The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, and anticipation is building for the schedule release on May 14. The full schedule will be revealed on the team’s official website and social media platforms at 7:30 p.m. ET, with single-game tickets available for purchase at that time. Live analysis of the entire NFL schedule will begin at 8 p.m. on NFL Network and ESPN2.
Bengals’ Defensive Reinforcements
The Cincinnati Bengals have been active in the off-season, making several moves to bolster their defence. Additions include DT Dexter Lawrence II, S Kyle Dugger, CB Ja’Sir Taylor, QB Josh Johnson, DT Jonathan Allen, Edge Boye Mafe, and S Bryan Cook. They also re-signed QB Joe Flacco and T Orlando Brown Jr., who was given a two-year contract extension.
However, the Bengals experienced some significant departures, including G Lucas Patrick, S Tycen Anderson, CB Taylor-Britt, S Geno Stone, QB Jake Browning, CB Marco Wilson, DE Joseph Ossai, DE Trey Hendrickson, TE Noah Fant, and G Cordell Volson. The Bengals’ draft class includes Edge Cashius Howell, CB Tacario Davis, C Connor Lew, WR Colbie Young, T Brian Parker II, TE Jack Endries, and DT Landon Robinson.
The Bengals’ offseason saw a massive departure in Hendrickson signing with the Ravens, but they filled holes in the pass rush with signing Mafe. They also added another elite talent to their defensive line in the trade for Lawrence with the Giants. Many of the Bengals’ moves during free agency addressed defensive needs at all three levels.
Buccaneers Focus on Defence and Offence
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been busy reshaping their roster with a mix of additions and departures. New additions include LB Alex Anzalone, QB Jake Browning, RB Kenneth Gainwell, CB Kemon Hall, S Miles Killebrew, CB Chase Lucas, OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad, DL Haggai Ndubuisi, DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches, DL A’Shawn Robinson, LB Christian Rozeboom, WR David Sills, and T Justin Skule.
The Buccaneers saw the departure of QB Teddy Bridgewater, CB Jamel Dean, WR Mike Evans, S J.T. Gray, DL Logan Hall, T Charlie Heck, S Christian Izien, CB Kindle Vildor, and RB Rachaad White. They re-signed G Dan Feeny, TE Ko Kieft, and TE Cade Otton. Their draft class consists of Edge Rueben Bain Jr., LB Josiah Trotter, WR Ted Hurst, DB Keionte Scott, DT DeMonte Capehart, G Billy Schrauth, and TE Bauer Sharp.
The Buccaneers addressed three specific roster needs on the defensive side of the ball in outside linebacker, off-ball linebacker and defensive line, as they added Anzalone, Muhammad and Robinson. Their biggest offensive addition came in Gainwell, and they found a backup quarterback in Browning. However, their offense took a big hit with the departure of Evans, who was drafted by Tampa Bay and spent the first 12 years of his career with the Buccaneers.
Other Opponents’ Key Moves
Several other teams the Browns will face in 2026 have also made significant roster adjustments. These include the additions of WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, DE Micheal Clemons, DE Arden Key, DT Derrick Nnadi, DT Jerry Tillery, DT Colby Wooden, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, CB Cam Taylor-Britt, S Nasir Adderley, and S Jonathan Owens.
As the schedule release approaches, the Browns and their fans are eager to see the layout of the 2026 season and the challenges that lie ahead.