What the Browns can do (if anything) to turn things around

The intrigue: Having a disappointing season has one key benefit — a high pick in next year's NFL Draft.

• Given the team's financial limitations due to quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, the draft is the clearest way to add talent at a discount.

By the numbers: Heading into this week, the Browns were in line for a top-five pick.

Between the lines: The Browns could draft a potential franchise quarterback to replace the injured Watson. Top-rated prospects include Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Miami's Cam Ward and Alabama's Jalen Milroe.

• Cleveland could also draft a top receiver like Colorado's Travis Hunter (who also plays cornerback) to replace traded wideout Amari Cooper.

State of play: General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski signed contract extensions in the off-season, seemingly giving the front office stability.

• Cornerstone players like Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and David Njoku are also under contract through next season.

Yes, but: The team will have to decide on running back Nick Chubb, whose contract expires after this season.

• Chubb has looked good since returning from a knee injury.

What they're saying: "The Browns' dire QB situation extends to a team-wide dire situation," Akron resident Russell Leisenheimer tells us.

• "I don't think they can do any kind of meaningful [personnel] upgrade until Watson's contract expires."

The bottom line: Leisenheimer may be right as NFL success often coincides with quarterback play.

• If the Browns can finally find a franchise quarterback, everything else could fall into place.