Browns roster: QB isn’t the only crucial position battle this offseason

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 16: Blake Whiteheart #86 of the Cleveland Browns waits for the snap on a field goal attempt during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on November 16, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

Though there are plenty of other position groups in limbo this offseason, perhaps the most overlooked one is tight end. With David Njoku leaving this offseason and Todd Monken coming in, figuring out who TE2 will be heading into 2026 is likely a top priority for the offensive staff.

Everyone knows how talented Harold Fannin Jr. is, especially after the catch. What we don’t know is how guys like Blake Whiteheart, Jack Stoll, Joe Royer, and Carsen Ryan would handle a legitimate number of snaps in 2026 alongside Fannin Jr. in 12 and 13 personnel formations.

Whiteheart has only played 452 offensive snaps for Cleveland over the past two years, but he’s looked surprisingly good when on the field as both a blocker and pass-catcher. Though the free agent acquisition of blocking tight end Jack Stoll overshadowed the thought of Whiteheart being a legitimate option at TE2, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see Whiteheart be a realistic option by the time week one comes around.

Stoll will likely continue to be a blocking-first option for Cleveland, but just because that’s not necessarily “exciting” doesn’t mean that his role won’t be important for the Browns’ offense. He has a lot of great experience as well, playing 574 snaps for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 when they went 14-3 and played in the Super Bowl.

He’ll likely be on the field in different subpackages for Todd Monken, similar to how the Ravens used in 2025.