Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken watches during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
"Are You Kidding?" Browns Have Chosen Starting Quarterback - Fans React 1
August 12, 2026 Sports Entertainment
The Cleveland Browns are going into the 2026 season with a brand new head coach in Todd Monken. Monken has inherited a franchise that is facing decades of sub .500 play. That being said, some fans are optimistic about the team they have put together this year. One of the biggest question marks going into the season is who will be under center come week one.
Monken has reportedly made his decision, however, what he had to say had fans saying “are you kidding?”
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd MonkenCleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken
May 8, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken talks to the media after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Browns Have Made Decision On Who Will Start First Pre-Season Game
According to NFL Insider Andrew Siciliano:
Todd Monken says he’s already decided on his QB starter for the Browns preseason opener Saturday in Chicago. He’ll inform the players after today’s practice.
Coach Todd Monken remains tight-lipped about the Browns‘ quarterback plans. After practice on Wednesday, however, the first-time head coach told reporters he would notify Watson and Sanders which one would start against the Chicago Bears on Saturday.
Whether Watson or Sanders will start the preseason opener has already been decided by Monken, but both quarterbacks will reportedly be informed later today.
During the first dozen practices of training camp, Watson has had more practice time with the starters. It should also be noted that Sanders has continuously developed over the course of the offseason, while the 30-year-old veteran has thrown many more interceptions.
Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders watches as head coach Todd Monken speaks on the radio during a 7-on-7 training session at minicamp, April 21, 2026, in Berea. © Lisa Scalfaro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesBrowns quarterback Shedeur Sanders watches as head coach Todd Monken speaks on the radio during a 7-on-7 training session at minicamp, April 21, 2026, in Berea. © Lisa Scalfaro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders watches as head coach Todd Monken speaks on the radio during a 7-on-7 training session at minicamp, April 21, 2026, in Berea. © Lisa Scalfaro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There is a good chance a formal announcement about who won the competition will take place after Cleveland’s second preseason game. Watson and Sanders are both expected to start for Cleveland during the preseason.
It is likely that the starting offensive unit will play the first drive against the Bears. According to Monken, the Browns’ Week 1 quarterback decision is based on which quarterback he believes gives them the best chance of winning. Here is a look at reactions from this announcement:
It’s clearly gonna sanders considering he’s getting the last start in practice before the game. That’s portably why they switched up the reps on Saturday so it would line up this way.
We have to wait? Are you kidding?
Watson cause they don’t want me to be happy
Informing the players for the first preseason game is crazy. I bet hes naming the actual week 1 starter.
I will always stand on the idea that the coach owes you nothing. As fans, you are entitled to nothing. Not information, not explanations, nothing. From what i’ve seen from Coach Monken, he feels the same.
It will be interesting to see how the Browns’ 2026 campaign turns out.