Browns Keep All Options Open as Watson, Sanders Battle for Starting Job

Clear Facts

• Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken refuses to name a starting quarterback, maintaining an open competition between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel
• Watson led the quarterback rotation in drills during the team’s voluntary minicamp, though Monken said Sanders was scheduled for more overall reps
• The Browns went 5-12 last season and drafted quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns are keeping their quarterback competition wide open as the team prepares for the 2026 season. Head coach Todd Monken made it clear he won’t be rushed into naming a starter, telling Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan that the decision remains premature.

“It’s my job to let it play out,” Monken said. The first-year coach took over the Browns in January and is implementing a new offensive system in Cleveland.

Shedeur Sanders took over starting duties in Week 12 of last season and held the job for the remainder of the year. Dillon Gabriel moved to a backup role while Deshaun Watson remained on the physically unable to perform list, even after the team opened his 21-day practice window in December.

All three quarterbacks are set to return in 2026, creating one of the league’s most crowded quarterback rooms. Monken’s recent comments align with his stated philosophy of letting players compete and earn their positions on the field.

The remarks follow a report suggesting Watson has the inside track for the starting job. Shilo Sanders publicly downplayed that report and expressed support for his brother Shedeur’s bid to be the Week 1 starter.

During the team’s three-day voluntary minicamp held shortly before the 2026 NFL Draft, Watson led the quarterback rotation in most drills. However, Monken clarified that the practice plan called for Sanders to receive more overall repetitions.

“I’m not there yet, so I can’t say (there’s a leader),” Monken added. “We’ve been on the field three days.”

Monken has indicated he ultimately prefers one quarterback to separate himself from the pack through performance. The Browns are scheduled to begin organized team activities (OTAs) in mid-May, followed by a mandatory minicamp in June before training camp starts in July.

The team added another quarterback to the mix by drafting Taylen Green in the sixth round of last week’s draft. Browns general manager Andrew Berry emphasized at the NFL Scouting Combine in February that there’s no timeline pressure on the decision.

“We don’t have to make that decision anytime soon,” Berry said at the time. “I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different.”

The Browns finished 5-12 last season and are looking to turn things around under new leadership. The quarterback competition will be one of the key storylines to watch as the offseason program unfolds.

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