When it comes to the bottom of the barrel among NFL franchises, it doesn’t take long before the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns are mentioned. Perhaps due to tradition, those two seem to have higher expectations than the likes of the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals, despite similar levels of – lack of – success.

It appears that a new era might be dawning for both franchises, though. The Raiders can say they have a new franchise quarterback in Fernando Mendoza. The Browns have a new head coach in Todd Monken who brings a no-frills attitude and a strong repertoire as an offensive guru. And at least according to one NFL writer, both teams crushed their offseason plans.

Fernando Mendoza avoids controversy with smart White House response

Raiders and Browns ranked as the NFL’s most improved teams ahead of 2026 season

Dan Wilkins of The Score recently ranked the most improved teams following free agency and the NFL Draft. The Raiders came in at No. 1, with the Browns at No. 2. Before Raiders and Browns fans get too excited, the Titans and New York Jets were ranked behind them. So being improved comes with the caveat of having been very bad the season prior.

That said, it’s hard to argue with Wilkins’ ranking. The Raiders really attacked their weaknesses this offseason, bringing in impact players on offense like Mendoza (or Kirk Cousins if he’s the starter) and Tyler Linderbaum. It was on defense where they really solidified their team, with free agent signings Kwity Paye, Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. Young draft picks Treydan Stukes and Keyron Crawford should ply early and often, and high-level cornerback Jermod McCoy could be the steal of the draft if he’s healthy.

Then there’s the Browns, who completely rebuilt their offensive line with first round pick Spencer Fano and free agent signings Elgton Jenkins, Tytus Howard and Zion Johnson. They also got Monken two different styles of talented wide receivers through the draft in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.

For the Browns, their whole season will come down to whether they get proper quarterback play from either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders. For the Raiders, they just need their additions to gel together quickly under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak.