Shedeur Sanders is up for a massive quarterback competition for the starting role at the Cleveland Browns under Todd Monken as the first-time head coach in the 2026 NFL season.
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Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) watches a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images11111
Three players are fighting for the starting position at Cleveland: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, both of whom are coming off their rookie years, along with veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson.
While Gabriel was given the starting QB role first in the 2025 season, Shedeur Sanders took charge of the second half of the season, started in 7 games, and ended the season with a 3-4 record as the Browns QB.
Many analysts and fans believe the real competition for the role is between Sanders and Watson, with many of them advocating for the former Colorado star.
Talking about what Shedeur Sanders has to do to succeed as the Bowns QB over Watson, ESPN analysts shared their thoughts.
“IthinkhehastoreallymasterToddMonken’soffense.Andthatmeansplayingontime,makinggreatdecisions,protectingthefootball, andhavingtheoffenselookfromafundamentalperspectivethewayToddwantsittolook.Andlook,that’sjustthereality
ofit.I understand that now you’re learning another system, another new system. You’re going to be going up against a guy who is a veteran in Deshaun Watson, who some people have high expectations of. But I think for him, it’s about making sure he masters thisoffense to the best of his ability. That’s really the only thing he can control. And quite honestly, the only thing Todd Monk is going to belooking for.” Louis Riddick shared his thoughts.
“Well, I thinkforShedour,numberone,you’redealingwithaplaycallerandaguythat’syourheadcoachthatwantedyouwiththeBaltimoreRavens.That’saplus.ButIagreewithLouisRiddick.Youhavetograspthissysteminsideandout.Theotherthingyouhavetodo,youhavetoearnthetrustofnotjustyourteammates,butthecoachingstaffandthepeopleinthefront
officeupstairs.Ifthosepeoplecannottrustyou,especiallyyourteammates,you’renotgoingtobeoutthereasastarting
quarterback.Butplayconsistently,takecareofthefootball,andIthinkShedourSanderswillbeokay.” Harry Douglas said.
Todd Monken has been vocal about being excited regarding the starting quarterback competition at the Cleveland Browns; however, while he has made clear the reps won’t be divided equally between all three players, he did say it’s a great position to be in as a head coach, as both Sanders, Gabriel, and Watson are hungry to learn and get better.
Monken further admitted that he doesn’t incline to any of the quarterbacks yet, as there’s enough to like about all three, while highlighting that somebody will eventually have to go first, second, and third. Then the franchise will be willing to switch.
Earlier, Monken said that who gets the most reps would be decided by what they’ve seen in the past and how the 2025 season ended, which led many analysts and fans to believe Shedeur might be the choice in the near future for the role.