Browns’ Quarterback Competition: Watson vs. Sanders Under New Coach Monken

Cleveland’s 2026 starting-quarterback decision centers on veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Head coach Todd Monken has repeatedly said he would like to name a starter before training camp, but he maintains that the competition remains “open” after three voluntary practices and a three-day minicamp. The Browns’ quarterback room also includes 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green, though the latter is not expected to contend for the top spot this year.

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Monken arrived as the Browns’ first-year head coach after Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal following the 2025 season. The team acquired Watson in 2022 with a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract; owner Jimmy Haslam later called the trade a “miss.” Watson missed the entire 2025 season while rehabbing a twice-torn Achilles, whereas Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie season in 2025, posting a 3-4 record.

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• Deshaun Watson – 30-year-old, 63.4 % completion rate, 1,148 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in 2024 before his injury; contract guarantees $46 million for the 2026 season.

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• Shedeur Sanders – Son of Deion Sanders, 56.6 % completion rate, 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions in 2025; Pro Bowl nominee despite a losing record.

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• Dillon Gabriel – 2025 third-round selection, retained on the roster.

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• Taylen Green – Sixth-round rookie added in the 2026 draft.

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• May 1 – Monken discusses the QB race on “The Ken Carman Show.”

Todd Monken just doubled down on the part of his QB competition that makes no sense

• May 8-9 – Rookie minicamp held in Berea.

Todd Monken just doubled down on the part of his QB competition that makes no sense

• June 1 – Offseason workouts resume.

New York Times

• May 19 – First organized team activity (OTA) scheduled.

New York Times

• Mid-June – Mandatory minicamp concludes.

Todd Monken just doubled down on the part of his QB competition that makes no sense

• July 25 – Training camp opens, where the starter is expected to be identified.

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Watson’s 2024 numbers (63.4 % completions, 1,148 yds, 5 TD, 3 INT) contrast with Sanders’ 2025 output (56.6 % completions, 1,400 yds, 7 TD, 10 INT). Watson’s career passer rating with Cleveland (80.7) falls below his 104.5 rating with the Houston Texans, while Sanders earned a Pro Bowl nod despite a 3-4 record.

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Choosing a starter early could give the offense a clear identity and maximize limited practice reps, a priority Monken cites after three voluntary sessions. Conversely, an unresolved competition may force the team to rely on a short-term solution while targeting a long-term answer in the 2027 draft class.

New York Times

Monken emphasized that he “doesn’t have a history with any of our players” and that “there’s only so many reps you get; you have to start to target who’s going to start opening day.” He added the current “40,000-foot view” will be refined after four weeks of spring workouts. Owner Jimmy Haslam previously labeled the Watson trade a “miss.” General manager Andrew Berry noted there is “no rule against” extending Watson’s contract if the team deems it beneficial.

Browns’ Todd Monken sheds light on QB competition entering offseason program

Analysts from DawgPound argue that Monken’s early depth-chart hints contradict his claim of an open competition, suggesting the process may be “not a legitimate competition.” Essential Sports highlighted fan and media frustration, quoting a reporter that “a three-way quarterback competition into training camp is… we just can’t do it.”

Todd Monken just doubled down on the part of his QB competition that makes no sense

Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported Watson has the “inside track,” while Monken’s own remarks stress uncertainty. Practice-rep allocations differ across sources: some note Watson received more first-team reps, others indicate Sanders was scripted for more total reps. No definitive decision has been announced, and the impact of the rookie quarterbacks remains untested.

Sports Illustrated

• “ "I would love to have that, I'm not there yet.” — Todd Monken, Head Coach

Browns’ Todd Monken sheds light on QB competition entering offseason program

• “There’s only so many reps you get; you’ve got to start to target towards who’s going to start opening day.” — Todd Monken

Browns’ Todd Monken sheds light on QB competition entering offseason program

• “Report: Deshaun Watson emerged from voluntary minicamp with an edge over Shedeur Sanders as Browns’ QB1.” — Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com reporter

Todd Monken just doubled down on the part of his QB competition that makes no sense

• “What we do on the field is what matters most,” — Todd Monken

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• “Coach just spoke life into me.” — Shedeur Sanders, quarterback

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The Browns will continue OTAs and the mandatory minicamp through mid-June, after which Monken is expected to allocate the majority of first-team reps. Training camp begins July 25, and the starter is likely to be announced before the season-opening game in early September. The outcome will shape Cleveland’s offensive strategy and influence roster decisions for the 2027 draft.

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