Who will Browns' starting QB be: Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders?

The Cleveland Browns head into training camp facing a familiar uncertainty under center as they prepare for the 2026 season. Head coach Todd Monken faces the task of managing an open competition for the starting quarterback role between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year passer Shedeur Sanders. Both players split first-team repetitions throughout spring practices and remain in the mix for the opening day job.

Deshaun Watson enters the season looking to regain his form after an injury-plagued tenure in Cleveland that saw him sidelined for the 2025 campaign following a torn Achilles tendon. While team coaches continue to highlight his athleticism as a key asset, he must prove he can maintain consistent production in actual game conditions. Watson has seen limited action since his arrival in 2022, and the organization is searching for the stability he was acquired to provide.

Shedeur Sanders spent much of his rookie season outside of the primary rotation but took over starting duties for the final seven games of 2025. He finished that stretch with a 3-4 record and demonstrated potential for explosive plays while also struggling with decision-making and ball security. The coaching staff points to his improved processing during the offseason as a positive indicator, though live training camp practices will serve as the true test of his development.

Beyond the two primary contenders, the roster includes Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green. Gabriel remains a backup option entering his second year, while Green is expected to focus on developmental reps as he acclimates to the professional speed of the game. With the preseason approaching, Monken intends to evaluate the full quarterback room before finalizing a decision on who will lead the offense for the upcoming year.