RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns, long snapper Charley Hughlett #47, center Ethan Pocic #55, guard Joel Bitonio #75, cornerback Denzel Ward #21, and quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 stand on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at Allegiant Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The more things change, the more they stay the same… that has been true for the Cleveland Browns for quite a few seasons, but not anymore. Now, every year since GM Andrew Berry took over the team in 2020, the Browns roster has seen some changes here and there , but the massive overhaul that started in 2025 has taken another step ahead in 2026.
So what happens when you compare the newly unveiled 2026 initial 53-man roster in Cleveland to the one the Browns started the 2025 season with? First, it is important to note that we already know how last year’s roster turned out. We are not comparing that roster on the day it was set to Sunday when this year’s roster was put in place.
That doesn’t mean we can’t try the exercise anyway. It’ll be quite simple: a list of names from each year, and where it seems to be improved or diminished in talent compared to last year.
Quarterback
2025: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders
2026: Taylen Green, Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson
Verdict: Very, very uncertain. Flacco was terrible last year, as were the other two. Maybe a small improvement due to Green’s athletic ability?
Running back
2025: Jerome Ford, Dylan Sampson
2026: Michael Burton (FB), Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders
Verdict: Much improved. Obviously, things changed quickly in the RB room last year but this exercise is based on initial rosters.
Wide receivers
2025: Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Gage Larvadain, Isaiah Bond, DeAndre Carter
2026: Isaiah Bond, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion Jr., Malachi Corley, Jerry Jeudy, Tylan Wallace
Verdict: Much improved. Next
Tight ends
2025: David Njoku, Harold Fannin, Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates
2026: Harold Fannin Jr., Carsen Ryan, Blake Whiteheart
Verdict: Diminished. Fannin was the top tight end last year, but Njoku was still a good blocker and had moments where he could make an impact in the passing game.
Offensive line
2025: Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, Cornelius Lucas, KT Leveston, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller Teven Jenkins, Zak Zinter, Ethan Pocic, Luke Wypler
2026: Austin Barber, Parker Brailsford, Spencer Fano, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler, Zak Zinter
Verdict: Has to be improved, right?! The starters will either all be new or four out of the five of them, from a line that was putrid last year, besides the now-retired Bitonio.
Defensive line
2025: Myles Garrett, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Cameron Thomas, Mason Graham, Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr, Shelby Harris, Adin Huntington
2026: Derek Barnett, Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, Mason Graham, Mike Hall Jr., Adin Huntington, Isaiah McGuire, Julian Okwara, Jared Verse
Verdict: Diminished. One of the easiest calls, sadly, in the roster comparisons. Cleveland is hoping that Verse plus some development from the young guys can offset Garrett’s departure and Wright’s injury. A lot to hope for.
Linebacker
2025: Carson Schwesinger, Devin Bush, Mohamoud Diabate, Jerome Baker, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
2026: Justin Jefferson, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Winston Reid, Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams
Verdict: Some improvement. Williams can replace Bush, and Schwesinger should grow off his Rookie of the Year season.
Defensive backs
2025: Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Myles Harden, Cameron Mitchell, Dom Jones, Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, Rayshawn Jenkins, Damontae Kazee, Donovan McMillon
2026: Mekhi Blackmon, Tyson Campbell, Michael Coats Jr., Grant Delpit, Myles Harden, Ronnie Hickman, Donovan McMillon, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Daniel Thomas, Denzel Ward
Verdict: Slight improvement. The loss of some veteran depth at safety is offset by Campbell for Newsome, some development from the young guys, and the upside of EMW.
Special Teams
No changes
Tabulating up the results:
Improved : 5 (RB, WR, OL, LB, DB)
Diminished : 2 (TE, DL)
Too close to call: 2 (QB, ST)
What say you? Where have they improved, diminished, or is it too close to call?
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