OH

Hey Mike: It is what it is. Let’s let the process play out before drawing conclusions.

Hey Tony: Looking at the coaching staff of the favorites, would you like it if Udinski brought in Josh McCown as OC or Scheelhaase bringing Dave Ragone as OC? Both are QB coaches on the same staff.

— John, Stow, OH

Hey John: Sure. But keep in mind, the Rooney Rule applies to offensive coordinator hires, too. Two external minority candidates must receive an in-person interview before a hire can be made.

The post #HeyTony: What happens if the Browns don’t comply with the Rooney Rule? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from Browns coaching search and other NFL happenings …

It has been speculated that if the Browns – or any team – hired a minority as head coach, they could do so without having to interview a second minority candidate to comply with the Rooney Rule. In other words, the second in-person interview requirement would be waived.

This is not true.

“No,” texted Brian McCarthy, NFL VP of communications, in reply to my question. “Clubs seeking to fill an open head coach position must conduct an in-person interview with at least two external candidates who are persons of color and/or women for the position.”

The issue arose because of the withdrawal of Mike McDaniel as a candidate. McDaniel, who is biracial and qualifies as a minority candidate, canceled his in-person interview on Wednesday to accept the offensive coordinator position with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The only other minority candidate in the Browns’ search scheduled for an in-person interview is Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase. His interview will be scheduled next week, regardless of the outcome of the NFC title game involving the Rams and Seahawks.

Speculation was that if the Browns were convinced Scheelhaase was their guy, they could hire him without interviewing a second minority. That is not possible. Also, if Scheelhaase emerges as the Browns’ top choice, they could not negotiate a contract with him until the Rams’ season is over, which conceivably could be as late as February 8 if they make it to the Super Bowl.

So a new minority candidate must emerge and be interviewed in-person before anyone can be hired.

The Browns have conducted in-person interviews with Jim Schwartz and former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is scheduled for Thursday and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski is up on Friday.

Minter also is on the radar of the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals.

Udinski has an interview scheduled with the Buffalo Bills.

Whither Brian Flores?

Flores was considered a viable candidate for Browns head coach when their search began, but so far he has not been contacted.

Flores was interviewed for Browns defensive coordinator in 2023 when they hired Schwartz. Flores took the same position with the Minnesota Vikings. On Wednesday, Flores and the Vikings agreed to a contract extension that would keep him as DC if he isn’t hired as a head coach.

Flores has done in-person interviews with the Steelers and Ravens. He was linked to the Las Vegas Raiders when the season ended, via the Tom Brady-New England Patriots former association, but so far he has not interviewed with them.

Despite a losing record in Minnesota this season, Flores’ defense ranked third in yards allowed, seventh in points allowed, and fourth in sacks.

Flores was 24-25 as Miami Dolphins head coach from 2019-21. He was fired for not working “collaboratively,” according to owner Stephen Ross in reports at the time.

In 2022, Flores filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL, the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos for alleged discriminatory hiring practices. In the lawsuit, Flores claimed Ross offered him $100,000 for every loss in 2019 as Ross wanted to tank for the No. 1 pick in the draft to select Joe Burrow. Flores rejected the offer.

The civil lawsuit is tied up in the appeals process. The NFL wants Flores’ complaint handled through its arbitrary hearing process and has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to block a jury trial.

It’s improbable Flores would agree to a Browns interview after not being on their search list from the outset.

An interesting exchange occurred on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show on YouTube on Wednesday regarding Flores. Former Browns head coach Mike Pettine, who worked alongside Flores for three years with the Vikings, was asked to give his thoughts on Flores.

“Probably not many that I would prefer to share,” Pettine responded. “I mean, we didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, and that’s why I spent this past year on offense. I was there in ’23 and ’24 on defense, so … um … I’ll take the high road on that one.”

Baker’s chip

Baker Mayfield revived a private feud with Kevin Stefanski when he responded to a social media post on X by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Stefanski, who quickly found a new job as coach of the Atlanta Falcons after his firing by the Browns, now will play against Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice a year as NFC South rivals.

Ledbetter posted:

“#Falcons’ Kevin Stefanski had a dumpster fire at quarterback in Cleveland — Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson failed, which started a chain reaction to 11 other starters. QB Shedeur Sanders closed out last season with seven starts.”

Mayfield tagged it with the comment:

“Failed is quite the reach pal. Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.”

My thoughts on this exchange:

* Despite all the talk of Mayfield “maturing” through his NFL travails and becoming a father for the first time as he approached the age of 30, Baker is still Baker. He is fueled by any and all perceived slights and adds them to the giant chip on his shoulder. He neither forgives nor forgets.

* Mayfield certainly didn’t “fail” in Cleveland. I always contended he overachieved. I consider his demise with the Browns an organizational failure.

* I find it interesting after all he’s been through since he was traded to Carolina in 2022 for a fifth-round draft pick – released by Carolina at his own request after a 1-5 record, then signed by Sean McVay and the Rams and went 1-3 with them, then signed by the Bucs in 2023 for $4 million, leading them to a wild-card berth and earning a three-year contract for $100 million, and then another wild-card berth and division title – after all of that, his experience with the Browns still lives in his head.

The post Browns still not in compliance with Rooney Rule after withdrawal of Mike McDaniel as a head coach candidate appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: With Mike McDaniel withdrawing from consideration does this put more pressure on Andrew Berry to satisfy the Rooney Rule more quickly in case another team has high interest in either Grant Udinski or Nathan Scheelhaase?

— Chad, Fort Wayne, IN

Hey Chad: I feel Berry took a very deliberate approach to complying with the Rooney Rule (two in-person interviews with minority candidates from outside the organization). He did not consider it a hindrance but rather an opportunity to introduce viable minority candidates into his search. Other GMs and owners have viewed it other ways. Bob Kraft, for instance, interviewed two minorities not even active in the NFL last year (or this year) to lead-block the hiring of Mike Vrabel, who was his only legitimate consideration for the Patriots job. This year, the Giants and Titans intentionally conducted minority interviews early because they targeted John Harbaugh as their No. 1 candidate and understood, through back channels, that a protracted search was not going to net Harbaugh. Berry stayed true to his process. But he probably didn’t anticipate McDaniel canceling his in-person interview. Now he must find another minority candidate besides Scheelhaase to enter the process. And if the Browns want to hire Scheelhaase, they can’t do so until the Rams finish their season, perhaps through the Super Bowl. As for someone swooping in and stealing Udinski, no other team has requested him for a head coach interview.

Hey Tony: Who’s in pole position to be the next HC, now that Mike McDaniel took himself out of consideration?

— Mike, Ceres, CA

Hey Mike: I never considered McDaniel a serious contender, to be honest. Others did, but not me. For now, I would say Udinski is the front-runner, with Scheelhaase second. Jim Schwartz, I believe, is a fallback consideration.

Hey Tony: If Grant Udinski gets the HC job, who are possible Defensive Coordinator candidates, if not Schwartz?

— Chris, Los Angeles, CA

Hey Chris: This possibility has to concern the Browns. If Udinski gets the job, and Schwartz elects not to stay, they will have to find a respectable, veteran defensive coordinator to pair with Udinski. I’m sure they’ll find one. But don’t expect the defense to operate at an elite level with just anybody in charge.

Hey Tony: If they offered the head coaching job to Udinski or McDaniel, is Schwartz gone?

— Sean, Mansfield, OH

Hey Sean: Well, Mike McDaniel withdrew his name from consideration. So let’s substitute Nathan Scheelhaase for him. Would Jim Schwartz stay as DC to either Udinski or Scheelhaase? The Browns probably have that answer, but I don’t.

Hey Tony: With the search stretching out into possibly next week, how much of a negative impact will that have on the new coach’s ability to put together a quality staff?

— Jason, Buffalo, NY

Hey Jason: There is going to be a mad rush among about a dozen teams to fill coaching staffs once all the head coach jobs are in. Right now, they are not behind the pack. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are among the teams in the same boat.

Hey Tony: Assuming they go young OC, is it possible they want their own QB?

— Bryan, Youngstown, OH

Hey Bryan: If we’ve learned anything over the last six years it is that GM Andrew Berry owns the quarterback position. The “young OC”, or young HC, will likely have to defer to him.

Hey Tony: Are the Browns aware of the vitriol that will come down on them after they name the next head coach? Their candidates are not appealing.

— Rick, Columbus, OH

Hey Rick: I’m sure they’re aware.

Hey Tony: Who is one Browns head coach that you’re surprised never received another HC opportunity given the circumstances and adversity faced here?

