The decision ends weeks of speculation surrounding the Browns’ quarterback depth chart, particularly after Sanders appeared to outperform Watson during the preseason.

Despite the controversy surrounding the competition, Watson ultimately retained the starting job. Sanders will begin the season as the backup, while Green has earned a spot on the roster as the team’s third quarterback with Gabriel injured.

Did the Browns cut Dillon Gabriel?

No. The Browns are not cutting Dillon Gabriel, according to a report from Jeremy Fowler. He delivered an impressive performance against the New England Patriots in the preseason finale, helping eliminate speculation that Cleveland could move on from him before the roster deadline.

That was particularly important because there had been questions about whether the Browns would keep three or four quarterbacks. Instead, Cleveland decided to retain Gabriel and avoid losing a young quarterback who showed enough potential during the preseason. His performance against New England appears to have closed the door on the possibility of a trade or release.

Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback?

Deshaun Watson will be the Browns’ starting quarterback to begin the 2026 season. Monken ultimately chose the veteran over Shedeur Sanders. Watson’s experience and familiarity with the offense were important factors in the decision.

However, the decision does not necessarily mean Watson has complete control of the position for the entire season. The Browns have two difficult road games to begin the campaign, and a slow start could quickly put pressure on the veteran quarterback.

Who will be the Browns’ backup quarterback?

Shedeur Sanders will enter the season as the Browns’ No. 2 quarterback. That makes him one of the most intriguing backup QBs in the NFL. Sanders will be one play away from taking over an offense that generated significant attention during the offseason because of the competition between him and Watson.

His preseason performances created a strong argument for him to receive the starting job, but Monken ultimately decided that Sanders still needed more development before taking over the offense. For now, however, Sanders remains in an excellent position if anything changes with Watson.

Browns QB depth chart for 2026 season

The current Browns’ depth chart therefore appears straightforward: Deshaun Watson as QB1, Shedeur Sanders as QB2 and Taylen Green as QB3. But that order could change when Gabriel comes back from IR, which would leave Green’s future uncertain.

Watson’s performance will ultimately determine how much pressure develops behind him, while Sanders will have an opportunity to continue developing while waiting for his chance. For the Browns, the quarterback controversy may finally be over for now.

But with four quarterbacks capable of generating headlines, Cleveland’s QB situation will remain one of the most closely watched topics of the 2026 NFL season.

Sanders entered training camp competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns’ starting QB job. Despite showing promising flashes throughout the preseason, Shedeur ultimately fell short in the evaluation process as head coach Todd Monken decided that Watson gives Cleveland the best chance to start the regular season.

That decision has generated plenty of discussion around Cleveland, particularly because Sanders appeared to outperform Watson at times during the preseason. Nevertheless, Watson is now the Browns’ QB1, while Sanders will have to wait for his next opportunity to prove he can become the franchise’s long-term answer.

Is Shedeur Sanders playing today for Browns vs Patriots?

No. Shedeur Sanders will not play for the Browns against the Patriots in the final preseason game of 2026. That means Sanders’ preseason is officially over, and he will not receive any additional game reps before the regular season begins.

His next chance could come during the regular season if circumstances change, but for now, Watson remains firmly ahead of him on the depth chart. For Sanders, the challenge now shifts from winning the QB1 competition to continuing his development and being ready if the Browns eventually need him.

Why is Shedeur Sanders not playing for Browns against Patriots?

The decision was made by Todd Monken, who believes Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have already received enough preseason playing time for the coaching staff to properly evaluate them.

Instead of giving Sanders another opportunity, Monken wants to use the final preseason game to look at Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. Gabriel is expected to start against New England, while Green should also receive significant playing time.

The Browns are now trying to answer a different question: how many quarterbacks will they carry on the 53-man roster? The possibility of keeping four quarterbacks remains on the table, but Cleveland must determine whether there is enough value to justify using that many roster spots.

If the Browns decide four quarterbacks are too many, Gabriel could be the player most vulnerable to being released. That makes tonight’s game particularly important for Gabriel and Green. While Sanders and Watson have already completed their preseason evaluations, the two younger quarterbacks have one final opportunity to show Monken what they can bring to the roster.

