As Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders vie for the starting role, uncertainty looms for Cleveland's quarterback situation
Category: Sports
The Cleveland Browns are facing a quarterback competition as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season, with head coach Todd Monken indicating that a decision on the starter is still pending. Monken expressed a desire to name a starting quarterback before the team opens training camp in late July, but he emphasized that it is too early for any conclusions.
During an appearance on 92.3 The Fan on May 1, Monken stated, "I would love to have that, but I’m not there yet, so I can’t say that." This statement came after a report from Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com claimed that Deshaun Watson had the inside track to win the starting job over competitors Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Watson, who missed all of last season recovering from a twice-torn right Achilles tendon, and Sanders, who started the final seven games of his rookie season, are the primary contenders for the role.
Monken noted that the Browns held a three-day voluntary minicamp leading up to the NFL Draft, and in the one practice open to reporters, Watson was typically first in line as the quarterbacks rotated through drills. Yet, Monken clarified that the practice script was structured to give Sanders more total reps. He remarked, "We’ve been on the field three practices... What I’ve seen after three days gives us a 40,000-foot view of where we’re at, but that can change once we get back on the field. There’s only so many reps you get, you’ve got to start to target who is gonna start opening day. That can still change."
As the Browns prepare for their first organized team activity (OTA) practice scheduled for May 19, the competition among the quarterbacks remains open. Monken has asserted that he aims to let the players decide who earns the starting position through their performance on the field. He emphasized, "What we do on the field is what matters most," indicating that the competition will be fluid as the offseason progresses.
The quarterback situation in Cleveland has been a topic of scrutiny for several seasons. The Browns have made the playoffs only three times since the turn of the century and are coming off their second consecutive season with five or fewer wins. Watson's acquisition was controversial, as he faced over 22 sexual misconduct allegations when the Browns traded for him, a move that owner Jimmy Haslam later termed a "miss" for the organization.
Watson last played for the Browns in 2024, where he completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions, but struggled with a 1-6 record before suffering his Achilles injury. Meanwhile, Sanders had a challenging rookie season, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. The Browns' offense has undergone changes, with new players added to improve the lineup, including sixth-round rookie Taylen Green, who joined the quarterback room.
Monken, who took over as head coach this season, has a history of fostering competition among players. He has previously indicated that he would prefer to name a starter early to provide that player with more practice opportunities and establish a clear direction for the offense. This approach contrasts with the previous coaching staff, which waited until the preseason to finalize the starting quarterback.
The Browns will host their rookie minicamp on May 8 and 9, allowing Sanders, Watson, and Gabriel to continue their competition. As offseason workouts resume on June 1, the team will have up to ten OTA practices before the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 9-11. Monken has expressed hope that a clear winner will emerge by the end of this period.
As the competition heats up, Monken reiterated the importance of performance over external narratives, particularly in light of social media discussions surrounding the quarterback battle. "That’s a man making a comment on social media. That’s someone reporting something they believe. That’s their opinion. Not my opinion. I didn’t say that," he stated, referring to the reports about Watson's lead in the competition. He acknowledged that players are aware of social media but cautioned against letting it define their performance.
With the Browns' quarterback situation remaining uncertain, fans are eagerly awaiting the team's decision. The upcoming practices will be instrumental in determining who will lead the offense come Week 1. Monken's commitment to allowing the competition to play out suggests that both Watson and Sanders will have ample opportunity to showcase their skills. As the offseason progresses, the Browns hope to solidify their quarterback position and set a positive tone for the 2026 season.
As Monken concluded, "I just think they want to know who's going to give us the best chance to win." The outcome of this competition will not only impact the quarterbacks involved but will also shape the direction of the Browns' season.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not refect independently verified reporting.