The End of the Stefanski Era
The Cleveland Browns entered a new chapter on January 5, 2026, by firing head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons. Despite a 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals to close the year, Stefanski’s 45-56 tenure ended following back-to-back losing seasons, including a 5-12 finish in 2025, according to [Kevin Stefanski fired after six seasons as Browns coach](https://www.brownszone.com/2026/01/05/kevin-stefanski-fired-after-six-seasons-as-browns-coach/). While the two-time Coach of the Year is out, owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have opted for continuity in the front office, retaining General Manager Andrew Berry to lead the search for a successor and manage a roster in transition.
The Financial Shadow of Deshaun Watson
Berry’s primary challenge remains the lingering weight of Deshaun Watson’s contract. Watson, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, carries a massive $40,959,128 cap hit for 2026, as detailed in [Deshaun Watson Contract, Salary & Cap Hit 2026](https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/21753/deshaun-watson). With a dead cap value previously estimated as high as $172.7 million, the Browns have limited flexibility in free agency. This financial reality places immense pressure on Berry’s 2026 draft class to provide high-level production at a low cost, effectively subsidizing the expensive veteran core.
A Quarterback Room in Flux
The arrival of new head coach Todd Monken, formerly the team's offensive coordinator, signals a shift in philosophy, per [Cleveland Browns NFL Draft 2026 guide: Picks, predictions and key needs](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7190588/2026/04/13/cleveland-browns-2026-nfl-draft-picks-needs-predictions-guide). Monken inherits a quarterback room defined by uncertainty. While Watson is working to return from his Achilles injury, he faces competition from Shedeur Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick who started eight games last season. Sanders threw for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, and Berry has confirmed that the starting job is up for grabs heading into the 2026 campaign, according to [Browns GM Andrew Berry reveals Deshaun Watson's future beyond 2026](https://brownswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/browns/2026/06/13/browns-gm-andrew-berry-reveals-deshaun-watsons-future-beyond-2026/).
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Draft
Armed with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Berry is looking for targeted and opportunistic additions to bolster a roster that still features elite talent like Myles Garrett, who set the NFL season sack record in 2025, as noted in [Myles Garrett defies dream, breaks NFL season sack record with takedown of Joe Burrow](https://www.brownszone.com/2026/01/04/myles-garrett-defies-dream-breaks-nfl-season-sack-record-with-takedown-of-joe-burrow/). The Browns are reportedly evaluating top prospects such as Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. For Berry, these draft picks are not just future pieces; they are the essential components needed to stabilize a franchise currently overshadowed by its past financial commitments.
