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The Cleveland Browns are looking to have a bounce-back season after the hiring of Todd Monken as the new head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski.
But the Browns might not be contenders right away. Cleveland might not even be competitive this upcoming season, as most of their roster moves are multi-year deals for veterans along the offensive line. That could impact Shedeur Sanders in a big way.
And as Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox projected, the Browns might end up tanking in 2026, which would be very bad news for Sanders' future as a starter going forward.
Browns projected plan for 2026 is bad news for Shedeur Sanders
"This doesn't suggest that many wins are imminent," Knox writes. "Gabriel and Sanders both had their fair shares of rookie struggles in 2025, and Watson hasn't played like a functioning starter since arriving in Cleveland. If one of them surprises and gives the Browns long-term hope, great, but this feels like a bridge plan in 2027."
This upcoming season for the Browns doesn't look to be an overly productive one. Sanders struggled a lot last season, despite showing some potential at times.
With Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel also struggling during their starts (Watson's last start came in 2024), the Browns don't have a confidence-boosting starter on the roster.
More: Browns trade for offensive tackle Tytus Howard from Texans
Even though the Browns invested a lot into the offensive line, those moves were all multi-year deals. Tytus Howard is signed for three more seasons, as is Zion Johnson. Elgton Jenkins is signed for the next two seasons.
All of their big offensive line moves were multi-year deals. While the Browns would love for Sanders, Gabriel, or even Watson to show starting QB-caliber play, they aren't holding out hope that such a future will come to pass.
Their offseason moves and lack of moves at the quarterback position have shown a willingness to be patient at QB, even if it means tanking in 2026.
If the Browns are okay with tanking in 2026, then it's exceptionally bad news for Sanders. That means the roster won't be as strong, and they will likely have a high draft pick to take one of the top quarterbacks next year in what's looking like a very strong class.
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