How to watch Browns vs Patriots in the USA

Browns vs Patriots will be available nationally on Prime Video in the United States. Fubo and NFL+ are others streaming options for viewers outside the New England local market.

Can I watch Browns vs Patriots for free?

Yes, eligible viewers can watch Browns vs Patriots for free with Fubo’s 5-day free trial. The platform currently offers a free-trial option for its service, which carries preseason games.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Browns vs. Patriots matchup is the final preseason game for both teams, putting the focus on roster evaluation rather than the result itself. Cleveland enters the finale at 0-2, while New England is 1-0-1 after a 24-21 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams now have one last game to evaluate players before the NFL‘s 53-man roster deadline on August 30.

For Cleveland, one of the biggest storylines is the quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson has been named the Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season, but the team is still evaluating its depth behind him.

Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel have received significant preseason opportunities, while the Browns’ latest unofficial depth chart lists Watson, Sanders and Gabriel among the quarterbacks.

The Patriots are approaching the game with a different objective. Mike Vrabel has largely protected his starters during the preseason, meaning Thursday could once again provide valuable snaps for players competing for roster spots.

Rookie quarterback Behren Morton was particularly impressive in the 24-21 win over Philadelphia, leading the game-winning drive, while young players such as Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III have also made strong cases for roster consideration.

What time is the Browns vs Patriots match?

The Browns vs Patriots match kicks off on Thursday, August 27, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, and represents the final preseason game for both teams before the 2026 regular season.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

Watson won the competition over Shedeur Sanders after Cleveland’s coaching staff evaluated both quarterbacks throughout training camp and the preseason. The decision generated plenty of controversy, particularly because Sanders appeared to show enough during the preseason to make a strong case for the starting job.

Now, Schefter believes Watson’s position could depend heavily on what happens during Cleveland’s first two games of the regular season. If the veteran struggles, Shedeur could receive an opportunity much earlier than expected.

Could Shedeur Sanders become the Browns’ starting QB?

Adam Schefter offered a fascinating prediction about how quickly Cleveland could change quarterbacks if Watson fails to perform. “If Deshaun Watson plays well the first two weeks on the road, he’ll continue to be the quarterback. If not, I believe there is a realistic chance that for their home opener, Shedeur Sanders is the starting quarterback of the Browns. That’ll be up to Deshaun and how he plays in the first two games.”

That puts significant pressure on Watson from the beginning of the season. The Browns will open their schedule with consecutive road games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before returning home for their Week 3 matchup.

Watson therefore may not have much room for error. If he performs well, the Browns could quickly put the quarterback controversy behind them. If he struggles, however, Sanders could become the most obvious alternative.

That possibility becomes even more intriguing because Shedeur Sanders could make his potential Browns starting debut at home against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. He could then face another major test shortly afterward, with Cleveland scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in a primetime matchup.

Todd Monken chose Deshaun Watson

Todd Monken ultimately decided that Watson gave Cleveland the best chance to win when the regular season begins. The head coach’s evaluation appeared to focus on more than simply preseason statistics, particularly Sanders’ familiarity with the offense and his ability to operate the system.

That does not mean Sanders’ opportunity has disappeared. He remains one of the most important young players in Cleveland’s quarterback room, and a poor start from Watson could accelerate his path onto the field.

There is also a bigger picture for the Browns. Cleveland has major decisions ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft, and determining whether Sanders can develop into the franchise quarterback could have enormous implications for the organization’s future. For now, Watson has won the job. But Schefter’s prediction makes one thing clear: the quarterback competition may not actually be over.

The Browns created headlines by choosing Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. Despite Sanders showing encouraging flashes during the preseason, head coach Todd Monken ultimately decided that Watson will lead the offense in Week 1.

The Patriots, meanwhile, are preparing for a season in which they hope to make another Super Bowl push. Drake Maye is expected to be the centerpiece of that effort, particularly after New England added star wide receiver A.J. Brown to an offense that could take a major step forward in 2026.

Who is starting QB today for Browns vs Patriots?

