While Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has made it seem like he is having an open competition for the QB1 spot, more evidence has emerged that Shedeur Sanders‘ chance of winning the job is being undercut.
One of the biggest position battles in the NFL this summer is who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback. If it were up to fans, it would be second-year talent and former Colorado star Sanders. He is younger, and many have completely soured on Deshaun Watson after a miserable four-year stint in Cleveland.
However, after undergoing two surgeries for a torn Achilles suffered in 2024, all signs point to the coach favoring the returning 3-time Pro Bowler. Even if many fans can’t stand him. The first obvious sign was giving the 30-year-old the start in their first preseason game last week. Away from Cleveland fans and the potential boos he could hear if he wasn’t perfect.
Cleveland Browns to sit several offensive starters in Week 2 of preseason
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Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes the ball againnst the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
This week, Sanders will get the chance to start the Browns’ Week 2 preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. While it looks fair after Watson started last week, it seems like Monken isn’t giving Sanders the best chance of success possible in what could be his only start this summer.
“For Shedeur Sanders’ start today vs. the Bills, the Browns will rest some starters but not all,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. “LT Spencer Fano and WR Denzel Boston will play, I’m told. Browns consider today a crucial data point in the QB battle. Deshaun Watson takes over in the third quarter.”
While the starting offense didn’t play as much as Watson did last week, most of them were in action, including talented rookie KC Concepcion. With most starters unlikely to do much in their final preseason game next week, this is Sanders’ last chance to surpass Watson as the top choice to be the Browns QB1 in 2026. However, it looks like his coach isn’t offering him the best chance to do so.
Do you feel the Browns are giving Shedeur Sanders the best opportunity to win the starting quarterback job?