The NFL carousel never stops spinning, and Trent Baalke just grabbed a new seat. After a four-year run as general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars that ended earlier this year, Baalke is headed to the Cleveland Browns for the 2026 season. He won't be calling the shots as GM this time—he's coming aboard in a consultant capacity, bringing decades of front-office savvy to help shape the roster.
According to a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, Baalke will work with the Browns in a "consultant-like role," lending his expertise on personnel decisions. It's a classic NFL second act: a veteran executive lands on his feet, albeit in a different chair, after a turbulent stint in Jacksonville. The Browns are hoping his experience can help steer a team that's been hunting for consistency.
From San Francisco to Jacksonville to Cleveland
Baalke's resume is a mixed bag of highs and lows. He first made his mark as the GM of the San Francisco 49ers during the Jim Harbaugh era, a stretch that included a Super Bowl appearance. But his tenure also saw the team bottom out under Chip Kelly, finishing 2-14 in 2016. That roller coaster followed him to Jacksonville, where he oversaw a 25-43 record across three head coaches: Urban Meyer, Doug Pederson, and interim Darrell Bevell. Fans were vocal in their criticism, but the Browns are betting on his institutional knowledge.
Now, Baalke joins a Cleveland front office that's been active in reshaping the team. The Browns have made headlines recently with other moves, including a cap crunch that's forcing tough decisions. Baalke's insight could prove valuable as the team navigates the 2026 season.
Shedeur Sanders: Rookie Year and a Degree
In other Browns news, quarterback Shedeur Sanders is making headlines off the field. The rookie signal-caller, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in sociology. Sanders posted a celebratory video on the school's account, saying, "What's up? We at graduation. It's called excellence, man. It's excellence."
Sanders helped revitalize Colorado's football program alongside Travis Hunter and his father, Deion Sanders. The school retired his number last April, just months after his college career ended. In his first NFL season with Cleveland, he threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, contributing to three of the team's five wins. His development will be a key storyline for the Browns in 2026, and Baalke's arrival could add a new layer to how the team builds around him.
The Browns are clearly aiming for a turnaround, and Baalke's return to the NFL is just one piece of the puzzle. With a veteran consultant in the building and a young QB finding his footing, Cleveland's 2026 season is shaping up to be one to watch.
