The machinations of constructing an offensive line isn’t exciting for fans as it is, and the Cleveland Browns had a lot more to pay attention to this preseason than how it was coming together. But with the season about to begin, that unit could turn out to be the most important component of the entire campaign.
After losing all of their most-used starters from last season, it is possible that the Browns will open 2026 with five offensive linemen who have never played for the team before, if rookie Austin Barber is named the starting right guard instead of Teven Jenkins.
With a very limited number of snaps played during the preseason, the line will have to improve its chemistry on the fly. The quicker they do so, the better the Browns’ season will turn out to be.
Fortunately, insider Tony Grossi said he is seeing encouraging signs from the Browns’ offensive line, claiming it could be a strength of the team.
“I’m convinced the line will be better and is looking like it might be a strength. Whoever’s playing quarterback really has no excuses. The receiving position is better than I can remember for the Browns since Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham,” Grossi said.
“I’m convinced the line will be better and is looking like it might be a strength,” – @TonyGrossi on the Browns rebuilt offensive line. pic.twitter.com/A6Ct33VG2W
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 4, 2026
Heading into the final week of preparations for the season opener, trade acquisition Tytus Howard is the right tackle, with rookie first-round pick Spencer Fano on the difficult left side. Free agent signees Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins are at left guard and center, respectively, with Barber and Jenkins, who re-signed this offseason, reportedly competing at right guard.
The offensive line will have its work cut out for it with either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. When Watson last played in the 2024 season, he took 33 sacks in seven games, and he’s now coming off two Achilles tendon tears. This preseason, Sanders held on to the ball longer than almost every other QB in the league, after taking 23 sacks in his seven starts as a rookie last season.
That is why head coach Todd Monken’s offense is expected to rely heavily on the running game. Fortunately, Johnson in particular was one of the best run-blocking interior linemen in the NFL last season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
It is an NFL adage that an offensive line isn’t really noticed unless it plays poorly, so the Browns will hope theirs can continue to fly under the radar throughout the campaign.
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