The Cleveland Browns’ long-term outlook has been a major topic of discussion following a disappointing 5-12 season. However, some analysts believe the team’s record does not accurately reflect how competitive it was; there were numerous setbacks during the 2025 season that ultimately limited the Browns.
According to one NFL analyst, the combination of Shedeur Sanders’ development, offseason roster upgrades, and continuity on defense could position Cleveland to become a playoff contender in 2026.
NFL Analyst Believes Shedeur Sanders’ Browns Were More Competitive Than Their Record Suggests
CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt recently shared that perspective while evaluating the Browns’ trajectory, pointing to several narrow losses last season that suggest the team may be closer to turning things around than many realize.
During his analysis of Cleveland’s outlook, Hunt argued that situational mistakes, rather than overall talent, played a major role in the team’s struggles. In his view, those issues can be addressed this offseason with a course correction, particularly if the offense continues to improve around Sanders.
“The Browns were competitive last year,” Hunt said, via BrownsNation.com. “Special teams and going for it on 4th down, just bad situational football, doomed them. They had [the 49ers] game. They had the Bills game. They had the Vikings game. They had the Titans game. That tells you this team was closer to 8-9 or 9-8 than they were 5-12.”
Hunt noted that the Browns are strengthening key areas such as the offensive line and receiving corps while maintaining stability on defense. With Sanders expected to benefit from a full offseason in the system, Hunt believes Cleveland could emerge as a competitive and entertaining team if the offseason plan unfolds as intended.
“When you look at what they have in Shedeur Sanders, along with the run game that they have, they’re building along the offensive line, the receiving core, and now you have a full offseason of everyone learning at the same pace with a defense that has a lot of the same pieces in place,” Hunt added.
“I think the Browns are going to be one of those teams we’re talking about Week 10, 11. I think this is a fun team to watch. I think this is a team that could be a playoff team pending they do things right in the offseason.”
Sanders ended the 2025 season ranked No. 46 in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric with a 56.9 score and an F grade.
Browns Strengthening Offensive Line to Support Sanders
A key factor in Cleveland’s potential improvement is the team’s effort to rebuild its offensive line during the offseason. Last year, Sanders frequently faced heavy pressure behind a struggling line, which affected his play during his rookie campaign.
The Browns addressed that issue aggressively in free agency. The team signed Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, re-signed Teven Jenkins, and acquired Tytus Howard via trade. The impact of those moves will be determined in the coming months, but they have strengthened the unit on paper and could give Sanders more time to operate in the pocket.
USA Today analyst Nate Davis believes those changes could be particularly beneficial for the young quarterback.
“But Sanders might be the big winner here as the Cleveland Browns did precisely what first-year coach Todd Monken wanted — pouring into their offensive line,” Davis wrote. “G Teven Jenkins re-signed, OL Tytus Howard arrived via trade, and Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins are both on the way to further fortify the interior.
“And more offensive upgrades are likely coming in the draft, where GM Andrew Berry owns a pair of first-round picks, including Jacksonville’s. It should mean a magnificent opportunity for Sanders to assert himself as QB1 in 2026.”
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Despite the optimism surrounding Sanders’ development, the Browns have made it clear that the starting quarterback job remains open. Sanders will compete with Deshaun Watson, who is expected to return healthy after missing last season while recovering from an Achilles injury.
The Browns appear committed to building a stronger supporting cast around their young quarterback while giving him a legitimate opportunity to claim the starting role. If Sanders can take a significant step forward in his second NFL season, Cleveland could quickly shift from a rebuilding team to a legitimate playoff contender in 2026.