— Alan, Buffalo, NY

Hey Alan: I used to think Rob Chudzinski got the bummest deal; fired after one season after the CEO traded his starting running back and his starting quarterback was lost to an ACL injury. But now I think Mike Pettine deserves that distinction. He put together what proved to be a great coaching staff and had the Browns at 6-3 at their bye week with Brian Hoyer playing his ass off. The pressure from GM Ray Farmer and club prez Alec Scheiner to play Johnny Manziel sabotaged everything. After Pettine lost Kyle Shanahan and Hoyer, he had no chance his second season. The experience actually traumatized Pettine into never aspiring to be a head coach again. He recently retired from the assistant coach ranks.

Hey Tony: With the focus on the coaching search, it doesn’t change the pressing need to rebuild the O-line. The Bears showed it can be done in one offseason. How should Andrew Berry approach this in terms of draft vs. free agency vs. developing who we have?

— John, Mayfield Heights, OH

Hey John: Yes, the Bears did it, but one big difference is they had the cap room to trade for two veteran starters and give them contract extensions, and then sign another in free agency. Because of dead cap charges and the ongoing Deshaun Watson cap situation, the Browns don’t have a lot of leeway to spend on veterans. My initial thought is Berry will have to rely more on the draft and internal development of Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler and Zak Zinter.

Hey Tony: Would you rate offensive line or receiver as biggest need?

— Mike, Brunswick, OH

Hey Mike: Let’s see, they need five new starters on the offensive line and probably two at wide receiver. Since five is greater than two, I’d say the offensive line.

Hey Tony: Could Malik Willis be our Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones? Do you prefer that route or sticking with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson?

— Kyle, Celina, OH

Hey Kyle: While Willis is an intriguing player, he will cost them more than they could afford because of the Watson cap charges and dead cap charges of numerous players no longer whose contracts were adjusted by Berry to make cap room for previous years. In other words, Willis is not an option.

The post #HeyTony: How does Mike McDaniel’s withdrawal affect the Browns’ coaching search? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns are down to essentially six finalists in GM Andrew Berry’s coaching search: Jim Schwartz, Todd Monken, Mike McDaniel, Grant Udinski, Jesse Minter, and Nathan Scheelhaase. They are all expected to receive second interviews, this time in person, this week. Scheelhaase’s can happen no sooner than January 26.

So, you’all want to be head coach of the Browns? Well, be careful what you wish for.

Consider the exploits of the others who sat in that office since Jimmy Haslam assumed ownership of the Browns in October of 2012.

1. Rob Chudzinski, 2013, 4-12.

After an unsuccessful courtship of Oregon coach Chip Kelly, Haslam’s first coaching search conducted by CEO Joe Banner and GM Mike Lombardi resulted in the surprise choice of Chudzinski, a Toledo native who had been Browns tight ends coach under Butch Davis and offensive coordinator under Romeo Crennel.

Chud was able to lure a respected offensive authority, Norv Turner, as his offensive coordinator, and he cobbled together a staff that included future NFL coordinators Shane Steichen, Drew Petzing, and Chris Tabor.

After an 0-2 start, veteran quarterback pickup Brian Hoyer came off the bench and ripped off three wins in a row. In Week 3, however, Banner shockingly traded starting running back Trent Richardson to Indianapolis. Chudzinski howled in protest, causing Banner to assure him, “Don’t worry. You’re our coach. We’re in it for the long haul.”

Alas, Chud was blind-sided as a one-and-done Browns coach. His imminent dismissal was reported by ESPNCleveland before halftime of the final game in Pittsburgh. Players interviewed after the game were incredulous as reporters suggested Chud would be fired. It was so preposterous to them, they thought it was made up. They were wrong.

2. Mike Pettine, 2014-15, 10-22.

Banner and Lombardi dug in deep for Coaching Search 2. They cast a wide net over a field of candidates that included Todd Bowles, Josh McDaniels, Mike Munchak, Greg Schiano, Adam Gase, James Franklin and Dan Quinn. Pettine was Rex Ryan’s DC with Buffalo and eventually was chosen over Quinn because the Browns didn’t want to wait for Quinn to complete his duties in the Super Bowl as Seattle defensive coordinator.

Pettine, son of a Philadelphia high school coaching legend, assembled a future all-star staff that included Kyle Shanahan, Aaron Glenn, Jeff Hafley, Anthony Weaver, Bobby Babich, Mike McDaniel, Mike LaFleur and Tabor. All are prominent coaches today.

During the search, Haslam was put off by the dysfunctional bickering and back-biting between Banner and Lombardi. Haslam abruptly fired both and promoted assistant GM Ray Farmer to general manager.

Hence came the infamous draft of Johnny Manziel a few months later. Haslam and Farmer ignored the preference of Pettine, who favored Khalil Mack after working him out at his Buffalo pro day, and over-drafted the diminutive, and substance-impaired, Johnny Football.

Hoyer, who had suffered an ACL tear against Pettine’s Bills the year before – provoking a hand-written letter of appreciation to Hoyer from Pettine shortly after that game – fended off Manziel in camp and initially thrived in Shanahan’s offense. Hoyer built a 16-10 lead over Drew Brees in the home opener. During halftime, Farmer texted a message to an underling on the sideline instructing him to tell Pettine to play Manziel in the second half.

It was just the beginning of the hard press Farmer and club president Alec Scheiner put on Pettine and his staff to play Manziel, whose jerseys were flying off the sales page on the team’s Website.

Hoyer led the Browns to 6-3 at the bye, but the pressure applied from the front office to play Manziel eventually got to Hoyer. It intensified when receiver Josh Gordon came off a substance abuse suspension and befriended Manziel.

Hoyer faltered, and Farmer and Scheiner got their wish as Manziel was finally inserted as the starting QB. The Browns lost six of their last seven games.

After the season, Shanahan and McDaniel collaborated on a 32-point power point presentation on why Shanahan should be let out of his contract. His father, Mike, told him he had no chance of winning after Farmer’s interference. Farmer was suspended a year later by the NFL for violating league rules.

In the aftermath, Farmer declined to meet with Hoyer and discuss a new contract, paving the way for Manziel to take over and get everyone fired. That included Kevin O’Connell, whom Pettine added as QB coach after Shanahan’s hasty exit.

3. Hue Jackson, 2016-18, 3-36-1.

Haslam went outside-the-box with his next regime change. He brought in MLB analytics guru Paul DePodesta to turn the football operations structure upside down, and elevated former team counsel Sashi Brown to EVP and GM. They joined Jimmy and Dee Haslam in the next coaching search.

DePodesta favored Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, but the Haslams were charmed by the affable Jackson, who led Marvin Lewis’ high-powered offense with the Cincinnati Bengals.

When Jackson entered Browns headquarters on his first day of work, employees lined the stairwell in the atrium and saluted him like a conquering hero. “We’re chasing greatness,” Jackson promised them.

What ensued was the darkest years in the history of the franchise.

After avoiding a winless season on a blocked field goal in the 15th game and finishing 1-15 his first year, Jackson vowed that would never happen again or he’d jump in Lake Erie. The Browns proceeded to go 0-16. To his credit, Jackson made good on his promise and staged a jump in Lake Erie to raise money for charity. He was joined in the water by Dee Haslam.

Amidst the losing, Haslam hired deposed Kansas City Chiefs GM John Dorsey in December. Dorsey was already scouting Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield from his basement in Kansas City, anticipating his next gig. Four months later, Dorsey chose Mayfield with the No. 1 overall draft pick over Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

Jackson miraculously was brought back for a third season – perhaps out of sympathy by the Haslams – but he was fired at midseason, along with offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who felt he would be named interim. Instead, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams got the nod, reportedly at DePodesta’s behest.

Williams steered the team to a 5-3 finish with Freddie Kitchens elevated to offensive coordinator. With a .625 win percentage, Williams is the only coach hired by Haslam to win more games than he lost. He wasn’t considered for the full-time job.

4. Freddie Kitchens, 2019, 6-10.

DePodesta and Dorsey butted heads over control of the next coach hiring.

DePodesta’s candidate was unknown Minnesota Vikings QB coach Kevin Stefanski. Dorsey floated New Orleans Saints tight ends coach Dan Campbell inside the building, but backed off after receiving a cold reaction.

In the end, Kitchens was elevated to head coach with a hearty endorsement from Baker Mayfield, who had some big games with Kitchen calling plays. Haslam was apprehensive about the hire, evidenced by the fact he sat in the front row of Kitchens’ introductory press conference and deferred to Dorsey all the talking from the podium.

Kitchens’ season was marred by the league suspension of Myles Garrett after he ripped off the helmet of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and slammed it against the head of Rudolph in the closing seconds of a violent Browns win in a Thursday night game in November.

Prior to the teams’ rematch two weeks later in Pittsburgh, an image of Kitchens wearing a t-shirt with the words, “Pittsburgh started it” went viral on social media. Kitchens said his daughter gave it to him as a joke.

After going 2-4 with Garrett suspended, Kitchens became Haslam’s second one-and-done coach. Dorsey, who had turned a cold shoulder to DePodesta’s analytics staff, was also fired.

