NFL: Cleveland Browns Training Camp
Jul 30, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken talks to the media during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Todd Monken has praised all four Cleveland Browns quarterbacks during NFL training camp, but his comments about Deshaun Watson drew skepticism from 92.3 The Fan’s Ken Carman.
Monken recently highlighted Watson’s experience while discussing the Browns’ quarterback competition. He also praised Taylen Green, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders for their progress.
“I think all the QBs have done a great job,” Monken told reporters. “Starting with Taylen, doesn’t get a ton of reps, super smart, think he’s got a bright future.”
MORE: Browns quarterback competition has clear frontrunner
Monken then addressed Sanders and Watson. “Shedeur, from the moment I got here until now, in terms of his drops, working through his progressions, protecting the football and then in the huddle, really has improved,” he said.
“Deshaun has obviously played a lot of football in a number of systems,” Monken added. “Early on, he was certainly gonna be ahead.”
Carman was not convinced by that assessment. He questioned whether Watson has consistently shown the qualities Monken praised.
“I don’t think he (Deshaun) is,” Carman said. “I don’t think he really is capable of those things. I’m not trying to say nasty things. I’m just being honest with everybody.”
“So they don’t think they’re not gonna be fooled. Todd Monken has to say those things because he’s on his show and it’s in public. Maybe Todd Monken really does feel that way. You’re coach; coach him up. Maybe that’s the case… I don’t think anybody believes that.”
Browns’ QB Deshaun Watson faces a major test
NFL: Cleveland Browns Training Camp
Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throw passes during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Carman also questioned how long Cleveland can keep expecting Watson to rediscover his previous form.
“It’s been six years,” Carman said. “How many years do we have to go before he finds it again? Like sometimes it’s just gone, and I think it’s gone for him.”
The skepticism reflects Watson’s difficult recent run. He has played only 19 games since 2022 and missed the entire 2025 season after suffering another Achilles injury.
That history makes the quarterback competition more complicated than experience alone suggests. Watson has the resume, but Sanders has youth and development on his side.
Carman also questioned Watson’s command of the offense. “I mean, he has played a lot of football. Has he played a lot of smart football?” he asked. “Does he know what he’s doing?”
"I don't think (Deshaun) really is capable. Does anybody else think he is? How many times are we gonna be fooled? Maybe Todd Monken really does feel that way…you're a coach, coach him up. I don't think anybody believes that. Sometimes it's just gone and I think it's gone for… https://t.co/ppvv2KWBQe pic.twitter.com/UbUjnJPs3N
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 12, 2026
The Browns listed Watson or Sanders as the first-team quarterbacks on their unofficial depth chart. That leaves the competition open heading into preseason action.
Monken’s praise makes sense from a coaching standpoint, especially given Watson’s experience. Still, Watson must translate that experience into efficient execution before Cleveland can trust him as its starter.
The preseason will provide the clearest evidence. For Watson, performance matters more than his resume as the Browns weigh their next move.
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