Browns Keep QB Competition Open as Shedeur Sanders Shows Growth

After mandatory minicamp on June 11, the Cleveland Browns announced they will not name a starter for the 2026 season. Head coach Todd Monken said the team will continue alternating between second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson through training camp, delaying a final decision.

Heavy

Sanders entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in 2025 and started seven games after taking over in Week 12. He posted a 3-4 record, seven touchdowns, ten interceptions, a 56.6 % completion rate and 1,400 passing yards. His combined scramble and passing yards (275) ranked eighth league-wide over his final eight games.

ESPN

GM Andrew Berry called Sanders’ offseason “phenomenal,” highlighting “tremendous” growth in footwork and decision-making. Quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian noted Sanders “has defined his footwork, playing with a base, learning the offense, and getting through progressions faster.” Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer added that his “feet are getting more urgent” and he now “throws when he needs to more consistently.” Monken observed that Sanders “is being more decisive” and is releasing the ball more quickly.

ESPN

Deion Sanders, Sanders’ father and former coach, warned that the rookie’s performance cannot be judged in isolation: “I would have wanted him to perform a little better, but that’s not just an individual thing, that’s a team thing.” He stressed the need for offensive line, receivers and scheme support.

Fox News (website)

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler described the battle as “neck and neck,” saying Sanders “has bridged the gap at least somewhat.” In contrast, Yardbarker’s Daniel Oyefusi wrote that despite progress, Sanders “still needs to prove he deserves the starting job.” No source offers a definitive readiness verdict.

Shedeur Sanders may have to improve key skill to win Browns' QB competition

• “I think he did a phenomenal job this offseason.” — Andrew Berry, GM

ESPN

• “He's been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication to wanting to be an NFL quarterback and what it takes,” — Jimmy Haslam, owner

ESPN

• “I think he’s being more decisive. Now, it’s easy to say we’re not in pads. It just feels like he’s making quicker decisions. The ball’s coming out of his hands, which he’s gonna have to do.” — Todd Monken, head coach

Heavy

• “Deshaun Watson went into the spring as the clear favorite, but Shedeur Sanders has bridged the gap at least somewhat.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

The Sporting News

Full-pad practices begin in late July, followed by preseason games where both quarterbacks will receive live-scrimmage reps. Monken said the competition will stay open until padded performance clarifies the starter, with a decision expected before the regular-season kickoff.

ESPN