As Tom Pelissero reported, KC Concepcion has visited the Browns ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Concepcion continues to be one of the main names in the upcoming class, and one that has had several teams circling around him. Despite the injury concerns around him, the wide receiver out of Texas A&M is seen by many organizations as a suitable weapon for their systems.

The Giants hosted Concepcion in a visit earlier this year. New York showed interest in him despite the fact Concepcion was intervened for an arthroscopic surgery on his knee by Daniel Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ team doctor.

Browns could use Concepcion as they figure out QB1 battle

Cleveland will be doomed as long as it doesn’t find its starting quarterback for the season—and preferably for the long run. Still, the Browns must stay busy in the meantime, as Todd Monken evaluates who gets the nod under center between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. That decision will likely be made in training camp. Thus, the Browns may already have Concepcion on the roster by then—that is, of course, if they select him in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Whether it’s Sanders or Watson who’s throwing the pigskin at Huntington Bank Field, they could definitely use Concepcion’s athleticism, which led the Aggies with 919 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Transferring from NC State to Texas A&M and putting up such numbers in his first year in College Station, Concepcion proved he doesn’t need much time to adapt to new environments.

Indeed, the NFL is a different monster, but the outlook is promising for the Browns, who could benefit from a fast-learning, immediate-impact rookie. Plus, as Monken takes over after Kevin Stefanski’s firing, the entire team will be learning a new system, so it’s not like any player is starting off with a head start.

“If we leave this first round…yeah, with If I were to tell you, ‘Hey, Dave, Yeah. You’re the Cleveland Browns. You’re going to leave with Carnell Tate and Kadyn Proctor,’” Carr said on his podcast, Home Grown with David & Derek Carr.

“Would you not sign up for that if you’re a Cleveland Browns fan? Shedeur is excited. Especially. Let’s not forget about Deshaun. Yeah. We got Deshaun’s there, too. Lot of quarterbacks, so we’re good. We got we got enough talent in that room to win football. But I guess what? If we aren’t upright, it don’t matter.”

Protect the quarterback

Securing the No. 6 overall pick provides a prime opportunity to bolster the offensive line and ensure better protection for the quarterback, especially after a season plagued by sacks and pressure. By selecting an elite tackle, the front office can solidify the pocket and provide the necessary security for whoever is under center to operate efficiently.

Two standout collegiate prospects who could be available at that spot are Francis Mauigoa from Miami and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling.

Plenty for Shedeur to improve

Shedeur Sanders had a rollercoaster rookie season with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In 8 games (7 starts), he threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 56.6% completion rate, adding one rushing score and 169 yards on the ground.

While he flashed potential—highlighted by a 364-yard game against the Titans and a surprising Pro Bowl nod—his development moving forward will depend on improving his decision-making under pressure and reducing his league-high average time-to-throw.

To take the next step in 2026, Shedeur must focus on quicker processing and avoiding unnecessary sacks to become a more consistent and efficient starter in the NFL.

Will Deshaun Watson play in 2026?

Deshaun Watson is expected to play in 2026 as he enters the final year of his guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns. After missing the entire 2025 season due to a re-ruptured Achilles, Watson is reportedly back in “great shape” and will participate in the team’s offseason program.

Major decisions for the Browns

With Todd Monken at the helm, fans in the Browns’ Dawg Pound are eagerly awaiting the upcoming NFL Draft. Will they follow Derek Carr’s request to avoid selecting a quarterback, or will they instead look to strengthen that position on the roster? Here are the picks they will have at their disposal:

• Round 1 – Pick 6
• Round 1 – Pick 24 (via Jaguars)
• Round 2 – Pick 39
• Round 3 – Pick 70
• Round 4 – Pick 107
• Round 5 – Pick 146
• Round 5 – Pick 149 (via Bengals)
• Round 6 – Pick 206 (via Bears)
• Round 7 – Pick 248 (via Seahawks)

In Pro Football Talk, Haslam said Watson has a “great chance” and a “fresh start” with first-year coach Todd Monken. “Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive minded coach, who has in his past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful,” Haslam said.

“So, Deshaun has a great chance to do that now. We talked to him the other day, he said he weighs the least he has in several years. He’s in great shape, he’ll be in Cleveland on April 7 when we start the offseason workout program. Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.”

Sanders and Gabriel are the other in-house options for the Browns right now, although General Manager Andrew Berry suggested that group will grow when he spoke to reporters over the weekend. The direction the Browns take with any outside move will likely determine how strong Watson’s chances are to win the job.

