Browns Reset After 5-12 Season, Put Deshaun Watson on Short Leash
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 3
Browns Reset After 5-12 Season, Put Deshaun Watson on Short Leash
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 3
Summary
Cleveland enters 2026 with Deshaun Watson under immediate pressure, with Chad Ochocinco saying two poor games could trigger a quarterback change.
Todd Monken took over after a 5-12 finish and a league-worst 16.4 points per game, inheriting an offense undone by three starting quarterbacks, shaky line play and little rhythm.
The reset accelerated with the trade of Myles Garrett to the Rams for Jared Verse and draft capital, while Cleveland added linemen Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson plus rookie skill talent.
Monken's rebuilt roster still faces major questions at quarterback and along a defense now lacking Garrett's star power, leaving the Browns as under-5.5-win candidates in the AFC North.