All articles tagged with #browns
With Todd Monken taking over, Cleveland plans a system built around limited current talent and a likely TE-heavy approach for 2026, potentially reuniting Monken with Georgia product Oscar Delp while adding other TEs like Harold Fannin Jr., Blake Whiteheart, and Brenden Bates after David Njoku’s departure.
Berry’s comments lay out a 2026 QB competition: Deshaun Watson remains on the roster, while Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel will compete and outside options will be considered. Because of Watson’s contract, Cleveland won’t cut or trade him in 2026, instead exploring a restructure to enable a 2027 release while keeping updates through July.
Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Combine centered on clearer roles for Browns GM Andrew Berry and new HC Todd Monken, with QB draft buzz (Allar’s upside, Ty Simpson likely mid-to-late second) and potential interior O-line trades driving chatter, as Cleveland remains active on trades and potential draft-down moves ahead of free agency.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Browns GM Andrew Berry said it’s too early to name a Week 1 starter, keeping an open competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson while weighing external QBs like Malik Williams and Ty Simpson under a new coaching staff after a 5-12 season and Watson’s costly, injury-plagued tenure.
At the scouting combine, Browns GM Andrew Berry said they will not rush a 2026 QB1 decision, envisioning Sanders and Watson competing as Dillon Gabriel remains under contract and the club could add another QB in free agency or the draft. Sanders must learn Cleveland's new offense and grow, Watson aims to return healthier, and Berry stressed that competition will guide the process with no limits on adding depth if it helps the roster.
The Cleveland Browns have named their three coordinators under head coach Todd Monken for the 2026 season: Travis Switzer as offensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg as defensive coordinator, and Byron Storer as special teams coordinator. Monken stressed a players-first philosophy and highlighted Switzer’s Ravens run-game success, Rutenberg’s NFL coordinating and coaching background, and Storer’s Packers special-teams credentials as the foundation for building the 2026 unit.
Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was jumped by four men in a Manhattan hotel lobby early Monday, sustaining minor injuries and being treated at Bellevue Hospital before being released in stable condition; suspects fled before police arrived and no arrests have been made as the Browns and authorities investigate.
The Cleveland Browns plan to hire Falcons defensive passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as their new defensive coordinator after Jim Schwartz's resignation, with Rutenberg joining head coach Todd Monken and potentially continuing Schwartz's scheme with some philosophical changes.
The Cleveland Browns are nearing a deal to hire Falcons pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as their defensive coordinator under new head coach Todd Monken, marking his first DC role. Rutenberg has NFL coaching experience with the Jets, 49ers, Jaguars and Washington. Monken plans to maintain an attack-style defense and is expected to keep most of Jim Schwartz’s staff, as the Browns aim to sustain a top-ranked defense.
Schwartz stepped away with the expectation of not coaching in 2026, but the Browns–Schwartz standoff may still unfold: without a separation agreement, Schwartz’s options are murky since head coaches can be traded but assistants cannot, leaving room for a future Raiders move and keeping the 2027 option in play.
Garrett's unanimous Defensive Player of the Year win contrasts with T.J. Watt’s down season (seven sacks, three misses) and aging edge-rusher concerns, even as Garrett set a single-season sacks record with 23. Pittsburgh’s $123 million extension signals belief Watt still has more to give, making this moment feel like a potential turning point and a test of Watt's ability to reclaim dominance.
The Cleveland Browns, following Kevin Stefanski’s firing and with Todd Monken signaling a plan to retain the current defensive system, are weighing five candidates to replace Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator: Jason Tarver, Ephraim Banda, Dino Vasso, Cory Undlin, and Jerod Mayo. Tarver brings Raiders DC experience; Banda is an up‑and‑comers’ coach with college‑level DC background; Vasso has Houston/Eagles/Chiefs experience but no DC track record; Undlin is a veteran NFL coordinator with Browns ties; Mayo is a former Patriots HC candidate. Monken’s insistence on preserving the system may narrow the field, but Cleveland should still attract interest given its roster.
After introducing new head coach Todd Monken, the Browns offered little public clarity on the future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who is under contract through 2026 and reportedly wants out after not landing the top job. Monken said Schwartz is outstanding but declined to comment on his status and emphasized plans to keep the current defensive system, leaving Schwartz’s fate to be decided later and potentially shaped by financial considerations and team dynamics.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders—son of Deion—surprised many by earning a Pro Bowl invite after a volatile rookie season. While the Pro Bowl is largely ceremonial, Sanders treats the moment as a chance to prove he’s more than his name. The invite came after AFC quarterbacks injuries and Trevor Lawrence opting out; Sanders spent the week around top players like Michael Vick and intends the appearance as a launchpad toward a longer NFL career, especially with a new head coach in 2026.
Cornerback Denzel Ward says he hopes Jim Schwartz stays with the Browns as the team weighs its coaching future after hiring Todd Monken. Schwartz has two years left on his contract and has public support from Myles Garrett and Grant Delpit, despite ongoing uncertainty. The Browns finished 4th in total defense and 14th in points under Schwartz."