5. Kevin Stefanski, 2020-25, 44-58.

The demise of Dorsey and Kitchens led Haslam to extinguish the toxic feuding inside his organization. He turned over the next search to DePodesta with the marching orders to establish a peaceful, collaborative alignment between general manager and head coach.

DePodesta returned Stefanski as a coaching finalist with Robert Saleh, the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. Once again, the Browns decided not to wait for the coach who made it to the Super Bowl, and they hired Stefanski. No other team had interviewed Stefanski for head coach.

Soon after, DePodesta completed his dream pairing by tabbing former Sashi Brown personnel director Andrew Berry as GM. At 32, Berry became the youngest GM in NFL history. DePodesta (Harvard), Berry (Harvard) and Stefanski (Penn) formed an all-Ivy League NFL front office.

In Stefanski’s first four seasons, the Browns reached the playoffs in 2020 and 2023, earning him NFL coach-of-the-year honors both times. After 2023, Stefanski and Berry each became the first coach and GM in Haslam’s ownership to receive contract extensions. They called each other “thought partners.”

But after the 2023 season, Stefanski was asked to fire offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to tailor a shotgun-spread offense to accommodate quarterback Deshaun Watson. Berry was the point man in acquiring Watson from the Houston Texans in March of 2022 for the franchise-altering price tag of six draft picks, including three No. 1s, plus an unprecedented, fully guaranteed contract of $230 million over five years.

The rash move led to legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan leaving to join his son with the Tennessee Titans. Callahan was Stefanski’s most trusted advisor. He didn’t agree with the direction the team had chosen.

Under the “collaborative” system demanded by Haslam and DePodesta, Stefanski had no recourse but to roll with the punches. Berry had traded Stefanski’s backup quarterback, Josh Dobbs, the week before the 2023 season, causing Stefanski hardships.

The switch in offensive systems, coordinated by Ken Dorsey, proved a disaster and was scrapped after a 3-14 record in 2024. A return to Stefanski’s offense in 2025 was undermined when six weeks of training camp prepping Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett for the starting QB role were wasted when Berry traded Pickett in August and Flacco in October. The trades left Stefanski with mid-round rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

In October, DePodesta jumped ship to rejoin MLB as an executive with the Colorado Rockies. His exit left a power vacuum. Berry, who sits alongside Haslam in the owner’s suite at every game, filled it.

Stefanski was fired after going 5-12. Berry, who handicapped the coach with his poor drafts and quarterback trades, was retained with more authority to oversee Haslam’s sixth coaching search in 13 years.

The post So, do you really want to be Jimmy Haslam’s sixth head coach in 13 years? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from Browns head coach search …

1. Since December, I have been writing and saying, and writing and saying, that the Browns can’t afford to let defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz leave the building when they choose their next head coach. Now the Browns have reached an inflection point in their search. And the ball is in Schwartz’s court.

2. Starting on Monday, the Browns begin a round of second interviews with some candidates. First up is Schwartz. What’s going on is very clear. In the absence of a Jimmy Haslam “Hail Mary,” there is no “gotta-have-him” candidate. So the Browns are trying to pair Schwartz with an offensive coordinator in some fashion. Either Schwartz stays as DC with a new, offensive-minded head coach, or Schwartz is promoted to head coach and paired with one of Andrew Berry’s hand-picked, young, unproven, offensive genius-to-be. The process is flawed, of course, but it is where they’re at. The Browns should choose the best head coach – period! – and then butt out and let the head coach pick his staff. The Browns’ process already has compromised their next head coach. By agreeing to such conditions to take the job, the next Browns’ head coach is signing off for Berry to, say, trade your starting quarterback or your backup quarterback without notice. Ask Kevin Stefanski what it’s like to coach your team when that happens.

3. On Monday, the Browns begin a round of second interviews with Schwartz, and then Todd Monken, who is the biggest surprise – by far – of their search. How has Monken advanced this far? He is not even the best offensive coordinator available and, at 59, does not fit the profile of Berry’s preferred offensive-minded coach. My theory is that they know, or believe, that Monken is a head coach candidate with whom Schwartz might be willing to continue on as defensive coordinator. I don’t believe the opposite pairing – Schwartz as head coach, Monken as offensive coordinator – is a possibility. Monken has to see following John Harbaugh to the New York Giants as a much better option than that.

4. So this is how Schwartz controls the whole Browns’ coaching search. He is the best head coach candidate for them. Why? For three years, he has coached – and helped to construct – the best Browns’ defense seen in Cleveland since Bill Belichick’s 1994 edition. He has held his players accountable and earned their respect. Schwartz’s defense is pretty much the only source of national acclaim in the entire Haslam organization. If Haslam handed out “employee-of-the-year” citations, Schwartz would have earned them three years in a row. Now, if you’re Schwartz, are you going to let Berry dictate whom you can hire? What offense you’re going to run? Who’s playing quarterback? That’s for him to decide.

5. At 59, this probably is Schwartz’s last chance to be an NFL head coach. His first run in Detroit had highs and lows, and ended 12 years ago. That’s an eternity in the NFL. The record of coaches getting a second run after that long is limited. Dick Vermeil returned to the ranks as Rams coach 15 years after resigning as Eagles coach. Vermeil went on to win the Super Bowl with the Rams. But Vermeil had a winning record and a Super Bowl appearance in his first venture with the Eagles; Schwartz was 29-51 as Lions coach. Joe Gibbs was another Super Bowl coach who had a second run, returning to the Washington Redskins 12 years after he retired. Gibbs’ second stint with Washington was doomed by serving under Dan Snyder, one of the worst team owners in NFL and professional sports history, and he didn’t approach his previous success. Another coach who returned to the main job after more than a decade was Ted Marchibroda. He was fired as Baltimore Colts head coach in 1979, and returned in 1992 to coach the Indianapolis Colts. Marchibroda’s second stint resulted in only one playoff season in four years. So, the odds of Schwartz being a winning coach in a second life are not great.

6. Schwartz must decide what is his priority at this stage of his career. Is it getting another crack at the head coach position? Or is it claiming another Super Bowl championship as a defensive coordinator? Is it staying put with a comfortable position as Browns defensive coordinator? Or is putting another house up for sale and latching on to a team closer to the Super Bowl? The Dallas Cowboys come to mind.

7. Whatever Schwartz decides will determine the next Browns head coach. If Schwartz accepts the Browns’ head coach job under the condition of teaming with an offensive coordinator of Berry’s choice, he may fulfill one career goal — but not two.

The post This is why Jim Schwartz controls the Browns coaching search appeared first on The Land On Demand.

The Browns’ coaching search has put a temporary freeze on their personnel business matters.

The Browns have 31 players whose contracts have run out. Nine of them started 10 or more games in 2025.

Usually at this time of year, reports are written on each free agent by assistant coaches to help GM Andrew Berry decide whom to bring back. While that is being done by coaches still under contract, the Browns likely won’t make final decisions on their pending free agents until a head coach is hired and new assistants do a quick deep-dive film study.

Here’s a look at the Browns’ pending free agents.

Starters of 10 or more games

Left guard Joel Bitonio: He came back for a 12th season last year and was the only starting lineman to make it through 17 games healthy. With his contract up and another coaching change on the way, Bitonio probably will opt for retirement. He welled up in his exit media interview when asked about his Browns legacy.

Right guard Wyatt Teller: In his 100th career NFL start, the Browns surprisingly demoted Teller to part-time duty in a rotation with Teven Jenkins. A calf injury limited him to one more active game over the last month. The three-time Pro Bowler wanted to end his career with a final contract from the Browns, but they don’t seem interested.

Tight end David Njoku: When the trade deadline passed without Njoku being dealt, he was glad. But talks of a contract extension to keep him a Brown never materialized. Njoku, the franchise’s second most prolific tight end to Ozzie Newsome, picked a bad year to have a bad year.

Free safety Ronnie Hickman: Only 24, Hickman is a restricted free agent (RFA), which means the Browns can reserve the right of first refusal with a minimum offer of $3.4 million. Third in tackles (100) and tied for second in interceptions (two), his fate may rest on whether defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz stays.

Center Ethan Pocic: The end of Pocic’s four-year tenure in Cleveland was inevitable, but an Achilles tendon injury in the Tennessee game in early December cost him the chance to score another starting contract in free agency. Just brutal.

Left tackle Cam Robinson: The opportunity was there for him to earn a return in 2026. His performance in 12 starts makes that doubtful.

Linebacker Devin Bush: He capped off an incredible year with a 97-yard interception return for a TD in the last game against Cincinnati. Bush led the Browns with three interceptions and was second in tackles (124). He led the NFL with two Pick 6’s and 164 interception return yards. He’s the only starter on defense not under contract.