Dillon Gabriel will start at quarterback for the Browns against the Patriots. Todd Monken confirmed that he wants to give him more playing time after being unable to properly evaluate him during Cleveland’s first two preseason games.

Gabriel’s opportunity is particularly important because the Browns need to determine what they have behind Watson and Sanders. Giving Dillon an extended look in the final preseason game allows the coaching staff to evaluate him in a more realistic game environment.

Taylen Green is expected to take over as the backup quarterback after Gabriel’s time on the field is complete. As a result, neither Watson nor Sanders is expected to play tonight.

Who is starting QB for Patriots vs Browns?

Tommy DeVito is expected to start at quarterback for the Patriots against the Browns, with Drake Maye sitting out the final preseason game. The decision is hardly surprising considering Maye’s importance to New England.

The star quarterback is expected to lead the Patriots’ offense throughout the regular season, and there is little reason for head coach Mike Vrabel to expose him to unnecessary preseason risk. After DeVito’s work is complete, Behren Morton is expected to take over at quarterback.

On the surface, the decision has been difficult for some Browns fans to understand. Sanders showed flashes of the talent that made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Watson’s performances did not necessarily separate him from Shedeur.

However, prestigious reported Mary Kay Cabot has provided more context on why head coach Todd Monken ultimately favored Watson. According to her information, the explanation may have much more to do with what happened away from the field than what fans saw during preseason games.

What happened behind the scenes with Shedeur Sanders?

Mary Kay Cabot explained that Todd Monken has repeatedly emphasized that Shedeur Sanders still has a learning curve to navigate, particularly when it comes to mastering the Browns’ offensive system.

“Todd has been trying to tell us over and over and over again that Shedeur still needs to come up the learning curve on that kind of stuff. Todd does not like what he calls crappy football. And it’s not that Shedeur would play crappy football, but you have to have a certain amount of comfortability with the system, with the scheme to be able to run the show.”

That explanation provides an important distinction. The decision does not necessarily mean that Watson has been dramatically better than Sanders physically or that Shedeur failed to impress during preseason action.

Instead, Monken appears to be prioritizing operational consistency and familiarity with the offensive system, elements that are much harder for fans to evaluate from game highlights.

Why did Todd Monken choose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders?

According to Mary Kay Cabot, some of the most important evidence behind the decision happened away from the spotlight. The Browns’ evaluation included what “happened in meeting rooms,” “in walkthroughs” and “in the operational details that never show up in a clip shared on social media.”

That could explain why Sanders’ strong preseason performances were not enough to win the job. A quarterback can make impressive throws and show good decision-making during limited game action while still having areas to improve when it comes to running an entire NFL offense.

For Monken, that distinction appears to have been decisive. The Browns’ head coach needs a quarterback who can operate the scheme with enough confidence and consistency to execute the entire game plan, not simply make impressive plays when given an opportunity.

Watson’s experience gives him an obvious advantage in that area. Despite the controversy surrounding his tenure in Cleveland and his inconsistent play since joining the team, he has considerably more NFL experience than Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders still has a path to the Browns QB1 job

The decision does not necessarily close the door on Sanders becoming Cleveland’s quarterback in the future. If anything, the explanation from Cabot suggests that his path to the starting job could depend on how quickly he closes the gap in his understanding of Monken’s offense.

That could be particularly important if Watson struggles once the regular season begins. The Browns have already seen enough from Sanders to know that he has the physical ability to compete, but Shedeur now has to demonstrate that he can consistently operate the offense at the level Monken expects.

For fans who believed Sanders clearly outplayed Watson in the preseason, the explanation may be frustrating. But preseason statistics and highlights only reveal part of the evaluation process.

For now, Watson has won the competition. But if Sanders continues learning the system and proves he can “run the show” without the operational mistakes Monken wants to avoid, he could eventually get another opportunity to change the Browns’ decision.

“Just like their playoff hopes it ended early before it even started,” the former Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller said on Footbahlin. For Big Ben, it seems the ideal choice would have been Shedeur Sanders to start in Week 1.

The decision to have Watson start the season in the Dawg Pound is based on his experience, as well as the fact that the Browns will play their first two games on the road. Can No. 4 silence the criticism and change the opinions of fans and his peers?

