New Browns head coach Todd Monken said earlier this offseason his preference was to have a decision on the starting quarterback spot made by the start of training camp. That did not prove to be the case, and a commitment to either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders does not appear to be imminent.
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“The QBs will play in the preseason and if it’s still a competition at the time, why wouldn’t you start one and then the other?”* Monken said (via Zac Jackson of The Athletic). “At this point, we’re so far from that,” he added, in reference to the need to name a starter somewhat soon.
Watson and Sanders alternated days working with Cleveland’s starting offense through spring practices and each of the team’s first eight sessions in training camp. Things changed today, with Watson taking first-team reps on what would have been Sanders’ day to do so based on the rotation. A Browns spokesperson said (h/t Jackson) the team had specific personnel groupings Monken wanted to see Watson work worth.
Earlier this offseason, Watson appeared to have the lead in the competition with Sanders seen as having made up ground along the way. Mobility has been mentioned as an important factor in this case, something which – along with experience – would tend to favor Watson. 2026 represents the final year of his fully guaranteed contract, and one full season atop the depth chart could allow the Browns to gain a modicum of return on investment regarding what has proven to be one the worst acquisitions in league history.
On the other hand, Sanders has three years left on his rookie contract. Handing the reins to the 2025 fifth-rounder (who started Cleveland’s final seven games last season) would allow for an evaluation period under Monken before the Browns decide on targeting a first-round QB selection in next year’s draft. Many expect that approach to be taken regardless of how the quarterback depth chart shakes out in 2026. Jackson describes the Watson-Sanders competition so far as “uneven and unremarkable.”
A pair of Achilles tears kept Watson, 31 in September, sidelined in 2025. The former Texans Pro Bowler has only managed 19 appearances as a member of the Browns, with his play when on the field falling well short of expectations. Sanders, meanwhile, threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (seven) during his rookie campaign. Improved play by the team’s offense in general could take place thanks to a wide-ranging renovation up front and the arrival of new options at the skill positions.
In any case, Monken’s first year at the helm will be defined in no small part by the Browns’ ability take steps forward compared to 2025. Cleveland’s offense will remain the focus of considerable attention moving forward on that front, but it is still unclear which passer will receive the nod for Week 1.