Risk Flags
3- QB Dependency
Deshaun Watson's rocky Week 1 outing (retained as starter into Week 2, with Shedeur Sanders as the primary backup) coincided with Fannin's target share dropping to 14% from a 22% 2025 baseline, underscoring how much his weekly floor rides on erratic quarterback play.
- Injury Concerns
Fannin underwent an offseason procedure for the Grade 2 groin strain he re-aggravated in Week 17 of 2025, missed the spring workout program as a result, and only gained full clearance shortly before training camp — a recurrence-prone injury type worth monitoring into the season.
- Draft Capital
Cleveland used a 2026 fifth-round pick on Joe Royer and a seventh-rounder on Carsen Ryan, adding two same-position rookies to the room; both project as depth pieces for now, but it's fresh competition worth re-checking as the season progresses.