CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Browns QB1 still undecided heading into camp as Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson split reps.
Todd Monken says that in a perfect world, he’d like to have his starting quarterback locked in by the start of training camp. The problem: this isn’t a perfect world, and the Browns still don’t have a clear QB1.
Monken has been consistent in saying he believes both Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson can be starters. But the reality is these are two very different situations. Sanders is a young quarterback trying to prove he belongs and make a name for himself, while Watson is a veteran looking to bounce back and show he can still be the player the Browns expected.
Watson: healthy, motivated, and focused on a fresh start
Watson says he’s approaching the offseason with a starter’s mindset especially now that he’s healthy after undergoing two surgeries to repair a ruptured Achilles.
“I mean it’s very important. I think every person that walks into the locker room should have that mindset to start in this league. It’s the main focus of why I work hard to be able to come back.”
After a disappointing start to his Browns tenure appearing in just 19 games over the past few seasons because of suspension and injuries. Watson says he isn’t living in the past.
“I can’t look in the past, I can’t look in the rearview mirror… at the same time you have to keep pushing forward, so my mentality is one day at a time.”
A new system, more responsibility and a question mark
Under new head coach Todd Monken and a brand-new offensive system, Watson says the quarterback role comes with more responsibility something he believes suits him.
“That’s what I had in Houston everything relied on the quarterback operation and with Monk he’s given a lot of responsibility to us. I think that’s something I’m really comfortable with.”
But Monken isn’t ready to say who will ultimately own that responsibility when the season starts.
As the Browns head into summer break, Monken still hasn’t decided between Sanders and Watson as his starting quarterback. The two have continued to split reps throughout the offseason, and that competition is expected to carry over into training camp.
“I can’t decide now because I think they have earned the opportunity to continue to compete once we put the pads on.”
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson on the opportunity to compete for and potentially reclaim the starting quarterback job in Cleveland:
"Each and very person that walks into the locker room should have that mindset that you want to start in this league." pic.twitter.com/xveUcDMiUD
— Ashly Holder (@AshNoelleTV) June 10, 2026
What Monken likes and what he’s still watching
Monken says Watson’s mindset has stood out, especially the pressure he puts on himself and his ability to own mistakes.
“He’s excited to play again and at a high level. He puts a lot of pressure on himself and he’s great at owning it. We’re human, we’re going to make mistakes.”
He also pointed to Watson’s mobility as a potential weapon if he’s fully healthy.
“I think he plays with his feet. That’s going to be a huge weapon for him as long as he’s healthy it will continue to be a weapon for him.”
Blocking out the noise
Watson understands there are plenty of fans rooting against him and hoping Sanders takes over. But he says the outside noise isn’t something he spends much time worrying about.
“At the end of the day I can’t control what people support. All I can do is put out the best person I am. I can’t focus on what the outside is saying when I step in between the lines I have to lock in. That’s winning and being successful.”
For now, the Browns’ quarterback question remains open and Monken says the real answers likely won’t come until the pads go on.
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