Punter Corey Bojorquez: A steady performer for four years, he’s led the NFL in punts the past two seasons. It’s odd that he wasn’t extended by now.

Kicker Andre Szmyt: After the first game, he was 23 of 25 on field goals with two game-winners, and 24 of 24 on PATs. After the season, owner Jimmy Haslam cited his turnaround as one reason Andrew Berry returned as GM. Yes, he’ll be back.

Familiar names

Right tackle Jack Conklin: After missing 41 of 83 games the past five years, he hopes a change of scenery improves his injury luck. He won’t be back.

Cornerback Martin Emerson: An Achilles tendon injury in training camp ended his fourth NFL season. The Browns probably would have re-upped him if healthy. Now, they’ll let him test the market.

Running back Jerome Ford: The future of the backfield is Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson.

Defensive tackle Shelby Harris: This kick-block specialist is a valuable roster addition but could see activity in free agency despite his age (34).

Guard Teven Jenkins: Given the Browns’ expected massive turnover on the offensive line, he has a chance to be invited back.

Linebacker Mahmoud Diabate: He’s an RFA and probably will be invited back with an appropriate contract tender.

Wide receiver Malachi Corley: Another RFA, he’s only 23. Why not bring him back?

Long snapper Rex Sunahara: One of the biggest surprises in All-Pro voting (other than Denzel Ward not receiving a single vote) was Sunahara finishing third among long snappers with seven first-place votes and 25 total points. He’s an RFA, so likely to return.

Others

Linebacker Jerome Baker, wide receiver-returner DeAndre Carter, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive end Cam Thomas, defensive tackle Sam Kamara (RFA), running back Trayveon Williams, tight end Blake Whiteheart (RFA), tight end Brend Bates, safety Tre Avery, cornerback Sam Webb, cornerback D’Angelo Ross, wide receiver Jamari Thrash, cornerback Anthony Kendall, defensive end Julian Okwara.

The post Browns free agent decisions on hold until new coach is hired appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Hey Tony: With the way the team is now, do you think we need an established disciplinarian coach or a younger innovative coach? Which do you feel has a better chance of success for our beloved Browns?

— Art, Bellefontaine, OH

Hey Art: I think the situation demands an established disciplinarian coach. Remember what Denzel Ward said. He said the team needs “assertiveness … accountability … we have to play complementary football.” It doesn’t need to break in another up-and-comer getting his first crack at head coach.

Hey Tony: Are you on board with the idea of getting a younger not as proven coach like Grant Udinski or Nate Scheelhaase? If not this year these guys will be hired as HCs or OCs in the near future. What are your thoughts on taking a swing at these guys?

— Bryson, Newport Beach, CA

Hey Bryson: They are legit, interesting candidates, as is Dan Pitcher of Cincinnati. I would vet them to know them better, but I couldn’t choose one over the other without full face-to-face interviews. Just because they are young and come from the offensive side does not automatically make them geniuses-to-be.

Hey Tony: Would you sign up for a coaching staff of Grant Udinski HC, Nate Scheelhaase as OC and Jim Schwartz DC & Asst HC?

— Bryan, Chicago, IL

Hey Bryan: I would be interested in any combination that keeps Schwartz in the building. Pairing Udinski and Scheelhaase isn’t in the cards, however.

Hey Tony: Is the starting QB for 2026 currently on our roster? If not, should we wait until the loaded ‘27 QB draft to get our guy?

— Andy, Bloomington, IL

Hey Andy: It’s premature to speculate on anything regarding the quarterbacks until a head coach is selected.

Hey Tony: How would you grade the performance of the 3 Browns starting QBs in the 2025 season?

— Dave, Cedar Park, TX

Hey Dave: Joe Flacco: Inc. Dillon Gabriel: C-minus. Shedeur Sanders: C.

Hey Tony: You wrote in a previous Hey Tony that “if Watson does not play in 2025 because of injury, the Browns would receive a $44 million credit on their salary cap in 2026.” So can you now confirm that report given that Watson never played this year.

— AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: My understanding is the insurance refund is one thing and the salary cap credit is another. The cap credit will be a fraction of the insurance refund, I’ve been told. But those exact figures are not yet known.

Hey Tony: What will the Browns send the Raiders for the first pick, now that Dante Moore is staying in school?

— Darnell, Miami, FL

Hey Darnell: I don’t believe Fernando Mendoza will be obtainable, similar to Cam Ward last year.

Hey Tony: How aggressive do you think the Browns will be in free agency?

— Bill, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Hey Bill: I think they will be selectively aggressive on the offensive side. Meaning, they won’t blow their budget on the highest-priced, say, offensive tackles, but will seek to fill multiple offensive holes in free agency.

Hey Tony: Will the Browns get rid of analytics now that Paul DePodesta is gone? Going for it on 4th down in Q3 at your own 30 down one score should not happen again ever.

— Eddie, Independence, OH

Hey Eddie: They won’t get rid of analytics. Hopefully, they will play a less influential role because, frankly, what they’ve been doing the last 10 years is not working. I’m sure the degree to which analytics will influence football matters is a topic discussed in the head coach interviews.

Hey Tony: What are your expectations for next season? I expect us to do better with a coach who can expand the offense something Stefanski just couldn’t do. If we had a reasonable good offense we’d have probably 4-5 more wins this season.

— Le’Quan, Cleveland, OH

Hey Le’Quan: Before setting expectations, let’s see who they hire as head coach and how his assistant coaching staff takes shape. Not only do they need massive improvement on offense, they need a special teams they can count on to avoid negative plays and provide positive plays.

Hey Tony: Do you think Bill Callahan will be willing to come back to Cleveland this offseason or will Stefanski try to scoop him up wherever he ends up? Our (future) line could use him.

— Mike, Batavia, NY

Hey Mike: I’d never say never, but I wouldn’t expect Callahan to return. Maybe there is a head coach the Browns hire that Callahan would like to work with. But he’s as old-school as they come, and I don’t see him meshing with these young, up-and-comers preferred by GM Andrew Berry.

Hey Tony: Is Deshaun Watson a well-kept secret for our 2026 roster? Do you think the progress he made in his rehabilitation is being overlooked by most people? Or do Browns view him as a failed experiment that they’re ready to move on from, in your opinion?

— Eric, Columbus, OH

Hey Eric: Andrew Berry said he envisioned Watson on the 2026 roster, but added that there’s a long way to go for that to happen. By keeping Watson for a final, fifth season, the Browns can tap into his contract and create 2026 salary cap room at the expense of kicking the can full of dead cap charges down the road for another year. It’s a “rob Peter to pay Paul” dilemma. And since they’re committed to a final, guaranteed salary of $46 million, they may see him as the “veteran” in the room instead of having to find another.

The post #HeyTony: What type of head coach do the Browns need? appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Takeaways from Browns head coach search …

1. The next young, offensive-minded, genius-to-be tabbed by Andrew Berry to interview for the Browns head coach vacancy is Grant Udinski. Who? A year ago, Udinski became one of the NFL’s youngest coordinators when Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen gave him the job at the age of 29. Udinski turned 30 on Monday, a day after the Jaguars were eliminated from the AFC playoffs by the Buffalo Bills. He is the ninth candidate to receive an invitation to interview with the Browns. If Udinski were hired, he would become the youngest head coach in NFL history. That distinction currently belongs to Sean McVay, who was 30 years, 11 months old when the Rams made him their head coach in 2017. McVay’s success – seven post-season appearances, two Super Bowls, one championship in nine seasons – has spawned a search for the next Sean McVay by every young GM tabbed by his boss to find a coach.

2. Udinski, by the way, is not the youngest coordinator in the NFL. The youngest is Declan Doyle, who was 28 years, 10 months when named offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears by coach Ben Johnson last year. It wouldn’t surprise me if Doyle draws the interest of Berry, too. But Doyle might be tied up through the Super Bowl, the way the Bears are playing.

3. So, Udinski joins Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, 35; Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, 38; and in-house candidate Tommy Rees, 33; on Berry’s list of unproven, offensive-minded coach candidates. They are joined by Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, 42, the only candidate from the unproven, defensive-minded list of candidates that Berry so far has requested permission to interview.

4. One difference in resume that separates Udinski from Scheelhaase, Pitcher and Rees is that Udinski has worked for more than one team. He started as a graduate assistant at Baylor under coach Matt Ruhle, then followed Ruhle to the Carolina Panthers. After Ruhle was fired in 2022, Udinski was hired by Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell as his special assistant. He was promoted to work with quarterbacks and eventually was given the title of assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach. When Coen left as Tampa Bay offensive coordinator to become Jaguars head coach at the age of 39, he hired Udinski to be his coordinator. Scheelhaase, who will be interviewed by Berry later this week, has only worked for McVay the past two seasons. Pitcher, whose interview was completed last week, has worked only for the Cincinnati Bengals the past 10 years. Rees, of course, has only worked for the Browns the past two years.

