In many ways, the story around the Cleveland Browns has remained the same heading into the 2026 season: What is the deal at the quarterback position? The offensive line has been upgraded, and the wide receiver room saw an update this offseason, while RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin Jr. are the bedrock of the offense's future.
The defense is looking to replace two key components: DE Myles Garrett and DC Jim Schwartz. Adding DE Jared Verse in the Garrett deal puts a lot of pressure on the young defensive end, while CBs Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell are locked in as veteran cornerstones of a defense, along with youngsters Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham.
As the offseason prepares to turn to training camp, ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi has listed Cleveland's three "lingering questions," including the obvious quarterback position. Verse and the Browns pass rush were the second question:
Cleveland, though, believes it is still well-equipped to field an elite defense after getting two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse in return. Verse isn't in Garrett's caliber as a pass rusher, but he has still been one of the more disruptive edge defenders in his first two seasons.
Whether the team extends safety Grant Delpit and Ward also linger: