The Cleveland Browns have plenty of players they hope will become foundational pieces. They do not have many who have already earned that distinction.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently examined the potential Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates on every NFL roster. The Browns hoped Myles Garrett would go from “Cleveland to Canton.” But the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is now with the Los Angeles Rams following this offseason’s blockbuster trade. Barnwell called Garrett “one of the best defenders in league history” and labeled him a lock to eventually have his bust enshrined in Canton.
With Garrett gone, the list of Browns players with Hall of Fame potential is uncomfortably short. Barnwell identified just three possibilities on Cleveland’s current roster: cornerback Denzel Ward, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and edge rusher Jared Verse. All three landed in his “work to do” category.
Schwesinger is coming off an outstanding rookie season — totaling 156 tackles — but has only 16 games on his NFL resume. Verse has already established himself as one of the league's top young defenders, but the two-time Pro Bowler is entering just his third season. Ward is the only longtime Browns player whose body of work puts him in the Hall of Fame conversation.
Denzel Ward still has ground to cover with Browns
Ward has been one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks since the Browns selected him fourth overall in 2018. He has earned five Pro Bowl selections, including three consecutive nods, while collecting 18 interceptions and 104 passes defensed over eight seasons.
That said, Ward has never earned an All-Pro selection and has appeared in only two postseason games. Cleveland’s lack of team success is hardly his fault, but it has also limited his opportunities to build a stronger resume on a big stage.
Injuries have also been a recurring concern for Ward and could complicate his path moving forward. His recent two-year, $62.2 million extension gives him an opportunity to continue building his case in Cleveland, but there is still considerable ground to cover. Ward likely needs several more elite seasons and at least some All-Pro recognition to have a legitimate case.
The Browns' lack of proven offensive talent is concerning
Another notable aspect of Barnwell’s list is the absence of Browns offensive players. It is a concerning reflection of the current roster, but it also tracks with the unit’s prolonged struggles. Last year, the Browns finished 30th in total offense (262.1 yards per game) and 31st in scoring at 16.4 points per game.
The Browns have several promising young pieces, including receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and offensive tackle Spencer Fano. For now, however, their value rests solely on what they could become rather than what they have accomplished.
The Browns hope Todd Monken can change that narrative by developing Cleveland’s young talent and building an offense capable of producing long-term stars.
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