The Cleveland Browns' offseason program is officially underway in Berea, marking the first chapter of the Todd Monken era. As players report, the long road to the 2026 season begins, and the new head coach faces a critical to-do list. With months to go until kickoff, here are the three defining questions Monken must answer to set his team on the right path.
First and foremost, the quarterback competition will dominate headlines. Monken has stated he wants a clear QB1 identified by training camp to optimize first-team reps. This spring is a vital audition for Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. While offseason workouts are voluntary, for this trio, every snap is a chance to state their case. The battle will intensify during OTAs and 11-on-11 work, with Monken likely aiming for clarity by the end of mandatory minicamp. This decision is the cornerstone of the entire offseason.
Secondly, Monken must solidify an offensive line that has been a major focus of the team's investments. While the upcoming NFL Draft may bring more reinforcements, the coaching staff needs to establish a starting five. Newcomer Tytus Howard has been told he'll man the right tackle spot, and free-agent acquisition Elgton Jenkins is expected to be a key piece. How these veterans mesh with returning players and any rookies will be crucial for building the protection and run-game identity essential to any successful offense.
Finally, beyond the X's and O's, Monken's third major task is establishing the team's culture and identity. This is his first program, and how he installs his systems, communicates his philosophy, and earns the locker room's trust will set the tone. For a franchise with passionate fans eager for sustained success, forging a resilient and accountable team mindset is as important as any playbook. The work done in these spring meetings and early practices lays that foundational groundwork.