Browns schedule rumor: France’s first game, in Paris, could include Shedeur Sanders

View of Place de l'Etoile and the Arc de Triomphe, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, illustration of tourism and daily life in the capital, Paris, France, on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Henrique Campos / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images) | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

We are so far away from knowing much about who the Cleveland Browns will be next year. New HC Todd Monken is working on putting his staff together, with the future of DC Jim Schwartz up in the air, including four former Baltimore Ravens coaches. After the Super Bowl, things move quickly with the NFL combine at the end of February and NFL free agency (with loads of cap space around the league) shortly after that.

The 2026 NFL draft could be huge for the Browns with two first-round picks, while the team's opponents, not the schedule, for next year are also official.

We mentioned in that opponent write-up that the New Orleans Saints were likely hosting the first-ever game in France next season, which could set up Cleveland to go overseas for the second straight season. In 2025, the Browns lost a home game to be the host team in London against the Minnesota Vikings. In 2026, according to multiple rumors, Cleveland will be the road team in Paris:

INFO RMC SPORT

Apres des mois de negociations, c'est enfin acte: le premier match de NFL en France aura lieu a Paris, au Stade de France, le 25 octobre 2026. Il opposera les New Orleans Saints aux Browns de Cleveland.https://t.co/6eK4SXMFYf

- RMC Sport (@RMCsport) February 1, 2026

DBN has reached out to a number of sources regarding the above report, noting that RMC Sport has almost three million followers. None had credible information to confirm the report, but many noted they had heard similar. Paul Brown, the unofficial fan host in London, posted a screenshot a day prior to the above report:

Rumours .... The Cleveland #Browns are coming to Paris 25th October 2026
Vs the @Saints

Will you be travelling to Paris France ? pic.twitter.com/dk956jS1UX

- Paul Brown Browns fan London News Vlogger (@PaulBrown_UK) January 31, 2026

Two days ago, this picture was reportedly taken in France:

This picture was taken by a Stade de France employee this morning.

Further confirming my statement yesterday, that the NFL could be currently recording their official annoucement of a 2026 NFL Paris Game between the Saints and the Browns.

via: @AfterfootUS#NFL#NFLFrancepic.twitter.com/rlsGO4PnWq

- Nykolas Pierre-Masse (@NykPierreMasse) January 30, 2026

Three days ago, the following graphic was created, noting the same matchup:

1er match NFL en France a Paris
Saints vs Browns
Pour la saison 2026 2027@NFLFrancepic.twitter.com/8nnw8ki0jz

- BjacTv (@Bricejac) January 29, 2026

Besides reporting earlier in the year from Adam Schefter, a recent report from New Orleans noted that momentum is building" for the Paris game to take place this year. Generally, the NFL does not like to give away schedule information until the middle of May. Any announcement this early would be outside of the norm, but, much like his AFC Pro Bowl nod, would indicate that Browns QB Shedeur Sanders has a lot of appeal and marketing presence for the NFL's decision makers.

Mary Kay Cabot notes that the team has not heard anything, despite the major French outlet" RMC Sports reporting it.

The NFL has officially announced that the Saints will be the host team for the first game in Paris:

The NFL has announced that the #Saints will be the home" team for the first-ever NFL game in Paris, France, during the 2026 season.

The game will take place at the Stade de France - the country's national stadium. pic.twitter.com/en6hYYETWq

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 2, 2026

As of now, these are just rumors. No one should start booking their vacation time, flights, or hotels based on them. We will keep you updated as more information, either confirming or denying the above rumors, becomes available.

If the Browns are heading to Paris, would you try to make the trip?

Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below