Browns Look to Salvage Season as Rookie Standouts Carry Late-Season Momentum

The Cleveland Browns find themselves in familiar territory as the 2025 season winds down. Sitting at 3–9 and at the bottom of the AFC North, the franchise once again faces scrutiny regarding its long-term direction. The struggles have placed renewed attention on the futures of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, whose efforts to stabilize the roster have yielded mixed results.

Even so, the Browns are searching for positives as they prepare for a Sunday matchup against another struggling team, the Tennessee Titans. One encouraging development is the continued toughness displayed by first-round pick Mason Graham, who confirmed he intends to play despite a lingering rib issue. His availability provides a boost to a defense that has shown steady improvement throughout the year.

Cleveland’s rookie class has emerged as a bright spot amid an otherwise disappointing campaign. Multiple first-year players have stepped into significant roles and contributed on both sides of the ball, offering hope that the foundation for future success may already be in place. Still, inconsistency at key positions — especially quarterback — remains a significant hurdle.

With only five games left, the Browns must balance their desire to win now with the need to evaluate their roster for 2026 and beyond. Sunday’s matchup offers a chance to pick up a rare victory and build momentum before a difficult closing stretch.

1. Rookies Provide Rare Positives in Difficult Season

Graham, the team’s top draft pick, has quickly grown into a dependable contributor on Cleveland’s defensive front. Despite dealing with a rib injury suffered last week, he told reporter Zac Jackson that he plans to remain on the field. His commitment exemplifies the resilience the Browns are hoping to cultivate as the season winds down. Second-round selections Carson Schwesinger and Quinshon Judkins have also delivered encouraging signs. Schwesinger has settled into a starting role on defense, complementing Graham’s presence along the front seven. Judkins, meanwhile, has provided energy and production in the backfield and emerged as one of the team’s most reliable offensive playmakers. The rookies’ progress stands in contrast to the broader struggles of the roster. Their emergence highlights the upside within the organization, even as the franchise grapples with larger issues that have limited competitiveness. As the Browns continue developing long-term pieces, the first-year class has become a central focus of the franchise’s optimism. Still, with a losing record once again defining the season, their contributions have not been enough to alter the Browns’ trajectory. The team’s veterans and coaching staff must match that energy if Cleveland hopes to finish on a stronger note.

2. Daunting Late-Season Road Awaits

While the Browns view Sunday’s matchup with Tennessee as a winnable opportunity, the remainder of their schedule is considerably more challenging. Cleveland must navigate a demanding slate that includes home games against the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, two teams still jockeying for postseason position. Between those contests, the Browns face road trips to play the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals. Both opponents present difficult environments and key defensive challenges, making Cleveland an underdog in each game. For a team already struggling to find consistency, the path to additional wins appears narrow. Closing the season with back-to-back divisional contests only adds to the difficulty. Facing the Steelers and Bengals in consecutive weeks will test the Browns’ depth and discipline, particularly as the organization evaluates players in real time. The stakes may not involve playoff implications, but the performances could influence decisions about the team’s future direction. With such a demanding stretch ahead, Sunday’s matchup takes on added importance. A win would help build confidence and potentially change the tone heading into the final month.

3. Quarterback Questions Continue Into 2026

While Cleveland’s rookies have impressed at several positions, the team’s ongoing challenges at quarterback remain the most pressing issue. Rookie signal-callers Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have each shown promising flashes but have not established themselves as long-term answers. Their inconsistencies have contributed to the team’s offensive struggles and complicated the Browns’ evaluation process. The organization appears likely to seek additional competition at the position next offseason. Whether through the draft, free agency, or a veteran trade, Cleveland must address the quarterback room if it hopes to take meaningful steps forward in 2026. The lack of stability under center has hindered both Stefanski’s system and the development of the surrounding talent. Meanwhile, the defense — buoyed by Graham and Schwesinger — has made visible strides. If that unit continues trending upward, it may ease some pressure on the front office and create a clearer blueprint for improvement. For now, the focus remains on incremental growth and assessing how young players handle late-season adversity. As the Browns navigate the final stretch, their priority will be balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term roster building. The quarterback question will remain at the center of that conversation.