The Browns’ next franchise passer doesn’t seem like on the roster yet, but for now, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are competing for the starting quarterback job. While Sanders appeared to have the leg up on his veteran teammate earlier this spring, more moderen reporting has suggested Watson will probably be under center in Week 1.
Watson and Sanders were still splitting first-team reps when OTAs opened last week, as ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi observes. Head coach Todd Monken previously expressed his preference to have a QB1 in place by the beginning of coaching camp, though he acknowledged that the depth chart could change throughout the course of the preseason slate.
Echoing those sentiments during OTAs, Monken said (via Oyefusi), “[y]ou’d like to have [an established depth chart] at every position at the top of spring, but you possibly can’t guarantee that. We’ll have it set for Jacksonville [in Week 1].”
The primary-year HC was predictably complimentary of each participants within the starting QB battle. With respect to Sanders, Monken said, “I feel Shedeur’s come miles, by way of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts. I feel he’s really, really come a good distance.”
Sanders, 24, handled loads of growing pains as a rookie in 2025. He connected on 56.5% of passes, averaged 6.6 yards per attempt, and threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (seven). He posted a poor 68.1 traditional passer rating and a fair worse 18.9 QBR in the method. Alternatively, it will not have been surprising to see him chosen in the primary round of last yr’s draft, so if there’s greater than standard coach-speak to Monken’s comments, perhaps the previous Colorado standout is heading in the right direction for a breakthrough season.
Watson, who will turn 31 in September, has largely dissatisfied when on the sector during his much-maligned Cleveland tenure, and a ruptured (and later re-ruptured) Achilles has kept him out of game motion since Week 7 of the 2024 campaign. He did return to practice within the latter stages of the ‘25 slate, and he has since received full medical clearance. Along with praising Sanders’ growth, Monken offered an encouraging update with respect to Watson’s health.
“Deshaun’s athleticism shows up,” Monken said. “Obviously he’s had that, but he’s had injuries which have set him back. I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise, however it’s exciting to see — it’s a weapon for him. It’s certainly one of his superpowers, his athleticism.”
The Browns did select Taylen Green within the sixth round of this yr’s draft, but they otherwise have focused on increase the remainder of their roster within the hopes that – unless Watson or Sanders surprises within the upcoming season – they’ll drop a top 2027 draftee or quality veteran acquisition right into a competitive lineup next yr. Neither Green nor 2025 third-rounder Dillon Gabriel are candidates for the QB1 gig in the meanwhile.