‘Really strong foundation’: CBS analyst praises the Browns’ 2026 offseason

Despite not landing any “heavy hitters” in free agency this year besides interior offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson, the Browns have received copious amounts of praise for how they navigated the offseason so far.

Most recently, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports made sure to point out Cleveland’s lingering quarterback issue but emphasized what they’ve done to this point since the 2025 season ended.

“There’s still a massive question at quarterback, but the Browns continue to build up a strong foundation of young players. After adding the likes of tight end Harold Fannin, Quinshon Judkins, Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger at the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland built on that momentum by adding impact players like left tackle Spencer Fano, safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, along with receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. That gives the Browns a really strong foundation to build on, albeit without a clear-cut answer at quarterback.”

The Browns undoubtedly had one of the best draft classes last season, and now they could have another elite group this year. If OT Spencer Fano, WR KC Concepcion, and WR Denzel Boston can live up to the hype early on in the 2026 season, Cleveland could end up being much better than the media suggests this upcoming season.

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, OT Austin Barber, and C Parker Brailsford could also give the Browns long-term answers at crucial positions in the future.

Putting together two strong NFL Draft classes and faring pretty well in free agency over the past two seasons could result in a much more accelerated “rebuild period” for the team than originally expected.