Major outlet throws out record Cleveland Browns fans should expect to see the team finish with in 2026

Digging in on whether or not the expected record for the Cleveland Browns in 2026 makes sense or not at this point.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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The Cleveland Browns started their offseason moves just a day after the regular season ended back in January when they fired Kevin Stefanski. A lengthy coaching search saw the Browns land former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their head coach. Since then, it’s been all about making changes to the roster to put a better product on the field in 2026. 

Cleveland started a week before free agency with a trade for OT Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans. With all five starters along the offensive line from last season being free agents, it was known big change was coming for the Browns. Cleveland signed two more outside free agents to start up front in 2026 with G Zion Johnson and G/C Elgton Jenkins. 

The Browns aren’t going to be a team picked to be in the playoffs in 2027 with a big question mark still at quarterback. Still, they should be an improved team from last year. 

Bleacher Report gives a fair expectation for Todd Monken’s first season in Cleveland 

BR recently published a piece reviewing first-year expectations for new coaches across the NFL. The Browns are at a 6-11 record for the 2026 season and that’s fair with where they’re at. Cleveland can take another big step forward this season, but competing for the playoffs in 2027 is more likely.

Cleveland had an elite defense last season led by Myles Garrett and his 23 sacks to break the NFL single-season sack record. Browns’ defense allowed just 305.8 yards per game in 2026, which was No. 6 in the NFL. The unit would have been even better if it weren’t for their offense forcing them to be on the field so much. Cleveland’s 16.4 points per game scored in 2026 was 31st in the NFL. 

As it currently stands, the Browns are going to roll with either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson as the starter in 2026. Neither player has shown much in a Browns uniform worth believing in, so it’s tough to see the team improving much over last year’s 5-12 record unless the quarterback position improves. 

The Browns have gotten better through free agency with the offensive line additions and by adding a linebacker like Quincy Williams, but there’s still a lot of work to do in April’s NFL draft. Cleveland badly needs wide receiver help and a left tackle to help whoever’s playing quarterback out. 

Browns fans will be the first to tell you they need to see it to believe it. Setting the expectation at 6-11 for the 2026 season would be a slight improvement, but not a huge needle mover. Cleveland has to go out and prove it to change the picture for them. Simple. 

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