How Watson arrives to the Browns

Haslam’s comments last year came after Watson’s season-ending Achilles tear in October 2024, which marked the second consecutive season in which he suffered a season-ending injury, following shoulder surgery in November 2023.

Watson missed the entire 2025 season after retearing his Achilles and undergoing a second surgery in January 2025. The 30-year-old is now healthy and expected to compete with Sanders and Gabriel for the starting quarterback role, and based on Haslam’s comments, he appears to have an early edge.

Suspensions and injuries have limited Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans, to just 19 games since the Browns traded three first-round picks and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal in March 2022.

Since joining Cleveland, his 33.1 Total QBR has ranked last among qualifying passers. The Browns will pay Watson a $46 million salary in 2026, and they recently restructured his contract to reduce what had been an NFL-high $80.7 million cap hit for the upcoming season.

Last year, the Browns utilized a revolving door at quarterback, starting Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. However, Sanders eventually claimed the job and maintained it through the end of the schedule.

The dynamic has shifted this offseason. Todd Monken has replaced Kevin Stefanski as head coach, and while Monken has praised Sanders, he has made it clear that he is open to a direct competition between the young star and Watson.

According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Browns intend to let Sanders and Watson battle for the QB1 spot. While Dillon Gabriel is technically in the mix, the first two are considered the primary frontrunners.

Is a trade on the horizon?

The Browns currently carry three quarterbacks on the roster. While they could theoretically keep all of them, a trade remains a distinct possibility as the team looks to streamline the depth chart.

Monken recently revealed that he wanted to draft Sanders for the Ravens during his time as their offensive coordinator. Those comments have led many to believe the second-year quarterback is the head coach’s preferred choice for the job.

The real battle may actually be for the backup role. Dillon Gabriel put up solid numbers as a starter in 2025, but a concussion sidelined him, allowing Sanders to seize the opportunity and secure the starting role.

Watson remains the biggest wild card. The veteran has not played a snap since October 20, 2024. While the coaching staff respects his experience, his long period of inactivity raises significant concerns about his ability to lead a modern NFL offense.

The offense requires more weapons

Regardless of who wins the starting job for the 2026 season, the Cleveland offense desperately needs more playmakers. The Browns are reportedly prioritizing the 2026 NFL Draft to address these needs, and they possess the capital to do it.

As of today, the Browns hold two first-round picks (No. 6 and No. 24 overall). With eight additional picks in the later rounds, the front office has the flexibility to either flood the roster with young talent or move up to snag elite prospects.

According to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, Deshaun Watson is the favorite to be the Browns QB1 in 2026. New head coach Todd Monken already stated that the Browns have an “open competititon” to be the starter, but now, it’s Watson’s job for the taking according to the reports.

This might leave Shedeur Sanders a bit shocked as, when Monken’s was first announced, everyone thought he was going to appoint Sanders as his QB1 after this interaction.

Watson has the last chance at redemption this year

Watson is returning from a torn Achilles he suffered in 2024, and he is in the final year of the infamous record-setting deal he signed in 2022. The Browns are pretty much forced to have him on the roster, because releasing him would mean a $131 million hit in dead cap money.

While Deshaun Watson’s days as an elite quarterback are behind him, it’s not like Shedeur Sanders has lit the NFL on fire. So, if Watson is somehow able to regain some of the fire he had during his early years, he should be able to beat Sanders and be a starting QB once more.

The Browns have plenty to fix besides QB

While having a top-tier quarterback is always the best way to set a franchise into success, the Browns need much more. First, they need to regain the explosiveness on the ground, and that is by recovering running back Quinshon Judkins, who suffered a leg injury last season.

Then, watching stellar defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz leave the team is not an easy name to replace. However, the defensive talent on the roster might be enough to mask Schwartz’s absence. The fact is that, yes, the Browns need to find their QB1, but other things need to be assessed too if they want to turng things around.

After suffering two torn Achilles injuries, Deshaun Watson returned to the practice field earlier this month, reigniting rumors that the veteran quarterback could reclaim his starting role. However, Cleveland has made it clear that there are no plans to put Watson back under center this season.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Tuesday that Watson will not be activated and will miss the rest of the 2025 campaign. As a result, Shedeur Sanders will remain the Browns’ starting quarterback for the final two games of the season.

