Todd Monken’s starting quarterback competition with the Cleveland Browns finally got a chance to play out in real time, against another team’s defense rather than their own. Early signs suggest Deshaun Watson has a step ahead.
After all, he made the first start and completed 11-of-15 passes for 126 yards and a sack. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders is set to start the second game after completing 6-of-11 passes for 79 yards and an interception. The Browns’ next game arrives on Saturday, and coach Monken could be getting ready to name his starting QB.
Related: 5 NFL Training Camp Position Battles That Should Be Decided After Preseason Week 1
Cleveland Browns Could Name Starting QB Shortly After Saturday’s Game
NFL: Cleveland Browns Training Camp
Jul 29, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drop back to pass during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
It’s only natural for Watson, who brings seven seasons of NFL experience, to the table. He’s also a three-time Pro Bowler, so as far as ceilings go, he’s already reached nearly the pinnacle in the sport. Having made 72 starts and learned several different offenses in his career, the 30-year-old has likely had an easier time acclimating to coach Monken’s new offense.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Sanders has started just seven games in his NFL career and is entering his second season. While coach Monken admits Sanders has “improved so much,” he’s still light on experience compared to Watson.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated on “SportsCenter” that the Browns could make a decision on their starting QB shortly after their Week 2 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
“He (Watson) has some momentum, not all of the momentum. But he has had a good last week of practice, and he took that into the game. He was accurate. He seems well-positioned right now. I would caution that the next 6-to-7 days in Cleveland is huge. They’ve got a slate of practices, and they have a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills, those are big now, as far as determining who you want to start. Then you got the second preseason game where Shedeur Sanders will be the starter, he’ll get his first half of action to try to stake his claim. He’s made it interesting throughout, dating back to the spring, he did try his best to close the gap. So we’ll see if Deshaun Watson can end this thing over the next week. I suspect after that second preseason game, head coach Todd Monken will huddle up with his staff and they will name the starter at some point.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Deshaun Watson
Breaking down the Browns QB battle and preseason storylines with @HermEdwards and @HannahStormESPN on @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/3Jm1ZbP6jM
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 16, 2026
There’s still time for the younger QB to grow exponentially. Yet, it’s time for the Browns to figure out what they have in the elder Watson now, especially considering he’s entering the final year of his contract. Sanders will still have two more seasons left on his deal after the 2026 season expires.
Besides, if Watson falters at any point throughout the season, the Browns can then hand the keys to Sanders, who may be even more improved and prepared for the action.