What Happened to Cleveland Browns?

The Cleveland Browns, a franchise with a storied history but a long period of struggles since their return to the NFL in 1999, have seen a turbulent but transformative period from 2020 to mid-2026. After securing their first playoff berth since 2002 in the 2020 season and even winning a Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, expectations soared. This momentum, however, proved difficult to sustain consistently.

A pivotal moment arrived in March 2022 with the controversial trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson and the subsequent signing of a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. This move was intended to solidify the quarterback position and elevate the team to perennial contender status. However, Watson's tenure has been marred by a lengthy NFL suspension in 2022, followed by injuries in 2023 (shoulder) and 2024 (Achilles), which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. His limited on-field performance and significant cap hit have become a major challenge for the franchise, leading to multiple contract restructures to free up cap space, most recently in March 2026.

The team's performance declined sharply in 2024, finishing with a 3-14 record, followed by a 5-12 record in 2025, missing the playoffs in both seasons. The 2025 season saw defensive end Myles Garrett set a new NFL record with 23 sacks, a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing year. The consistent underperformance led to significant changes, with head coach Kevin Stefanski being fired on January 5, 2026, after six seasons.

In March 2026, the Browns hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, bringing in a revamped coaching staff, including new offensive, defensive, and special teams coordinators. The 2026 NFL Draft saw the Browns focus heavily on offensive talent, selecting offensive tackle Spencer Fano and wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the early rounds, aiming to bolster an offensive line and receiving corps that struggled in previous seasons. The team also made several free-agent acquisitions to address the offensive line.

As of July 2026, the Browns are preparing for training camp with a quarterback competition featuring Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. Watson's contract remains a significant financial commitment, with substantial dead cap charges projected for 2027 and 2028 even if he is no longer with the team. Off the field, the franchise is making a monumental investment in its future with the groundbreaking of a new $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, in March 2026. This state-of-the-art venue, designed to host a variety of year-round events, is expected to open by 2029 and secure the Browns' presence in Northeast Ohio for generations. The current status reflects a team in transition, with a new coaching staff, a re-tooled roster, and a massive stadium project underway, all aimed at achieving sustained success.