5. On the John Harbaugh front, the former Baltimore Ravens coach reportedly is in the process of paring down which teams he will seriously consider. The Browns are among seven teams courting Harbaugh. Harbaugh’s agent has been communicating pre-conditions to earn a “formal” interview with Harbaugh. It has been reported that Harbaugh will only consider three or four teams, based on their willingness to meet his pre-conditions, which may differ for each team. The Atlanta Falcons jumped the gun in announcing they had conducted a formal interview with Harbaugh. It appears they have just communicated with him through his agent. It is presumed that Harbaugh wants to wrap up his final destination without going through a protracted interview process; hence, the pre-conditions to “earn” an interview.

6. While the Browns leave defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz swinging on a vine during their coaching search, Schwartz’s first test of loyalty to the Browns is in the offing. The Baltimore Ravens have requested permission to interview Schwartz for their head coach position vacated by Harbaugh. This is an interesting development because Schwartz is represented by super agent Jimmy Sexton, who is a major power broker in this NFL hiring cycle and also a long-time business associate of Jimmy Haslam. Sexton represents just about every major college coach (Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Texas’s Steve Sarkisian, LSU’s Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban) and also several NFL coaches, including Kevin Stefanski. Schwartz was one of Berry’s first formal interviews, but at 59, he doesn’t fit the profile sought by Berry in the next Browns head coach. What will be more interesting to see is if Schwartz is sought to interview for existing defensive coordinator positions, or future ones after the head coach cycle is completed.

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Takeaways from Browns coaching search …

1. The Browns conducted five interviews in the first week of their coaching search. They are lining up at least three more this week, and they’re awaiting word from John Harbaugh if they’ve satisfied his pre-conditions for an interview. Jay Glazer of FOX reported that Harbaugh intends to pare his list of interested teams to three or four this week. Even if Harbaugh grants the Browns an interview, their search can’t be concluded until they do in-person interviews with two minority candidates outside their organization. Their interview with Seattle defensive coordinator Aden Durde was done via Zoom, so he would have to be interviewed a second time to comply with the Rooney Rule. Another minority candidate would be Mike McDaniel, whom the Browns intend to interview this week, per reports. They also have an interview lined up with Rams pass game specialist Nate Scheelhaase. The league is being very vigilant in monitoring compliance with the Rooney Rule this year after the Patriots conducted two sham interviews last year to fast-track the hire of Mike Vrabel.

2. The Browns’ completed interviews were with Durde; Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees; Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz; Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher; and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Besides McDaniel and Scheelhaase, they have put in a request for Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

3. The Green Bay coaching situation could affect the pursuit of Harbaugh. If the Packers separate from Matt LaFleur after their playoff loss to the Bears, it has been speculated that Green Bay would join the Giants and Falcons as perhaps Harbaugh’s preferred destinations. The Browns are considered in the running but behind those three teams. But remember that the Browns were the first team eliminated by Deshaun Watson during his auction in 2022, until they outbid Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans with a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.

4. The only two coaching free agents with a Super Bowl victory and over .600 career win percentage are Harbaugh and Mike McCarthy. So far the Browns have not expressed interest in McCarthy, who was 174-112-2 (.608) in 13 years with Green Bay and five with Dallas. McCarthy reportedly will interview with the Giants this week, and possibly two other undisclosed teams. McCarthy interviewed with the Browns in 2020 when they hired Kevin Stefanski.

5. All has been quiet on the college front. The Browns were reported to be one of the teams to inquire about Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman until Freeman received an adjustment to his contract. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported this weekend that NFL teams have not lost interest in Freeman despite his public commitment to Notre Dame. Another college coach to watch could be Steve Sarkisian of Texas, who was offensive coordinator with the Falcons in 2017-18 and, of course, is Arch Manning’s current college coach. College coaches are very nervous about their names being associated with other possible jobs, especially with the transfer portal open through January 16.

6. Here are the most current lists of head coach interviews completed or requested among the eight teams with openings:

* Arizona Cardinals (8): Thomas Browns, Patriots passing game coordinator; Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator; Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator; Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator; Raheem Morris, former Falcons head coach; Matt Nagy, Chiefs offensive coordinator; Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator; Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator.

* Atlanta Falcons (5): Durde; Ejiro Evero, Panthers defensive coordinator; Hafley; Kubiak; Kevin Stefanski, former Browns head coach; Weaver.

* Baltimore Ravens (9): Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator; Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator; Joseph; Kliff Kingsbury, former Commanders offensive coordinator; Kubiak; Nagy; Stefanski; Weaver; Davis Webb, Broncos quarterback coach.

* Cleveland Browns (8): Durde; McDaniel; Minter; Monken; Pitcher; Rees; Scheelhaase; Schwartz.

* Las Vegas Raiders (6): Hafley; Joseph; Kubiak; Nagy; Scheelhaase; Webb.

* Miami Dolphins (4): Hafley; Kubiak; Saleh; Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator.

* New York Giants (8): Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator; Joseph; Kubiak; McCarthy; Morris; Antonio Pierce, former Raiders head coach; Darren Rizzi, Broncos assistant head coach; Stefanski.

* Tennessee Titans (16): Anarumo; Jason Garrett, former Cowboys head coach; Hafley; Joseph; Kingsbury; McCarthy; Mike McCoy, Titans interim head coach; McDaniel; Minter; Morris; Nagy; Saleh; Shula; Arthur Smith, Steelers offensive coordinator; Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs defensive coordinator; Stefanski.

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When Browns owner Jimmy Haslam stood in front of media in the lobby of team headquarters on Monday to announce the news of Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal, his prepared remarks ate up over six minutes – longer than a typical Browns’ offensive possession.

He allotted only four minutes for questions.

His prepared remarks concluded with these comments:

“The next 120 days are crucial for the organization, OK? We’ve got to find the right head coach. We’ve got to be efficient again in free agency. We have 10 draft picks, including two number ones. We have four of the top four picks in the top three rounds. And we’ve got to get really good players who are really good people again. We’ve got to be opportunistic if trade opportunities come along.

“We are solely focused on having a great 120 days so we can start winning games around here.”

Yes, the next 120 days are crucial because the 2026 coaching staff and roster will be built in that period.

Here is the NFL timeline for the next 120 days:

January 13-14: Coaches on wild-card teams can be interviewed via Zoom.

January 14: Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for NFL draft.

January 19: In-person interviews with coaches on playoff teams can begin, unless their teams are involved in conference title games.

January 26: Coaches involved in conference title games can be interviewed.

January 26-30: Coaches on Super Bowl teams can only interview during bye week if they already have received Zoom interview.

January 27: East-West Shrine Bowl, Frisco, TX.

January 31: Senior Bowl, Mobile, AL.

February 8: Super Bowl.

February 23-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, IN.

March 9: Free agents can begin negotiating with other teams.

March 11: League year 2026 begins. Free agent signings and trading begin.

March 29-April 1: NFL owner meetings, Phoenix, AZ.

April 6: Teams with new coaches may open offseason conditioning program.

April 15: Deadline for NFL teams to conduct draft visits in their facilities.

April 23-25: NFL draft, Pittsburgh, PA.

The Browns own their draft picks in Rounds 1-5, plus the following extra picks:

Round 1: Jacksonville.

Round 5: Las Vegas and Cincinnati.

Round 6: Chicago.

Round 7: Seattle.

The post Why Jimmy Haslam specified the next 120 days as crucial for the Browns appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Myles Garrett gets all the media hype, but a truer leader on the Browns, in my opinion, has been Denzel Ward.

Which is why his words in the aftermath of the coaching change should be taken to heart.

Nobody on defense threw the offense or special teams under the bus during the 2025 season, even though there was every reason to. That’s a credit to head coach Kevin Stefanski, who preached “win as a team, lose as a team” to avoid the finger-pointing that can splinter a team.

But after Stefanski was fired on Monday, Ward couldn’t help but speak from the heart. And what he said spoke volumes.

The context of Ward’s comments was a question about what the Browns need in their next head coach.

“Ummmm … let’s see …,” Ward started, measuring his words. “Honestly, I think we need, like, assertiveness. Just holding people accountable, holding guys accountable. Nobody played great [all the time]. Defense didn’t play great all year. I mean, we played well, we just didn’t play complementary football.”

Back to the next head coach.

“Just holding the offensive guys to a higher standard,” Ward said. “Making sure guys are doing what they’re supposed to do, and just holding guys accountable when they’re not. So I think just someone who’s going to hold people accountable and hold people to a high standard.

“We have to play complementary football. We just didn’t do that. You can’t win a lot of football games when you’re not playing as a team and not playing together.”

