Browns aim for playoff contention in 2027 while insisting 2026 won’t be ignored

Owner Jimmy Haslam and partner JW Johnson said the Browns are targeting a playoff run in 2027 but are not abandoning the 2026 season, projecting at least six wins.

Jimmy Haslam and JW Johnson, representing the Haslam Sports Group, told reporters that the Browns are building toward a playoff-contending roster by 2027 but will not neglect the 2026 campaign, expecting at least six victories. Haslam humorously said he would “take the over” on a five-and-a-half win total. The team, under new head coach Todd Monken, must navigate a quarterback competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and sophomore Shedeur Sanders, with no guarantee either will be the long-term starter.

While the club has recently traded former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, it remains confident in its young talent pool. The planned $2.4 billion domed stadium, set to open in 2029, was dismissed as unrelated to the immediate on-field goals. Haslam reiterated that past playoff appearances have been scarce and that improving performance is a priority for the franchise and its fans.