Coming into the 2026 NFL offseason, there were a few clear goals for the Cleveland Browns in free agency and the trade market.
While wide receiver was a need, the bigger need, by far, was the offensive line. The entire line was hitting free agency. The Browns needed to completely rebuild the OL.
For Bleacher Reports Alex Ballentine, the Browns offseason so far can be summarized in one word: "Rebuilt." This 1-word assessment is exactly what the Browns were hoping to hear, as their offseason moves have done exactly what they set out to do: rebuild the OL.
Browns get welcome 'rebuilt' description of offseason
"Cleveland Browns: Rebuilt," Ballentine writes. "The offensive line was in need of new blood, and the Browns delivered. Acquiring three competent starters on a limited budget isn't an easy task, yet Andrew Berry pulled it off with Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson, and Elgton Jenkins coming to Cleveland."
Through the opening portion of the offseason, just one week in, and the Browns have already filled in three of the starting spots along the offensive line.
Zion Johnson signed for $49.5 million, maybe a slight overpay, but for a starting-caliber left guard, that could be a solid deal if he can play better than he did with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cleveland also signed a new center in Elgton Jenkins, agreeing on a two-year, $24 million deal. It's a very reasonable contract for Jenkins, who was let go by the Green Bay Packers this offseason.
More: Browns agree to deals with Elgton Jenkins and Teven Jenkins
The biggest move they made was the trade for right tackle Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans. They sent a 2026 fifth-rounder, and then agreed to a contract extension, making his new deal come in at $63 million over the next three years.
With the signing of Teven Jenkins, the Browns added a starting-caliber right guard to the roster. Dawand Jones is currently slotted into the left tackle spot, but if the Browns want to upgrade, they will have some good options at 6th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They did lose Devin Bush to the Chicago Bears this offseason, but they answered with Quincy Williams signing a two-year deal to join the linebacker room.
Overall, through the first week of the offseason, the Browns have done exactly what they needed to do: rebuild the offensive line. Add on a few other nice additions, and this is a great start to the offseason for the Browns.
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