Ward knows it’s impossible to win in the NFL on defense alone. The five wins posted by the Browns in 2025 were generated by the defense. In those Browns victories, Green Bay scored 10 points, Miami scored 6, Las Vegas 10, Pittsburgh 6, and Cincinnati 18.

But there were also uncommon contributions from the two other phases in each win – a Shelby Harris blocked field goal and an Andre Szmyt 55-yard game-winning field goal against the Packers; a special teams turnover against the Dolphins; productive games by Shedeur Sanders, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson against the Raiders; two Szmyt field goals against the Steelers; a final scoring drive by Sanders at the end and another game-winning Szmyt kick against the Bengals.

The point is there were 12 games in which the offense and special teams weighed down the defense, and nothing was done about it. Ward knows that never happened on defense. If you didn’t do your job, your play time was taken away.

Ward declined to mention Stefanski by name when delivering his opinions about the next head coach. So he was asked if Stefanski was lax in holding players, even coaches, accountable in the other phases of the team.

“I wouldn’t say he didn’t hold us accountable,” Ward said. “I’m just saying for a future coach to come in we need someone to hold us accountable and to a high standard.”

Enough said.

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The Browns kicked off their first head coach search in seven years by requesting permission to interview Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Monken was Freddie Kitchens’ offensive coordinator in Cleveland in 2019 and most recently was John Harbaugh’s coordinator in Baltimore.

Topping this year’s NFL hiring cycle’s “shocking news” category, Harbaugh “parted ways” with the Ravens on Tuesday after 18 years partly because he declined to follow an organization demand to fire Monken, per reports.

Harbaugh, a native of Toledo with several relatives in Northeast Ohio, is expected to be the No. 1 coaching target in the hiring cycle. He could be headed to the New York Giants.

Durde, 46, is an out-of-box candidate because of his background. He’s a native of England who played as a linebacker in British American Football Leagues and the defunct NFL Europe.

Durde’s coaching career started as an intern with the Dallas Cowboys, who then hired him as defensive line coach in 2021. Durde became the first British born NFL coordinator when Mike Macdonald hired him in Seattle last year.

These initial Browns candidates already show the breadth of GM Andrew Berry’s coaching search. One offense, one defense. One an established NFL coordinator who’s had several head coach interviews. One a complete unknown.

“Our responsibility is to search far and wide,” Berry said on Monday. “There are good coaches out there. You know, we’ve just got to do our homework and find the right fit for us. We’ll have no preconceived notions as we go into the search.”

Below is our roster of other possible coach candidates for the Browns.

Re-treads with NFL head coach experience

Comp: Mike Vrabel

1. John Harbaugh, 63: The second-longest tenured coach in the NFL won’t be out of work long after his stunning departure from the Ravens after 18 seasons and an overall record of 193-124. Seldom does a long, successful coach switch teams in the same division, however. Would Harbaugh want to coach four games a year against Pittsburgh and Baltimore without an established quarterback waiting for him on the Browns? We think not.

2. Jim Schwartz, 59: Over three years as defensive coordinator, he’s taken the Browns’ defense to an elite level, capable of winning games. His players love him. Had a .363 win percentage and one wild-card appearance as Lions head coach from 2009-13 upon inheriting an 0-16 dumpster fire. He makes the most sense, to me, for a lot of reasons.

3. Mike McCarthy, 62: A gruff and hard-nosed Pittsburgh native, his .608 overall win percentage in 18 years with Green Bay and Dallas, one Super Bowl triumph and 13 non-losing seasons are hard to dismiss. Scored high (Grade A) in NFLPA players survey for leadership with the Cowboys.

4. Brian Flores, 44: Went 24-25 with the Dolphins from 2019-21 and blew through four offensive coordinators in three seasons. Was fired for “poor collaboration,” per owner Stephen Ross, but claims in ongoing lawsuit that he refused Ross’ instruction to “tank” for a better draft position. Has a great reputation as defensive coordinator, but has always run a 3-4 base system.

5. Robert Saleh, 46: The runner-up in 2020 to Kevin Stefanski for the Browns’ job, he landed with the Jets a year later and went 20-36 in 2021-24, which has aged better than in real time. Highly respected defensive coach who favors a four-man front.

6. Matt Nagy, 47: Road the coattails of Chieftain Andy Reid to the Bears’ job from 2018-21 and went 34-31 with two wild-card appearances. Rejoined Reid in Kansas City in 2023 and is considered worthy of a second chance. He is considered a favorite in Tennessee.

Young, unproven, up-and-comers (offense)

Comps: Ben Johnson, Liam Coen, Dave Canales, Kellen Moore

1. Joe Brady, 36: Joe Burrow’s pass game coordinator at LSU, he’s had more success in his second coordinator stint in Buffalo than his first with Carolina. Restored a run game to Josh Allen’s offense and has kept the Bills in top 10 in points, total yards and rushing yards in each of his three full seasons as coordinator.

2. Dan Pitcher, 36: Has emerged from the scouting side while in Indianapolis with Berry to a highly respected offensive assistant in Cincinnati in 10 years with the Bengals, the last two as coordinator. Burrow loves him and the Bengals consider him a future head coach.

3. Klint Kubiak, 38: Son of Stefanski-mentor Gary Kubiak, he should have been hired as Browns OC in 2024 but management wanted a shotgun spread guru for Deshaun Watson. Kubiak got his feet wet calling plays in New Orleans instead, and then moved on to Seattle to join Mike Macdonald in a splendid career move.

4. Mike LaFleur, 39: A Browns offensive intern at the age of 27 under then-coordinator Kyle Shanahan, he followed Shanahan to Atlanta and San Francisco and then joined Saleh as Jets offensive coordinator. That didn’t go well, but he rejuvenated his career under Sean McVay as Rams offensive coordinator the past three years. Younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.

Young, unproven up-and-comers (defense)

Comp: Mike Macdonald

1. Jesse Minter, 42: Has done excellent work with both Harbaughs – four years in Baltimore with John, and four years as coordinator with Jim at Michigan and the Chargers. The Chargers have been first and ninth in points allowed with Minter in charge. He probably is the prize catch of the unproven candidates from either side of the ball.

2. Chris Shula, 39: Grandson of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, he was a college teammate of McVay at Miami (Ohio). McVay hired him to his first Rams defensive staff in 2017 and Shula has worked his way up to coordinator the past two seasons. The Rams improved from 17th to 10th in points allowed under Shula.

3. Jeff Hafley, 46: The defensive backs coach under Browns coach Mike Pettine in 2014-15, he worked for Chip Kelly and Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco and then ran up a 22-26 record as Boston College head coach from 2020-23. He’s been DC for Matt LaFleur in Green Bay the past two years. His run defense has been a bane of the team this season.

Outside the box

Comp: Jim Harbaugh

1. Curt Cignetti, 64: The man who put Indiana University on the college football map just wins. Google him. A key assistant coach on Nick Saban’s first staff at Alabama, he transformed programs at James Madison and Indiana. His turnaround of IU, which knocked off Ohio State in the B1G Ten championship game and is the top seed in the college football playoffs, has been called “the greatest coaching job I’ve seen” by Urban Meyer. Would the Browns consider a college coach? Reportedly, they showed interest in Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame.

Now here’s a look at the latest NFL head coach interview guidelines:

1. Coaches not employed by any team can be interviewed any time.

2. Coaches under contract but not involved in playoffs can be interviewed three days after their final games, beginning this week.

3. Coaches on teams with byes (Denver and Seattle) can be interviewed via Zoom starting this week. Zoom interviews are limited to three hours in length.

4. Coaches on wild card teams can be interviewed via Zoom beginning January 13. Coaches on Houston and Pittsburgh, which play on Monday night, can be interviewed beginning January 14.

5. In-person interviews with coaches can begin January 19, unless their teams are involved in conference title games.

6. Coaches involved in conference title games can be interviewed on January 26 (either they’ve been eliminated or during bye week before Super Bowl).

7. Coaches on Super Bowl teams can only interview during bye week if they already have received Zoom interview.

8. No coach can sign a contract or agree to sign a contract until their season is completed.

9. Rooney Rule: Teams must conduct in-person interviews with up to two minority candidates outside the organization. Same with coordinator jobs. One minority must be interviewed for quarterback coach job.

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Takeaways from GM Andrew Berry’s end-of-season press availability …

Shedeur Sanders never felt a commitment from the Browns in his first season even though he started more games than any of the quarterbacks (seven) and won more (three).

The commitment Sanders has been seeking didn’t come from Andrew Berry on Monday.

“I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year,” said the Browns’ top football executive and leader of the search for their next head coach. “I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position. He’s still very much a work in progress like many rookie quarterbacks are.

“But I think we saw some really good things in terms of his playmaking, his accuracy, his ability to extend them with his feet. And I think I’d also give him credit, as well as our offensive staff, for bringing him along in terms of his pocket management, his situational awareness and things of that nature.

