The Cleveland Browns have spent the majority of their offseason looking to find ways to build up their offense. That’s because, on the defensive side of the ball, the Browns are one of the best teams in the league, and they appear likely to maintain that billing as we head into the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Cleveland managed to dominate on defense last season, even though it didn’t have Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah at its disposal for the entire year. Owusu-Koramoah missed the whole season with a neck injury that is threatening to end his career prematurely, and he recently received a crushing update regarding his status for the new 2026 season.
Browns Rule Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Out for 2026 Campaign
A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Owusu-Koramoah quickly became the heart and soul at the center of the Browns’ defense. He enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023, which saw him earn Pro Bowl honors after he racked up 101 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 16 games of action.
Ahead of the 2024 campaign, Owusu-Koramoah signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension with Cleveland, which indicated he was a key piece of the team’s long-term plans. Midway through the season, though, Owusu-Koramoah suffered a neck injury after colliding with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry that has forced him to miss over a year and a half for the Browns.
Reports emerged earlier this offseason suggesting that Owusu-Koramoah could be forced to retire as a result of this injury, although he quickly disputed that notion. However, Owusu-Koramoah won’t be playing at all in 2026, as Cleveland placed him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list Friday morning, which means he will miss the entire year.
“The Browns have placed LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list for the second straight season. That means he will not play in 2026,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team shared in a post on X.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s Football Future Uncertain After Browns’ Latest Move
Getty ImagesCleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is still recovering from a neck injury he suffered last season.
Nobody ever wants to see players get injured in the NFL, but neck injuries always carry an extra level of concern. While Owusu-Koramoah hasn’t given up in his quest to return to the field at some point in the future, the fact that he’s already been ruled out for the entire 2026 campaign isn’t exactly a good sign. With that being said, a final decision on Owusu-Koramoah’s future could be made at some point later on this offseason.
Seeing Owusu-Koramoah be forced into retirement early because of this injury would be devastating, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If his body can’t withstand the physical tax that comes with playing football, there’s no sense forcing a return to action, as a more serious injury could take place. Nothing is finalized when it comes to Owusu-Koramoah’s future, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he has already played his final down in the NFL.
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