Full Breakdown
Browns Outline Preseason Quarterback Competition
8/5/2026, 4:40:07 PM
Core Event
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced that the team will keep the quarterback competition open throughout training camp. He said each of the two leading candidates—Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson—will receive a start in the preseason, with the first game determining who will start the opening matchup in Chicago and the second game deciding the starter for the home contest against the Bills. The quarterback who performs best in those outings is expected to start the final preseason game against the Patriots, after which Monken will name his primary starter.
Background & Context
Sanders entered the league in 2025 and earned Pro Bowl honors despite starting only seven games. He finished his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, a 56.6 % completion rate, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. Watson joined Cleveland in 2022 but has been limited to 19 games and missed the latter part of the 2024 season after tearing his Achilles twice. The Browns entered the 2026 offseason with both quarterbacks healthy but unproven in a full-season role.
Data & Statistics
- Sanders: 1,400 passing yards, 56.6 % completions, 7 TDs, 10 INTs in his rookie year.
- Watson: 19 career games since 2022; missed the final months of the 2024 campaign due to consecutive Achilles injuries.
Official Statements & Responses
Monken told NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe that the preseason will serve as the decisive evaluation period, emphasizing that the competition will continue through camp and that the final preseason game will likely determine the quarterback who starts the regular season. He has repeatedly stressed his commitment to an open competition and has not indicated a predetermined starter.