“Now, that all being said, we’re going to do our work on the quarterback market.

“It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the solution for, or the starter in 2026, is internal or external. But it’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks.

“And quite honestly, the new head coach will also have a lot of input into that as well.”

By winning their last two games against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and finishing with a 5-12 record, the Browns dropped from third to sixth in the 2026 draft order. Had they lost both, a 3-14 record would have moved the Browns to No. 1 in the draft based on strength-of-schedule tie-breaker.

With only two draft-eligible passers touted as possible franchise quarterbacks – Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Dante Moore of Oregon – the possibility of Berry finding his quarterback answer in this year’s draft is slim.

“Honestly, it’s too early to tell,” Berry said. “I think you can think about what everyone felt like we knew about the quarterback landscape this time last year, about what we thought we knew about the draft. There’s a lot of work to be done with this entire draft class. And again, you want to do that in partnership with your new head coach as well. I wish I could give you a little bit more in that regard, but it’s a long process to get through the assessment of this year’s passers.”

The Deshaun conundrum

Deshaun Watson earned praise for rehabbing from two Achilles tendon surgeries last October and January. Now, what do the Browns intend to do with a rehabbed Watson in 2026?

“I can never predict the future, but right now we do anticipate him being on the 2026 team,” Berry said. “But we have a long way to go before we get to that point with any player.”

Watson will be due $46 million in guaranteed salary in 2026. It’s the final installment of his five-year, fully guaranteed contract. Because of past salary-to-bonus conversions, his salary cap number for 2026 is $80.7 million, and his future dead cap cost surpasses $131 million.

The Browns can lower his cap number again with another bonus conversion in 2026. That would push about $44.7 million that would be rolled into his dead cap charges to the future, which would bring his dead cap total to over $175 million after 2026.

So Watson’s contract will be felt for at least two years after he departs. Which means 2029 might be the first year they are completely clean of the Watson contract.

On to the offense

Berry invested a lot of resources in the defense last year, acquiring veterans Maliek Collins and Tyson Campbell, drafting Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger with the fifth and 33rd overall draft selections, and giving Anthony Wright a contract extension.

He managed to add three potential offensive mainstays in the draft – running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, and tight end Harold Fannin – but knows there is plenty work to be done, specifically on the offensive line and at receiver.

“Specifically to the offense, it’s no secret that’s where we’re going to invest most of our resources this offseason,” Berry said. “I think the reality of it is a year ago, when we decided to make the pivot that we did, you also realize that you’re not going to be able to accomplish everything at once for the roster.

“The offensive line, that’s a position group that I do imagine will have a fair amount of turnover as we go into 2026. But we also do feel like it was important this year and quite honestly going into next year to give young players snaps if we’re ultimately going to build the core and foundation that we need to win perennially.

“I think there’s a lot of work that we still need to do on the offense from a personnel standpoint.”

Losing a thought partner

Berry clearly was saddened by the firing of Kevin Stefanski. He claimed, “I own the results [8-26] the past two years … I own it entirely.”

So why did he think the dismissal of Stefanski was needed?

“Ultimately, this decision is borne from the fact that we felt like we did not see enough progress in areas that were controllable – independent of certain game outcomes,” Berry said.

“I think all head coaches get evaluated on, whether it’s game strategy, going into the game, in-game decision making, certainly player development if you’re a young team. The quarterback is obviously a big part of it, but there are multiple areas, and some, quite frankly, I thought we did very well. Others, we didn’t see enough progress in.”

Looking ahead

Berry, 38, has never hired a head coach. Owner Jimmy Haslam said Berry will include members of his staff on the search, but Berry wouldn’t identify who.

“We want to make sure that we leverage the expertise of many people in our operation as we go through the process,” he said.

So, what is he looking for in his first head coach hire?

“We’ll be pretty open minded,” he said. “I think our responsibility is to search far and wide. There are good coaches out there. You know, we’ve just got to do our homework and find the right fit for us. We’ll have no pre-conceived notions as we go into the search.”

Most assume Berry will lean toward a young, offensive-minded, up-and-comer who would be agreeable to the collaborative approach that Haslam and Berry fostered over the past six years.

“I think it’s more you’re looking for maybe a specific skill-set, given where we are in our build, I think that’s fair,” Berry said. “I don’t think that archetype is singular. I don’t think that means it just has to be a young person. I don’t think that just means it has to be an offensive coach.

“The head coaching position, it’s so different than being a coordinator. And the head coach’s responsibility is to make sure that the offense is run and developed well, as opposed to necessarily having to be the person that directly does it.

“It’s not just leadership by position, but I’d say leadership more globally. Because when you hire a head coach, it’s someone who has to be able to lead your players, lead your staff, lead the organization, lead through hardship and lead through crisis. And NFL years, they’re like dog years. They’re really difficult seasons. And that’ll be at the forefront because it’s first and foremost a leadership position. And then when I say partnership, head coach/GM relationship is a lot like a marriage. And you have to work side by side and fight back to back. And I think that’s really, really important because you have to be aligned in terms of how you’re positioning the team.”

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Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry worked “extremely well” together and their partnership never weakened over six years.

So why did Haslam break up the partnership and let Stefanski go and Berry stay?

Essentially, Haslam blamed the 8-26 record the past two years on Stefanski and not on Berry’s roster-building. He said he thought the roster “was good enough to win more games.”

“To win eight games in two years is horrible. It’s totally unacceptable and it’s not going to continue,” Haslam said. “Our sole goal here is to be a consistent winner, not make the playoffs [only] in ‘20 and then make it again in ‘23, not win eight games in two years. That’s not what we’re trying to do. That’s not acceptable.”

Haslam proceeded to tout Berry’s record in player acquisitions this past season.

He singled out the signing of defensive tackle Maliek Collins in what he called “a very efficient free agency.”

He cited Berry’s draft-day trade with Jacksonville that netted the Browns second- and fourth-round picks in 2025 and a first-round pick in 2026.

“Then we had one of the better drafts that we’ve ever had,” Haslam said. “They’re not only really good players, they’re really good people. And they will be the cornerstone with which we’ll build and grow and develop this winning team.”

Haslam lauded Berry for finding Andre Szmyt after the club has “struggled to have a consistent place-kicker here … really the whole time we’ve owned the team.”

Finally, he mentioned the trade for cornerback Tyson Campbell, also from Jacksonville, in exchange for cornerback Greg Newsome.

Not only did Berry’s 2025 transaction season earn him a return as GM, Haslam empowered Berry with leading the search for Stefanski’s successor with “key members of his organization” and said “ownership will be involved in the process.”

Haslam added, “I think that core that Andrew has put together this year will help move us forward. We hope to have similar results this coming year.

“Let me just say this – the next 120 days are crucial for the organization, OK? We’ve got to find the right head coach, we’ve got to be efficient again in free agency. We have 10 draft picks, including two number ones, we have four of the top four picks in the top three rounds, OK? And we’ve got to get really good players who are really good people again. We’ve got to be opportunistic if trade opportunities come along. We are solely focused on having a great 120 days so we can start winning games around here.”

Haslam said the Browns would start the head coach search “literally this afternoon.”

But he was not ready to say if defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz would be a candidate.

“The leadership required out of a head coach in the NFL, it’s one of the tougher leadership jobs I’ve ever seen,” Haslam said. “So, they’ve got to be a good leader. I think they’ve got to be smart in terms of IQ, EQ [emotional quotient] and football acumen. And obviously they’re going to bring expertise on one side of the ball. We do not have bias on whether they should be from the offense or the defense.”

Haslam spoke only for roughly 10 minutes in front of a sponsorship backdrop moved to the lobby of the team headquarters. He took only 13 questions, and declined to speak about the team’s ongoing search for a franchise quarterback.

The post Jimmy Haslam: Kevin Stefanski’s 8-26 record the past two years is ‘Horrible … Unacceptable’ appeared first on The Land On Demand.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said the decision to fire Kevin Stefanski was made “over a period of time.”

Yet in that time, neither Haslam nor GM Andrew Berry, who will head the search for Stefanski’s successor, apparently has considered defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz an automatic candidate for the job.

“You know, we haven’t looked at that yet,” Haslam said. “I would say this: We think a lot of Jim Schwartz.”

Schwartz, 59, was hired in 2023 to succeed Joe Woods, Stefanski’s original defensive coordinator when he took over as Browns head coach in 2020. Under Schwartz, the defense has ranked first, 19th, and fourth in total yards allowed and 13th, 27th and 14th in points allowed.

Schwartz’s attack-oriented scheme has produced the franchise’s two highest season sack totals – 53 in 2025 and 49 in 2023. And, of course, it produced a record-breaking season this year from franchise defensive end Myles Garrett, whose quest for the record of 23 sacks became a rallying cry for the entire team in the month of December.