Shedeur Sanders knows the QB1 job isn’t secured for 2026

The 2025 season has been an unusual one for Cleveland’s quarterback room. The Browns began the year with veteran Joe Flacco, then turned to rookie Dillon Gabriel, and eventually handed the offense to Shedeur Sanders, who is now set to start the final two games.

While Sanders has shown flashes of promise, his rookie season has included the expected ups and downs. Still, the former Colorado Buffaloes standout has displayed poise and competitiveness, giving the Browns reason to believe he could be a legitimate contender for the starting job in 2026.

Speaking with the media, Sanders was asked how much he believes he can improve heading into next season. The rookie quarterback emphasized that his focus remains on finishing the 2025 season strong before shifting his attention to offseason preparation.

“No, I live in the present. I live in the present,” Sanders said on Tuesday. “I’m focused on this week and this game — and nothing’s promised. Nothing’s promised going into next year or anything, so I stay in the moment, stay focused on what I have to do now to even be able to be here next year, you know? I just enjoy life.”

Will Deshaun Watson be the Browns’ QB1 in 2026?

The upcoming offseason could be a defining one for head coach Kevin Stefanski, who is expected to return in 2026. The decision surrounding Cleveland’s starting quarterback may ultimately shape the franchise’s direction moving forward.

According to league rumors, the Browns plan to evaluate Watson, Gabriel, and Sanders closely throughout the offseason before naming a starter. However, Sanders appears to have the momentum, especially if he can close out the 2025 season with strong performances.

Even so, that won’t be the case. According to insider Tom Pelissero on his X account, the head coach reaffirmed his support for Sanders for the remainder of the season. “He has constantly and consistently gotten better,” Stefanski said.

It’s clear that the transition from college football to the NFL is anything but easy, and many players need significant time to adjust to an environment completely different from the one they were used to just months ago.

Sanders, who so far has struggled more than expected on the field, has the support not only of his head coach but also of the entire coaching staff and the rest of the roster. Clearly, the Browns have already made their decision regarding what lies ahead.

Shedeur’s rookie season in Cleveland

Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is concluding his first NFL season with mixed results, accumulating 769 passing yards alongside 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, resulting in a low 20.0 QBR. While the overall numbers reflect a challenging adjustment to the professional level, the commitment from the organization was clear.

Head Coach Kevin Stefanski sent a message to Shedeur following the team’s loss against the Titans, emphasizing the need for greater poise and efficiency moving forward, signaling that the team remains invested in his long-term development despite the rookie struggles.

Cleveland’s final stretch

With their playoff hopes officially dashed, the Cleveland Browns will use their final four games to evaluate the roster and build momentum for next season. The remaining schedule includes a road game against the Bears, two challenging home contests against the Bills and the divisional rival Steelers, and a season-ending road trip against the Bengals. Though out of contention, these matchups offer the team a crucial chance to play spoiler and improve for the future.

The Browns have gone through several changes at quarterback this year. After Deshaun Watson suffered a torn Achilles, the AFC North club relied on three different signal-callers before eventually handing the offense to Shedeur Sanders.

Now, Watson is back. A few days ago, the Browns opened his 21-day practice window, and the veteran’s return appears to be approaching, raising questions about Sanders’ future with the team.

Report: Browns not expected to start Deshaun Watson in the 2025 season

When the Browns announced Watson’s return, all eyes immediately turned to Sanders. The rookie has taken control of the offense following Dillon Gabriel’s concussion, and has worked week-to-week to prove he is the best option under center.

However, the Browns did not invest in Deshaun Watson lightly. The veteran remains under a lucrative contract with Cleveland, leading many to believe the organization would be hesitant to move on from him.

Despite that, early speculation about Watson reclaiming the starting role appears to be premature. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Browns are not expected to start Deshaun Watson during the 2025 season.

This decision gives Sanders a valuable opportunity to showcase his abilities and make a statement to the coaching staff that he is the franchise quarterback the team needs moving forward.

Not 2025, but 2026 could be a problem

While Watson is not expected to play this season, next year may present a challenge for Sanders. Rapoport reports that Watson is expected to remain on the roster in 2026, where he could compete for the starting job once again.

For that reason, the remainder of the 2025 season represents a crucial evaluation period for Sanders. The former Colorado standout must capitalize on every opportunity to prove to head coach Kevin Stefanski that he is the best long-term option to lead the Browns’ offense.

This has sparked rumors that, given the poor performances of Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, owner Jimmy Haslam wants to make one last attempt to look what Watson has to offer.