Watson’s first challenges

Playing away from Huntington Bank Stadium could prove beneficial for Deshaun Watson, who was booed by his own fans during the preseason. That will be the case in the first two games, as the Browns travel to South Florida for their opening challenges.

Watson’s team will make its debut on September 13 at EverBank Stadium against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Seven days later, the Browns will head to Raymond James Stadium to face the always-tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Roethlisberger’s history against the Browns

Ben Roethlisberger practically owned the Cleveland Browns during his 18-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, racking up a dominant 26–2–1 record against his AFC North rivals. Big Ben turned Cleveland into his second home, going 11–2–1 on the road and wrapping up his career with more wins in Cleveland than almost any Browns quarterback in that era.

For nearly two decades, whenever Pittsburgh lined up against the Browns with Roethlisberger under center, a win was almost a foregone conclusion. This historic rivalry made the quarterback one of the winningest players in head-to-head matchups in the AFC.

The coach revealed that Gabriel will start against the New England Patriots: “I’m excited for Dillon and seeing Taylen. We went through the first couple of games, the way we went about it, Taylen did a great job over the course of time with limited reps and going against the Bills, really executing our offense at a high level. So, I’m excited to get him out there and see him play.”

It’s time for the former Oregon Ducks quarterback to prove that his left arm is up to the task. While his chances of taking over for Sanders are slim, any setback throughout the season could influence the coaching staff’s decisions.

Taylen Green’s situation is somewhat easier to assess. His rookie season will be about gaining experience, surrounding himself with more seasoned NFL players, and potentially seeing some snaps at some point during the season if the situation calls for it.

The Browns’ final test

The 2026 NFL preseason has so far brought two tough losses for the Browns, who are undergoing a constant rebuilding process. Their preseason opener ended in a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, followed by the same outcome one week later, this time against the Buffalo Bills in a 31-7 defeat.

Huntington Bank Stadium will be the stage for Todd Monken’s team’s final test, as it hosts the New England Patriots. There, the head coach and his staff will draw their final conclusions ahead of the start of the upcoming season.

Green earned his coach’s recognition

Green was selected with the 182nd overall pick in the sixth round of the latest draft out of the Arkansas Razorbacks. While his chances of seeing the field this season are low, Todd Monken made it clear that they are very happy to have acquired his services.

“First of all, he’s so damn smart,” the HC said. “That dude is smart as heck to go out there and function, we hardly give him any reps. I love that dude. It’s just hard. We have four guys. It’s hard to give them all reps. We’ve got him on the perimeter one time, which is what you’ve got to do down there in the red zone, but all he does is work, always has a smile on his face. I’m happy we got him. But it’s hard to fit him in with the reps and rep count we have.”

Cleveland’s debut

The Cleveland Browns will open the upcoming season on the road. Their debut will take place at EverBank Stadium on September 13, when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

That’s exactly what happened after Watson called out Browns fans who booed him during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Thus, shortly after the Browns announced their decision for the upcoming NFL campaign, the three-time Pro Bowler delivered a sincere statement. Being a starting quarterback in the league is difficult enough as it is, and Watson won’t add to the challenge by becoming a public enemy of Cleveland’s fanbase as well.

“First off, I want to address my comments from Saturday after the game. I think just human nature, myself being very emotional, putting in a lot of time these last two years to get back and spend time in this facility, in this city, I thought I was going to get a little different response. I think my emotions got the best of me,” Watson stated during his media availability on Monday.

“My comments weren’t attending to go at any of the fans in the city. Because there’s been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me. I know the frustration this organization has put up [with]. Again, I understand the frustration. Moving forward I just want to focus on football. I thrive off the energy of the fans and community. My emotions got the best of me, I’m human, and I take full responsibility of that.”

Watson will start the season on the road

While most players will agree that playing at home is always advantageous, Watson might actually be relieved that his first two starts of the season will come on the road. The Browns will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both on the road in the Sunshine State.

For the veteran quarterback with a lot to prove, it may be a blessing in disguise. At home, the fans are unforgiving and will waste no time calling for Sanders to take over as soon as the offense under Watson’s supervision stalls or turns the ball over.

