CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Any honest assessment of the Browns before Sunday's game would tell you this is the case, but even though the Browns aren't mathematically eliminated, the rest of this season has become about one thing following a 26-8 loss to the 49ers: 2026.
The Browns are 3-9 and will finish below .500 for the fourth time in six years under Kevin Stefanski.
If we're being honest, even the Browns showed some signs they're thinking about that, too. They rotated Teven Jenkins in every other series at right guard with Wyatt Teller, likely to get a look at the young guard they signed to a one-year deal this offseason.
The Browns face a complete remake of their offensive line this offseason, especially if left guard Joel Bitonio decides to retire. Finding out about Jenkins is a part of that.
More importantly, they need to get an answer on what exactly they have in Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. This is the most obvious and important piece of the final five games of the season.
Sanders was efficient if not spectacular on Sunday and once again created some opportunities the Browns weren't hitting previously. His 34-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who had settled into an open zone in San Francisco's defense, was a thing of beauty.
The Browns didn't ask Sanders to do much, but he did enough to continue with him as the starter next week against the Titans. He also showed he has a lot of work to do if he really wants to make a case beyond this stretch.
Sanders might not give them a definitive answer, but with a quarterback class in the 2026 draft that is littered with unknowns—both in who will be available and who will be worth top picks—having as many answers about the young quarterbacks in your building as possible is the most important thing.
The Browns hold two first-round picks and will likely have to decide whether to use one on a quarterback they will hand the franchise keys to next season or if they will perhaps add a veteran to compete with the young guys and continue to invest in a roster that needs help, especially on offense.
Defensively, outside of Myles Garrett's sack chase, the season becomes about continuing to develop young edge rushers across from him.
On the interior, with Maliek Collins getting carted off due to a knee injury, it will put more of a spotlight on Mason Graham and create a bigger opportunity for Mike Hall, their second-round pick a year ago who has yet to establish himself as a core player.
The Browns aren't officially eliminated and, given they play the Titans next week, they might be able to hang on for another week or two, but it's safe for Browns fans to turn the calendar and start thinking about what's next.