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Weekly ReportJan 15, 2026 • By Joe in Cleveland

Dawg Days
Report

Harbaugh to Giants. Minter Interview Set. QB Battle Looming.

Last Updated: 7:00 PM EST

Coaching Search

Coach Silhouette
Harbaugh Out

Pursuit Ends Over Roster Control

The pursuit of John Harbaugh has concluded, with reports indicating he is nearing a deal with the Giants. The "dealbreaker" was his demand for full control over the 53-man roster, clashing with GM Andrew Berry's collaborative model.

Focus shifts to offensive coordinators
Jim Schwartz retention prioritized

Candidate Tracker

CandidateRoleInterviewResultNews
Jesse MinterNewDCJan 17scheduled
Mike McDanielNewEx-HCJan 12interviewed
Todd MonkenNewOCJan 10interviewed
Dan PitcherNewOCJan 9interviewed
Tommy ReesNewOCJan 8interviewed
John HarbaughNewEx-HCTBDpassed
Nate ScheelhaaseNewPass Game CoordTBDrequested
Grant UdinskiNewOCTBDrequested
Chris ShulaNewDCTBDrequested

2026 Roster Needs

Current Roster
Jedrick Wills Jr.UFA (Pending)
Joel BitonioUFA (Pending)
Ethan PocicUnder Contract
Wyatt TellerUFA (Pending)
Dawand JonesRookie Deal
Zak ZinterRookie Deal
FA Targets
Terron ArmsteadLT
Connor WilliamsC
Jonah WilliamsOT
Draft Prospects
Kelvin Banks Jr.Texas
Will CampbellLSU
Tyler BookerAlabama

CRITICAL PRIORITY — Team needs 4-5 new starters. Massive overhaul expected via draft and free agency.

QB Situation

Status: Retained

Expected to remain on roster due to prohibitive contract. Cutting him pre-June 1 hits for $135M dead cap.

Status: Rookie (2025 Draft)

Oregon's Heisman finalist, drafted by Cleveland in 2025. Expected to compete for the starting job in 2026 training camp.

Shedeur Sanders

Status: Draft Target (Pick 6)

Colorado QB widely projected to the Browns at #6. Strong arm, quick release, and leadership qualities.

Draft Capital (10 Picks)

Round 1
Pick 6Pick 24
R2: Pick 39
R3: Pick 70
R4: Pick 107
R5: Pick 140
R5: Pick 145
R5: Pick 148
R6: Pick 205
R7: Pick 248

2026 Cap Space

Total Cap$255.4M
+ Carryover+$8.5M
Top 51 Hits-$165.0M
Dead Money-$72.0M
Available$26.9M

Dead Money Breakdown

Deshaun Watson$72.0M
Amari Cooper$5.2M
Jack Conklin$3.8M

Watson's contract dominates dead money. Limited flexibility for free agency.

What-If Calculator
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2026 Season

Rebuilding in Progress

2026 Roster Depth

PlayerRoleContract StatusExp
Deshaun WatsonStarterRetained (High Cap)2026
Dillon GabrielBackup/CompetitorRookie Deal2029
Dorian Thompson-Robinson3rd StringFinal Year2026

2026 Free Agency Tracker

PlayerPosAgeTypeStatus
Joel BitonioLG34UFApending
David NjokuTE30UFApending
Wyatt TellerRG32UFApending
Cam RobinsonLT30UFApending
Jerome BakerLB29UFApending
Corey BojorquezP29UFApending
Blake WhiteheartTE25RFApending
Anthony KendallCB26ERFApending