As fans take the bye week to reflect on the first eight weeks of the season, it is a good time to consider what the Cleveland Browns’ goal was going into this season. After a three-win season in 2025 and the knowledge that the team has two first-round draft picks in the 2026 NFL draft, it is fair to consider whether the team was choosing to tank this season or not.

There are a few factors that could lead one to believe that this is the case.

Trading down in the 2025 NFL draft

A roster in need of multiple players could have gotten two in one in CB/WR Travis Hunter (now injured). Instead, the Browns went for the three-for-one route in trading down to acquire DT Mason Graham (right decision?), RB Quinshon Judkins (right decision!), and the Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 first-rounder. That move

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