Context:

The Cleveland Browns have undergone notable changes during the offseason, including a tumultuous quarterback situation, which has led ESPN's Mike Clay to project them as the NFL team with the fewest wins. This projection comes despite the Browns acquiring Kenny Pickett, bringing back Joe Flacco, and drafting quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, creating a competitive environment with four potential starters. The Browns seem to be focusing on the long term, possibly aiming to draft a quarterback in 2026, and are largely unconcerned with immediate success. The priority for the organization appears to be the development of rookies and key players to secure a stronger future. Commentary from around the league has highlighted the Browns' situation, with various figures defending or criticizing their decisions, particularly regarding quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Dive Deeper:

• The Cleveland Browns have been a focal point in the NFL offseason due to their complex quarterback situation and strategic decisions. After acquiring Kenny Pickett and bringing back veteran Joe Flacco, the team further complicated its roster by drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, leading to a crowded field of potential starting quarterbacks.

• ESPN's Mike Clay has projected the Browns to achieve only 4.6 wins, suggesting they might be the worst-performing team in the NFL this season. This prediction is based on their apparent lack of focus on immediate success, opting instead to prepare for a potential quarterback draft in 2026.

• Despite the current uncertainty, the Browns seem more invested in the long-term development of their rookies and key players rather than immediate victories. The organization is likely measuring success by the readiness of its players for future challenges rather than their immediate win-loss record.

• The quarterback controversy in Cleveland has attracted significant attention and commentary from both supporters and critics, with figures like Travis Kelce and Justin Jefferson publicly discussing the performance and potential of Shedeur Sanders.

• The Browns have been ranked among the worst teams in post-NFL Draft power rankings, reflecting skepticism about their current roster and strategic direction. This ranking underscores the widespread perception of their struggle to compete effectively this season.

• The Cleveland Browns have had one of the most discussed offseasons of any team in the NFL. Their quarterback situation remains one of the worst in the NFL. After trading for Kenny Pickett in March, the Browns brought back Joe Flacco after he spent a year with the Indianapolis Colts and then had one of the craziest drafts in recent memory.

• Cleveland drafted Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round before trading up to take Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Now with four quarterbacks with a chance to start Week 1 and Deshaun Watson also being there for the time being, the Browns have one of the biggest quarterback controversies in the league.

• It's because of this, among other roster shortcomings, that ESPN's Mike Clay projects the Browns to have the fewest wins in the NFL. Clay projects the Browns to have 4.6 wins. It seems pretty apparent that the Browns are preparing to take a quarterback in 2026 and more or less are indifferent about what happens this season. As long as their top rookies and stars show they are ready for the future with whomever they take in 2026, Cleveland should take that as a win.

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