ESPN analyst Louis Riddick said the Cleveland Browns remain one key piece away from becoming a consistent contender, pointing to their overall roster construction during a segment on “First Take.”
“If they can get [their quarterback] right, they’re gonna be heard from here in the future,” Riddick said.
Riddick, a former Browns defensive back who played for the team in the mid-1990s, made the comments while discussing the franchise’s ongoing quarterback competition and its supporting cast. He agreed that Cleveland has assembled a solid foundation under general manager Andrew Berry despite years of challenges at the position.
The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record, placing last in the AFC North for the second straight year. Their offense ranked near the bottom of the league in points scored and yards per play, highlighting the persistent struggles under center.
Riddick praised Berry for compiling talent across the roster, including investments in the offensive line through free agency and the draft. He noted the presence of perimeter weapons and building blocks on both sides of the ball that could support a more complete team once the quarterback situation stabilizes.
Cleveland’s current quarterback battle features veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year player Shedeur Sanders. Watson missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a second Achilles injury. Sanders appeared in eight games last year, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
New head coach Todd Monken has not yet named a starter for the 2026 regular season. Watson started the preseason opener, while Sanders is scheduled to start the second exhibition game. Monken has emphasized evaluating both players in game-like situations before making a final decision.
Riddick referenced the franchise’s long history of quarterback instability, noting that similar issues plagued the team during his playing days in 1993, 1994 and 1995. He suggested the problems have often circled back to that position regardless of other roster moves or coaching changes.
Earlier this offseason, the Browns traded two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for pass rusher Jared Verse and multiple draft picks. The move signaled a longer-term rebuild while adding younger talent and future assets.
Owner Jimmy Haslam has expressed optimism about the 2026 season despite the changes, urging fans to “take the over” on expectations. The team continues to evaluate its offensive depth chart, with rookies contributing at wide receiver and along the line.
Riddick emphasized that the defensive line and other pieces remain in place for the long term. He believes those elements position Cleveland for success if the quarterback can elevate the group.
The Browns’ recent history shows the difficulty of finding consistency at the most important position. Watson arrived via a high-profile trade years ago with a fully guaranteed contract but has been limited by injuries and uneven performance. Sanders, a fifth-round pick in 2025, showed flashes but also inconsistency in limited action.
Analysts and fans continue to debate whether either player can become the long-term answer or if the team will need to pursue another option in the 2027 draft, where Cleveland holds extra capital from previous trades.
Riddick’s assessment aligns with a broader view that the supporting roster has improved enough to contend once the quarterback questions are resolved. Whether that happens in 2026 or beyond remains the central storyline for the franchise as training camp and the preseason progress.
The conversation on “First Take” underscored how often Cleveland’s potential has been discussed in terms of what is missing rather than what is already present. Riddick’s perspective offered a measured note of hope rooted in the work already done on the roster.