This was Stefanski’s response when asked if it is the organization’s desire to see Watson on the field if possible. “Yeah, that’s really not my focus. It’s not his focus right this minute. His focus is putting a helmet on against for the first time, shoulder pads, throwing the football. That’s where the focus is.”

Will the Browns trade Deshaun Watson?

The Browns still haven’t decided whether they will trade Deshaun Watson, since their situation at the quarterback position is very unstable with two rookies, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, at the top of the depth chart.

However, no one expected Watson’s return to practice, so Mary Kay Cabot asked Stefanski directly if this was an attempt by the team’s ownership to salvage that controversial trade with the Texans. The head coach completely avoided the topic.

“Yeah, that’s not my focus. Really I’m just excited for him to be able to go back out there on the field. I think for any player when you’re rehabbing, the next step getting out there on the practice field is a big step. He’s been working so hard rehabbing. So, finally to get out there on the practice field with his teammates, I think is really great for him. I’m excited for him. His focus and my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football and practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year. It’s a good next step for him, but our focus obviously continues to remain on the Tennessee Titans. Big game.”

A few days ago, the Browns named Shedeur Sanders their QB1 after Dillon Gabriel entered concussion protocol. The rookie is 1-1 as a starter, and many fans see him as the future of the franchise.

Unfortunately for him, a new challenge has emerged. On Wednesday, the Browns confirmed that Deshaun Watson has been designated to return to practice, creating an unexpected competition for the former Colorado standout.

Is Deshaun Watson a real threat to Shedeur Sanders?

Deshaun Watson is attempting a comeback after tearing his Achilles for the second time. The veteran has not enjoyed strong recent seasons, dealing with multiple injuries and off-the-field issues that have limited his availability.

During Watson’s absence, the Browns have cycled through several quarterbacks, including two rookies this year. Now, with Shedeur Sanders in control of the offense, Watson’s return raises new questions about the rookie’s long-term grip on the job.

Cleveland has opened Watson’s 21-day practice window. If he is not activated during that period, he must remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season. This is where things get interesting.

The Browns are not expected to bench Shedeur Sanders in favor of Watson. However, the team is preparing to activate the veteran to add depth to the position, especially with Dillon Gabriel still holding the QB2 role and Watson likely becoming the third-string option.

According to reports, Cleveland has already decided to move on from Watson next year, with both Sanders and Gabriel being evaluated as potential long-term QB1 candidates. Nevertheless, Shedeur must avoid major mistakes or injuries, as any setback could open the door for Gabriel or even Watson to take over.

Will Deshaun Watson be released or traded?

As of now, Watson’s future remains uncertain. While the Browns seem committed to giving Sanders the remainder of the season to prove he can be their franchise quarterback, Watson still looms as a potential fallback option if things go wrong.

Releasing Watson would be financially painful, as his 2026 salary is fully guaranteed. He also carries a no-trade clause, which complicates any potential move and could force the Browns to keep him on the roster until his contract expires next season.

Paul DePodesta, who served as the Browns’ Chief Strategy Officer and was one of the key figures behind bringing the former Texans quarterback to Cleveland, spoke in a recent interview with Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post and was blunt when addressing his role in the move.

“Here’s what I would say, and I truly believe this,” DePodesta said. “I believe that most of the decisions, especially the big ones like that, are organizational decisions, right? I’m not a believer in the ‘King Scout’ situation where there is one guy who makes every call.

“The jobs are too complex, the decisions are too hard. They impact too many different things. So I always think these sort of collective decisions, it can be hard to get unanimous [opinions] on those types of things. Everyone who was a part of that? We all own that. We just do, that’s part of the deal.”

Watson’s current situation in Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns remain in a state of flux regarding the status of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is rehabbing from a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon suffered last season. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has added to the uncertainty, recently stating he is “not sure” if the team will open Watson’s 21-day practice window this week, delaying a potential return.

While Watson is working out, he has yet to be medically cleared for full practice. This ongoing situation is compounded by his massive, $230 million fully guaranteed contract and an underwhelming 9-10 record as a Browns starter, raising questions about whether the high-investment quarterback will see the field again in 2025.

Trust in the rookies

In the wake of Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett’s departures—and with Deshaun Watson sidelined while recovering from a ruptured Achilles—Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has pivoted the offense to rely on the promising play of their young quarterback duo.

Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have been thrust into action, showcasing their potential and providing the spark Cleveland needs to remain competitive. Stefanski’s continued commitment to developing the first-year players indicates the Browns are focusing on the future as they navigate the current QB turmoil.