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The more things change, the more they stay the same… that has been true for the Cleveland Browns for quite a few seasons, but not anymore. Now, every year since GM Andrew Berry took over the team in 2020, the Browns roster has seen some changes here and there, but the massive overhaul that started in 2025 has taken another step ahead in 2026. Browns roster comparison: 2026 initial 53-man roster versus the 2025 version With the 2026 Cleveland Browns initial 53-man roster out, how does it compare to 2025 with Myles Garrett, Joe Flacco? So what happens when you compare the newly unveiled 2026 initial 53-man roster in Cleveland to the one the Browns started the 2025 season with? First, it is important to note that we already know how last year’s roster turned out. We are not comparing that roster on the day it was set to Sunday when this year’s roster was put in place. That doesn’t mean we can’t try the exercise anyway. It’ll be quite simple: a list of names from each year, and where it seems to be improved or diminished in talent compared to last year. Quarterback - 2025: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders - 2026: Taylen Green, Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Verdict: Very, very uncertain. Flacco was terrible last year, as were the other two. Maybe a small improvement due to Green’s athletic ability? Running back - 2025: Jerome Ford, Dylan Sampson - 2026: Michael Burton (FB), Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders Verdict: Much improved. Obviously, things changed quickly in the RB room last year but this exercise is based on initial rosters. Wide receivers - 2025: Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Gage Larvadain, Isaiah Bond, DeAndre Carter - 2026: Isaiah Bond, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion Jr., Malachi Corley, Jerry Jeudy, Tylan Wallace Verdict: Much improved. Next Tight ends - 2025: David Njoku, Harold Fannin, Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates - 2026: Harold Fannin Jr., Carsen Ryan, Blake Whiteheart Verdict: Diminished. Fannin was the top tight end last year, but Njoku was still a good blocker and had moments where he could make an impact in the passing game. Offensive line - 2025: Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, Cornelius Lucas, KT Leveston, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt TellerTeven Jenkins, Zak Zinter, Ethan Pocic, Luke Wypler - 2026: Austin Barber, Parker Brailsford, Spencer Fano, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler, Zak Zinter Verdict: Has to be improved, right?! The starters will either all be new or four out of the five of them, from a line that was putrid last year, besides the now-retired Bitonio. Defensive line - 2025: Myles Garrett, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Cameron Thomas, Mason Graham, Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr, Shelby Harris, Adin Huntington - 2026: Derek Barnett, Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, Mason Graham, Mike Hall Jr., Adin Huntington, Isaiah McGuire, Julian Okwara, Jared Verse Verdict: Diminished. One of the easiest calls, sadly, in the roster comparisons. Cleveland is hoping that Verse plus some development from the young guys can offset Garrett’s departure and Wright’s injury. A lot to hope for. Linebacker - 2025: Carson Schwesinger, Devin Bush, Mohamoud Diabate, Jerome Baker, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold - 2026: Justin Jefferson, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Winston Reid, Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams Verdict: Some improvement. Williams can replace Bush, and Schwesinger should grow off his Rookie of the Year season. Defensive backs - 2025: Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Myles Harden, Cameron Mitchell, Dom Jones, Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, Rayshawn Jenkins, Damontae Kazee, Donovan McMillon - 2026: Mekhi Blackmon, Tyson Campbell, Michael Coats Jr., Grant Delpit, Myles Harden, Ronnie Hickman, Donovan McMillon, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Daniel Thomas, Denzel Ward Verdict: Slight improvement. The loss of some veteran depth at safety is offset by Campbell for Newsome, some development from the young guys, and the upside of EMW. Special Teams - No changes Tabulating up the results: - Improved: 5 (RB, WR, OL, LB, DB) - Diminished: 2 (TE, DL) - Too close to call: 2 (QB, ST) What say you? Where have they improved, diminished, or is it too close to call? Join the conversation! Sign up for a user account and get: - Fewer ads - Create community posts - Comment on articles, community posts - Rec comments, community posts - New, improved notifications system!