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Browns Weigh Kevin Stefanski’s Future as Coaching Opening Looks Attractive but Constrained

Analysts describe an appealing opening based on draft capital with a young core despite Watson-related cap constraints.

Overview

  • Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that Cleveland is evaluating everything with no decision yet on Kevin Stefanski, though he would draw immediate interest if let go.
  • ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranks the potential Browns vacancy near the top of available jobs, citing the franchise’s projected fourth-most 2026 draft capital.
  • Barnwell projects only about $7.9 million in 2026 cap space (26th) and more than $131 million in Deshaun Watson charges over 2026–27, limiting short‑term upside.
  • Analysts say Cleveland likely won’t be truly competitive until 2027 at the earliest given deep roster holes and financial constraints.
  • General manager Andrew Berry is viewed as more likely to be retained after a strong 2025 draft class, a continuity choice some argue would speed the rebuild compared with a full reset.