Watson’s first starts in 2026

Playing on the road means facing adversity and a hostile environment, but not the murmurs in the stands every time the offense steps on or off the field. If Watson can change the tide in his first two starts, by the time he is back in Cleveland for Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, he might have less weight on his shoulders.

If he struggles, however, it will make for an even more hostile welcome in the home opener. Who knows? Maybe Watson doesn’t even make it to Week 3 as the Browns’ starting quarterback. It seems unlikely that head coach Todd Monken would go to such an extreme, unless Watson puts up historically bad numbers. Regardless, that home game against the Panthers could very well be Watson’s last chance to confirm his starting role.

Watson must prove himself

Apologizing to the fans is a good start for Watson to mend the burnt bridge with the Dawg Pound, but everybody knows the truest act of forgiveness must come on the gridiron on Sundays, not at a podium during the week.

This sparked a flood of reactions from fans on the social media platform. “This is why the Browns will be the Browns,” one user wrote, clearly lacking optimism. Another commented: “Horrible…… how you trying to rebuild franchise with a QB that won’t be on the team next year.”

Fans of other teams also weighed in on the situation: “I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a Browns fan.” Meanwhile, others continued calling for Shedeur: “This is crazy, my boy Shedeur Sanders deserves a shot.”

During his latest outing, Watson was booed by Browns fans, something Sanders himself questioned. Despite the criticism and lack of support from the fans, Monken prefers the experience of No. 4 over the youth of the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback.

Why are Browns fans turning against Watson?

The backlash from Dawg Pound fans toward Deshaun Watson comes down to a brutal combination of a colossal contract and terrible production. Handing over three first-round picks for a fully guaranteed $230 million deal was a massive, all-in gamble, and the return on investment has been a total nightmare.

Between nagging injuries, inconsistent play, and looking like a shell of his former self on the field, fans feel like the franchise completely blew its future on a guy who just isn’t delivering.

A tough debut for Watson in the 2026 NFL season

The Browns want to be a tough team to beat in the AFC North, and with Deshaun Watson at the helm, they will look to get off to a strong start. It won’t be easy, as both their first and second games will be on the road.

The highly anticipated debut will take place on Sunday, September 13, in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. In Week 2, they will remain in Florida, visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seven days later. Their first game at Huntington Bank Stadium will be against the Carolina Panthers, while in Week 4, Cleveland will host the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Watson was booed by Cleveland supporters during the Browns’ preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, adding another uncomfortable chapter to the quarterback’s complicated relationship with the fanbase. Watson later said he believed the reaction was personal and called it disrespectful.

Sanders was asked about the situation and delivered a message that was particularly notable given his own ambitions. While the controversy surrounding Watson could potentially create an opportunity for him to become the Browns’ QB1, Shedeur insisted that respect has to come before competition.

What did Shedeur Sanders say about Deshaun Watson being booed?

Shedeur Sanders made it clear that he does not support fans making Deshaun Watson uncomfortable, regardless of their feelings about the quarterback or the competition between the two players.

“In general, I don’t appreciate that at all. Regardless of competition, we’re all human beings. I think we all need to understand that. I don’t really like making people feel uncomfortable in different spaces, and that’s why, even in daily things I do, I try to make sure everybody’s comfortable.”

Shedeur then emphasized that the situation should be viewed from a broader perspective. Sanders understands that fans have strong opinions about Watson, but he believes the players are ultimately working toward the same goal.

“However you all feel about the situation with Deshaun and about everything, I think it’s more about bigger purpose. It’s just respect. I feel like it should be there because we’re all out there trying to do our best and trying to serve the franchise the best way possible.”

Sanders finished by making it clear that the Browns’ quarterback competition should not overshadow the team’s ultimate objective. “We’re going out there to win games. We’re doing everything we can do. So, you know, I don’t really appreciate that.”

That could be an important message as the Browns prepare to make one of their most consequential decisions of the preseason. Sanders wants the starting job, but he made it clear that he does not believe the path to becoming QB1 should come at the expense of basic respect.