The $100 Million Shield
Andrew Berry didn’t just tweak the roster last week; he detonated the old offensive line to build a fortress for Sanders. The Browns traded for Houston tackle Tytus Howard and secured him with a three-year, $63 million extension. They followed that by snagging two-time Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins on a $24 million deal and adding Zion Johnson for a staggering $49.5 million.
This isn’t a “win-now” veteran move. This is a “keep-the-kid-upright” investment. Sanders took a beating during his eight appearances in 2025, but he also provided the only sparks in a dismal season. His record-breaking Week 14 performance—where he hung 364 passing yards and 4 total touchdowns on the Titans—proved he has the ceiling Deshaun Watson hasn’t touched in years. With the veteran market dried up and the Browns sitting on $21 million in fresh cap space, the competition this summer is Sanders’ to lose.
“I’m not looking at the depth chart. I’m looking at the film. We know what we’re building here, and I’m ready to lead this group behind a line that actually gives us a chance to breathe.”
— Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns QB
The Battle for the Land
While Deshaun Watson remains on the roster due to a contract that remains an albatross, the momentum has shifted. The team’s decision to pass on top-tier free agent Malik Willis signaled a pivot toward the youth movement. Dillon Gabriel remains a factor, but he lacks the vertical explosive playmaking that Sanders flashed late last year. Sanders joined Aaron Rodgers as the only QBs since 2000 to record four completions of 50-plus yards within their first three career starts.
Expect a “wide open” competition in July, but make no mistake: the Browns are betting their 2026 season on Sanders’ arm and his newly fortified pocket. The front office knows that if Sanders hits his stride with Howard and Jenkins protecting him, the narrative in Cleveland finally changes from salary cap hell to playoff contention.
