Browns Rebuild Offensive Line, QB Battle Looms

0:00On March 16, the Cleveland Browns jumped into the 2026 free agency period with a focus on rebuilding their offensive line. They let go of veterans like Joel Baitonio, Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pasek, and Jack Conklin, then quickly signed Titus Howard, Zion Johnson, and Elton. Jenkins to shore up the front five. These moves should boost protection of front, but with Howard turning 30 soon, and Jenkins already in his age 30 season, the line remains a top. Priority heading into the draft. Despite a tough salary cap crunch, including over $70 million in dead money in Dishon Watson's long-term deal, the team spent more, freely than many expected. General manager Andrew Berry navigated the space well, but bigger questions linger at quarterback, where they skipped a run at Malik Willis and plan A. Training camp battle between Shader Sanders, Watson, and Dylan Gabriel. Players like Sanders stand to gain the most from this approach, getting a clear shot at the starting job, without veteran competition.

1:02Wider Seeber-Jerry Judy dodged trade rumors and holds down the number two spot, while injured tackled Dewan Jones and running back Quenching Judkins, benefit from the new line muscle. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg also added familiar faces like Quincy Williams and Collier Davis to fit his scheme. On the flip side, the front office drew some fan frustration for not chasing receivers or extra quarterback depth, especially with the draft a month, away. Many departing free agents, including Betoniel, Teller, and David and Joku, remain unsigned and generated Little Buzz elsewhere. As the Browns tweaked the roster under new coach Todd Monkin, expect draft picks to fill key gaps and more cap maneuvers to keep building momentum into the season.