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Browns NFL Combine Updates: Cleveland Looking to Start Todd Moken Era Strong

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Original Story by Sports Illustrated
March 1, 2026
Browns NFL Combine Updates: Cleveland Looking to Start Todd Moken Era Strong

Context:

After firing Kevin Stefanski, the Browns moved quickly to reset, hiring Todd Monken and framing a 120-day window to shape the roster ahead of free agency and the draft. The top priority remains fixing a shaky offensive line, with a plan to emulate a rapid rebuild and rely on internal depth to assuage the unit’s losses. Quarterback uncertainty persists, as the team keeps options open for competition and potential additions, while not ruling out drafting a new signal-caller. A strategic option under consideration is trading down from No. 6 to recoup assets for the offense, especially at QB, as the team searches for a long-term answer. The outlook centers on building a cohesive offense around Monken’s system and aligning personnel moves for the coming season.

Dive Deeper:

  • The Browns began their post-Stefanski era under owner Jimmy Haslam with a pledge that the next 120 days would be pivotal, culminating in the hire of Todd Monken as head coach and preparation for free agency.

  • Fixing the offensive line remains the paramount offseason objective, with GM Andrew Berry admiring how the Chicago Bears rebuilt their line in one offseason and anticipating a similar strategy as every starter is slated for free agency.

  • Internal depth players like Luke Wypler and Dawand Jones are expected to be healthy and contend for roles, while the team met with premier tackles in this draft class, including Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling, and Francis Mauigoa.

  • On quarterbacking, Cleveland publicly entertains a competition among Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson, but Monken’s connections suggest the Browns could explore multiple draft and free-agent options, potentially targeting Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeir, Carson Beck, Drew Allar, Malik Willis, Anthony Richardson, or Kyler Murray.

  • Berry signaled openness to trading down from No. 6, aiming to collect additional picks given many offensive needs, following a previous year’s substantial haul for No. 2 overall, and to better position the team at quarterback.

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