Andrew Berry, talking about the Cleveland Browns’ offseason priorities, made one thing clear: there will be a pivot of strategy. One thing he was open to was getting younger players. His inspiration for the strategy was the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, who are two of the youngest teams in the league but are competitive. And it didn’t take him long to make key changes. Ironically, the same name that he had gotten back in 2020 when he started rebuilding the team was the first one he crossed off the roster.

One of the clearest examples of that shift involves veteran right tackle Jack Conklin. During his six seasons in Cleveland, he played only 57 games, whereas the team was featured in 102. That was clearly a problem statement the Browns no longer wanted to deal with. So, the franchise decided to move on from him, as well as two more players.

The Browns have also let go of tight end David Njoku and right guard Wyatt Teller. According to ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi, Cleveland released both players with post–June 1 designations. And the procedural nature of the move is important.

Technically, none of the three players were under contract for 2026 because their deals contained void years designed to spread money across multiple seasons. By using the post-June 1 designation for both of them, the team spread the financial impact across years.

Now with Conklin’s departure, Cleveland will still carry a $12.4 million dead-cap charge. Cleveland will carry $9.5 million in dead cap for David Njoku in 2026 and $14.7 million in 2027, while Wyatt Teller will count $8.2 million in 2026 and $11.1 million in 2027. The franchise will save tons of money, spreading more than $40 million in dead money from Njoku and Teller over the next two seasons. However, their departure was anything but surprising; in fact, they had bid their goodbyes already.

Back in February, Njoku announced his time in Cleveland was done.

“The time for me to find a new home has come, and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home,” the player wrote, addressing his fans.

His exit removes a familiar target from the offense. During the 2025 regular season, the tight end recorded 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per catch. Njoku had been a steady option in Cleveland’s passing game for several seasons. His ability to work in short and middle routes often gave the Browns another reliable outlet during drives. But in the NFL, such endings are always expected.

Similarly, Teller, too, had announced in February that he wouldn’t return to Cleveland for the next season. He was another key part of the offensive line. Teller played eight seasons in the NFL with the Browns and Buffalo Bills, appearing in 108 games and earning three Pro Bowl selections during his career.

As for the Browns, the message is clear that the next version of the offense will be built around the younger and healthier players, even if it requires them to make painful goodbyes. They recently traded for Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard to strengthen the blocking unit, which shows that they are already moving in a new way. All that said, Cleveland’s biggest question may still be at quarterback.

Cleveland Browns keep QB competition open once again

Even with roster changes happening around the offense, the Browns are not rushing to settle their quarterback situation. The team still has multiple options under contract heading into the offseason. General manager Andrew Berry recently made it clear that competition will decide the starting job. That includes the possibility of Deshaun Watson returning to the mix after a long absence.

“I think any player on our roster we would want to compete. We believe in competition at every spot,” Berry said in February. “That’s no different than quarterback. Deshaun’s been working really hard. He’s been working his tail off.”

Berry also said the team is still early in the process and there is plenty of time before the season begins. Right now, the Browns have several things to fix before worrying about the final quarterback decision. The offensive line could see major changes, especially if veteran Joel Bitonio decides to retire.

If that happens, Cleveland could lose four of its five starters from last season’s line. Dawand Jones may be the only returning starter after his 2025 season ended early because of injury. The offense also needs help at receiver and tight end. With Njoku gone, the team may look for another option to pair with rookie standout Harold Fannin Jr.

For Sanders, the coming months will be important. Berry said the team wants to see growth from the young quarterback as he prepares for his second season.

“I think the biggest thing we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth,” Berry explained.

If Sanders takes a big step forward before training camp, he could claim the job. But if Watson manages to revive his career, Cleveland’s quarterback battle could become one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason.

For now, Cleveland appears willing to let the competition play out. Whether it is Shedeur Sanders building on his rookie season or Deshaun Watson fighting for another chance, the Browns’ quarterback situation could remain uncertain until training camp begins.