It is understood from league sources that Todd Monken, the new head coach for the Cleveland Browns, identifies potential in quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is entering his second professional year. However, Sanders will not automatically be given the role of starting quarterback. Furthermore, individuals familiar with discussions within the Browns organization express skepticism about whether he will even surpass the current quarterbacks already on the roster.
These doubts do not chiefly arise from reservations regarding Sanders, about whom general manager Andrew Berry remarked at the combine that he “demonstrated significant development from his initial start through his seventh.” Rather, these concerns are largely influenced by a developing conviction that Deshaun Watson might vigorously compete for the Browns’ primary quarterback position in the year 2026.
The Browns initiated a 21-day practice period for Watson during December, following his absence from all earlier team training sessions in 2024 due to recuperation from an Achilles tendon injury. While it is evident that returning to practice demands considerably less quickness and leadership than actual game participation, Watson’s actions during these sessions captured the notice of some within the organization.
Watson is guaranteed to receive $46 million this current season, irrespective of his playing status, providing the Browns with an incentive to retain him on their active roster. Furthermore, considering that the 2027 quarterback draft pool is anticipated to be significantly more robust than the 2026 cohort, there are compelling arguments for the Browns to refrain from acquiring high-cost quarterbacks during this current offseason.
Monken characterized the role as an “unrestricted contest,” commending Sanders’ “exceptional skill in making plays,” while simultaneously acknowledging that the player, drafted in the fifth round in 2024, “still needs significant development,” mirroring the typical progression of most athletes after their inaugural professional season.
“Why would this not be an equitable contest?” Monken inquired during the combine. He clarified, “I don’t intend that comment to be severe, but I believe there isn’t sufficient evidence from game footage over the past few years, either supporting or refuting, to definitively declare, ‘Indeed, we have established our primary quarterback at this juncture.’ This applies to both candidates already within the organization and those from outside.”
A competitive tryout could potentially give an advantage to Watson, as professional talent assessors indicate that his peak physical capabilities and decision-making aptitude each exceed those of Sanders. Significant physical ailments, alongside a suspension stemming from accusations of sexual assault and improper behavior, have kept Watson off the field in recent periods. Watson’s most recent complete season was in 2020, a year in which he topped the league with 4,823 passing yards. He participated in six matchups during both 2022 and 2023, followed by seven in 2025. Legitimate inquiries ought to be raised — however, the aspects of play most likely to test him after an extended hiatus will not manifest until the regular season commences. Monken conveyed that the Browns desire a definitive choice prior to that point.
“One would anticipate that by the commencement of training camp, the practice repetitions allocated to a quarterback would be specifically for the individual designated as the primary starter,” Monken articulated. He continued, “If we reach that specific juncture, I am uncertain. That outcome will be decided during the offseason as an integral component of the process. That merely constitutes an additional segment of the overall plan.”