Every one of the Browns’ five victories this season was generated by the defense, capped off by the 20-18 win in Cincinnati in which the defense scored two touchdowns on an interception and fumble return. The Browns had 10 games this year in which its offense did not score two touchdowns.

And yet … there is hesitation in committing to Schwartz as an automatic candidate to take over the head job.

Perhaps the Browns don’t want to scare away other possible candidates by trumpeting Schwartz as a front-runner for the job. They also have to comply with NFL rules to interview at least two minority candidates from outside the organization and minority candidates recently have shied away from receiving “token” interviews simply to comply with the NFL’s Rooney Rule.

“Jim’s an outstanding football coach,” Berry said. “We have a lot of respect for him, a lot of appreciation for him. He certainly has earned the right for consideration. But that’s something that we still have to discuss and obviously discuss with him.”

Schwartz’s only head coach experience came with the Detroit Lions from 2009 through 2013. The Lions inherited the No. 1 pick in the draft after going 0-16 under Rod Marinelli. They used it on quarterback Matthew Stafford. In Schwartz’s first three years, the Lions went 2-14, 6-10 and 10-6 and a wild-card berth, which they lost. Schwartz was fired after the Lions went 4-12 and 7-9 in his last two seasons.

Three home-grown defensive players who have received second contracts from Berry strongly endorsed Schwartz for the job at their exit media interviews on Monday.

“Personally, I have so much love and respect for Coach Schwartz,” cornerback Denzel Ward said. “I would highly recommend Coach Schwartz for a head coaching job here. He’s helped my game tremendously. Puts us in great position. Great leader. I can’t say enough great things about him. He’s a guy who you want in a coach to lead a team. He’s the guy.”

Defensive end Alex Wright said one of the reasons he signed a contract extension this season rather than seek free agency was to play for Schwartz.

“I hope he stays,” Wright said. “I mean, since he’s been here, we’ve been a top defense, top in almost every category.”

Safety Grant Delpit said, “Yeah, I’d be concerned,” if Schwartz were to leave as a result of a coaching change.

“I think over the past three years we’ve accumulated, you know, a number one defense. So I think it goes without saying what kind of coach he is and the energy he brings,” Delpit said.

“Look, I think Coach Schwartz is going to be a great, still-got-it type of head coach. He’s a fiery guy. He’s taken our defense and brought it to an elite level, and kept it there. So I’m excited for Coach Schwartz.”

Berry sounded unfazed by the possibility of losing Schwartz and disrupting the defense that’s been built exclusively for his scheme.

“One of the costs of turnover is that players can kind of get caught in the transition between scheme to scheme,” Berry said. “We do have a number of players who are maybe a little bit more scheme-specific [to Schwartz] but also we have a number of players that are pretty scheme-versatile.

“Ultimately, our thought will be ‘let’s find the right head coach, the right leader.’ Because schemes really do come and go. But we’re very pleased where that side of the ball is. That group is intact, they’re under contract and we really do like the style of play.”

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CINCINNATI

It was one of the most entertaining Battles of Ohio, indeed, won, against all odds, by the Browns, 20-18.

It had tense drama intertwined with irrefutable history.

But most of all, it was a thrilling storybook ending …

* For Andre Szmyt.

He completed his season-long redemption tour by beating the Bengals with a last-second, 49-yard field goal after losing to them in Game 1 by one point on two misses. Szmyt also made two PATs from 48 yards after unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the Browns.

* For Myles Garrett.

His dogged pursuit of the NFL single-season sack record was finally rewarded with a lightning-quick takedown of Joe Burrow with 5:16 to play in the game. Garrett said he dreamt the night before that he fell short of the record, and the thought of that letdown fueled his unceasing adrenalin all game to reach 23 sacks on the season

* For Shedeur Sanders.

The rookie quarterback shook off a terrible first half and engineered his first fourth-quarter comeback win with a 40-yard drive to set up Szmyt’s field goal at the end. Sanders finished his seven starts at quarterback with three wins, including back-to-backers against rivals Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

* For Jim Schwartz.

The overlooked NFL head coach candidate inspired his defense to score two touchdowns on a 97-yard Pick 6 by linebacker Devin Bush and a 47-yard fumble return by backup cornerback Sam Webb, and hold Burrow’s 28 ppg offense to 18 points.

As perspective, the Browns’ offense failed to score two touchdowns in 10 games this season! Two field-goal misses by Evan McPherson helped a bunch, but a PBU by Grant Delpit on Burrow’s 2-point attempt with 1:12 to play made the game winnable with a field goal.

Now, what does a second straight, hard-fought win over a division rival do for coach Kevin Stefanski? Was his storybook ending a win to save his job with the Browns or merely a deserving way for an honorable man to exit after six seasons?

Stefanski celebrated the win, Szmyt’s redemptive field goal, and Garrett’s historic record with his players behind the closed doors of the locker room. Thunderous cheers could be heard through the concrete wall of the post-game media room. When Stefanski entered the room, he was visibly happy and at peace with whatever his fate will be.

“Respectfully, this game is not about me,” Stefanski said, predictably. “I told you guys that. I’m proud of that group for fighting.”

Pressed if he expects to remain coach of the Browns, Stefanski light-heartedly responded, “And with all respect to that attempt by you, I’m not making the focus about me.”

The belief by me has been that a decision to part ways with Stefanski was made before the last two wins, which raised the record to 5-12 this season and 8-26 over the past two years of the Stefanski regime.

But if that was the plan, keep in mind the Browns change plans like no other sports organization.

Just this year, they didn’t plan to draft two quarterbacks, but they chose Sanders 50 spots after drafting Dillon Gabriel in the third round. They didn’t plan to trade Joe Flacco, but they traded him to Cincinnati, of all teams, soon after deplaning from their international game in London.

Further back, they didn’t plan to trade Odell Beckham Jr., until they did.

So a change of heart possibly could take place, which would not only give Stefanski another year but also secure the services of Schwartz, whose defense is greatly responsible for the five victories. If they change head coaches, they risk losing Schwartz, unless he is the successor to Stefanski.

“I love Jim. I love working with Jim,” Stefanski said. “He’s deserving of those kind of [head coach] opportunities, and if that happens I’d be thrilled for him.”

Garrett credited Schwartz with “scheming it up to get the chips and doubles [blocks] off me. We just kept getting pressure [on Burrow].”

The record sack came on one of three times in the game Garrett was singled-up against a Bengals lineman, he said.

Garrett called it “a stereotypical sack, for me.”

“Getting off, doing the chopping and right into the dip,” he described. “And I was watching the clock. I knew that the next time [Burrow] gave a count, it was going to be that they were gone. So, I was just watching the ball as quick as I could and they had a couple other tells that gave me the snap count. So, as soon as I saw that, it aligned. It’s probably the best get-off I’ve ever had, trying to get that sack, and the rest is history.”

Garrett said he was “scared as hell” he wouldn’t get the record after waking up at 6:30 a.m. from the dream that he was shut out.

When Garrett took down Burrow for his 23rd sack with 5:16 to play, the game was stopped by the officials and Garrett was mobbed by his teammates rushing to him from the sideline.

The scene left Bengals coach Zac Taylor miffed. “We’re playing for our lives here, and I was never told we were going to stop the game, and in a critical moment like that,” the party-pooper huffed.

Garrett celebrated on his way to the bench for one of his few rest periods in the game. During a timeout, his defensive teammates lifted him on their shoulders as Garrett saluted the Browns fans behind their bench.

Szmyt got the same royal treatment after bisecting the uprights on his game-winner.

“It’s pretty incredible, truly unbelievable,” said of the moment. “I didn’t know what to do.”

After missing a field goal and PAT in the opening, 17-16 loss to the Bengals, Szmyt made 23 of 25 field goals, including two game-winners, and 24 consecutive PATs.

“To end the season like this is pretty unbelievable. It’s like a story,” he said.

As for Sanders, he attributed his bad first half (5 of 10 for 48 yards with almost three interceptions, three sacks and a lost fumble) to something he was dealing with “spiritually.”

The two field-goal drives he was able to put together in the second half were a significant rebound from that adversity. After an interception and sack on the final drive, he completed passes of 13 yards to Isaiah Bond and 11 to Jerry Jeudy to set up the field goal. A heave for an open Bond from 36 yards away fell just short of the intended receiver at the goal line.

Sanders said he proved “that I’m able to drive down the field … [that] a bad half doesn’t define [him].”

Later in his post-mortem, Sanders commended Stefanski for being “real tough” through these last weeks of outside noise about his future.

“I think I grew and learned a lot from him,” Sanders said. “I feel like we grew to understand each other. We share different things that we both will go through. I know he wanted this win. And I know he wants every win, but I know this one means a lot.”

Was it a win that saved Stefanski’s job. Or merely a win to go out on a high note?

We shall soon find out.

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