In a recent conversation with the media, Monken said that “nothing’s changed” regarding his approach to selecting a starting quarterback. However, he did reveal that Sanders has made notable progress during this period, while also noting that Watson looks physically improved as well.

“I think Shedeur has come miles in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts…,” the head coach said. The only certainty at the moment is that neither of them has secured the starting job ahead of the season opener.

The Dawg Pound QB room also includes two other names who currently sit a bit further down the depth chart. The first is Dillon Gabriel, who, like Shedeur, will also be entering his second NFL season, and the recently drafted Taylen Green, who comes from the Boise State Broncos.

Sanders looks to improve his numbers, Watson to stay healthy

During his 2025 rookie campaign with the Browns, Shedeur Sanders stepped into the fire to start seven games, throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 56.6% completion percentage. Sanders will look to clean up his decision-making and cut down on costly turnovers under Todd Monken’s new system.

On the other hand, Deshaun Watson has been sidelined since suffering a torn Achilles against the Cincinnati Bengals in October 2024. He is now back on the practice field for 2026, highly motivated to stay healthy and reclaim his role as QB1.

Monken aims to bring the Browns back into contention

Following his appointment as head coach in early 2026, Todd Monken aims to steer the Cleveland Browns back to the postseason for the first time since their wildcard exit in the 2023 season. To break this drought, Monken will install his signature offensive philosophy: an adaptable and innovative system built on explosive chunk plays, and an aggressive vertical passing attack.

Navigating the brutal AFC North gridlock will be his ultimate test, requiring tactical chess matches against three formidable divisional rivals. He will have to counter Mike McCarthy’s physical Pittsburgh Steelers, out-duel the Cincinnati Bengals, and exploit his intimate, inside knowledge of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens—his former team—to survive the NFL’s most unforgiving division and secure a playoff berth.

The start of a new dream for Cleveland

The Todd Monken era is locked and loaded, and the Browns are kicking things off with a pretty wild little warm-weather gauntlet. They’ll start the season in Week 1 by heading down to Florida to clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed immediately by another road trip to the Sunshine State in Week 2 to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After dealing with this two difficult games, they finally get to head back north for the Week 3 home opener at Huntington Bank Field, where they’ll welcome the Carolina Panthers.

The Hall of Famer made it clear he believes Cleveland is building something special. “Look at that rookie class last season. The rookie class this season, who I know they haven’t played, they haven’t put it on grass. But they’re building something that is tremendous and they’re not too far away. Of course, they need stability at the quarterback position. Of course, they need stability on the offensive line. Everything else, to me, they got it.”

Those comments immediately raise the biggest question for the Browns entering 2026: will that quarterback stability come from Shedeur Sanders or could Todd Monken ultimately prefer veteran Deshaun Watson?

2026 Browns draft rookie class

The Browns opened their 2026 NFL Draft by selecting offensive tackle Spencer Fano from Utah with the No. 9 overall pick, immediately reinforcing one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster. Later in the first round, Cleveland added explosive wide receiver KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M, giving the offense another dynamic weapon. That’s the talent Deion’s talking about.

On Day 2, they drafted Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Boston brings size and playmaking ability to the receiving corps, while McNeil-Warren adds athleticism and depth to the secondary.

The Browns then doubled down on protecting the quarterback by selecting Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber and Alabama center Parker Brailsford. They also added Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson and Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer.

Later in the draft, the front office selected Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, an intriguing developmental prospect with major athletic upside, and closed the class by drafting BYU tight end Carsen Ryan.

“You got a GM that I adore. I really do, I think he gets it bad because he’s a brother for one. Secondly, because they hadn’t won, but you got to understand most of the time the GMs and the head coaches are married together. Mr. Berry, he’s done a phenomenal job acquiring talent.”

The comments are especially interesting because Berry was ultimately the executive who selected Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft. At the same time, Deion’s words indirectly continue pointing toward former head coach Kevin Stefanski as one of the reasons his son struggled to fully develop during his rookie season before Stefanski eventually departed for Atlanta.

Deion Sanders may become more involved in Shedeur Sanders’ development

Now, Andrew Berry is leading a new era in Cleveland alongside head coach Todd Monken without the same level of internal tension surrounding personnel decisions. Deion Sanders has already openly stated that he plans to meet with Monken personally to discuss how to maximize Shedeur’s development moving forward.

However, the quarterback situation inside the Browns organization is suddenly becoming much more complicated. Even though Shedeur finished the 2025 season as Cleveland’s starter, Deshaun Watson has re-entered the equation and there are no guarantees Shedeur will keep the QB1 job entering training camp.

That uncertainty could push Deion to become even more involved behind the scenes. Sanders also mentioned that when the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Travis Hunter, nobody from the organization reached out to him for insight or collaboration. This time, he appears determined to play a larger role helping his son navigate the NFL.

The big question, however, is whether that level of involvement will ultimately help or hurt Shedeur’s development. While Deion’s football knowledge and experience are undeniable, increased parental influence around a young quarterback can sometimes create additional pressure inside an NFL locker room already filled with competition and scrutiny.

During an interview on “The Barbershop,” Deion revealed how painful it was to witness everything Shedeur went through during the 2025 season. “When he takes off his shirt, I see the scars on his back that he’s been through hell, but he’s made it through hell. He kept going and he matured. Not like he was a child, but he matured spiritually. You can’t force this. If it ain’t your time, it ain’t your time.”

The Hall of Famer also addressed the criticism and rumors surrounding Shedeur before the 2025 NFL Draft, narratives that contributed to the quarterback’s shocking slide all the way into the fifth round.

“It was some ignorant things came out about him predraft and all that. That was a lie. Like, he would never go into a meeting with headphones on. He would never go into a meeting unprepared. Like, that’s just not who he is. There’s no way he could accomplish the things he accomplished without being prepared. A lot of things that was said, it bothered me, but it didn’t bother him. He just wanted the opportunity to get on the grass and do his thing.”

Deion Sanders sends clear message to Todd Monken about Shedeur Sanders

Despite the difficult beginning to Shedeur’s NFL career, Deion Sanders now appears optimistic about the quarterback’s future following the Browns’ coaching change.

After Kevin Stefanski’s departure, Cleveland moved forward with Todd Monken as head coach, a development that has clearly energized Deion. “I love it, because Todd is a straight shooter. He keeps it a buck. I want to meet him because I think it’s vital that as a coach, not the dad, I can tell him a few things about Shedeur. How to get him going. That wasn’t asked of me a year ago. I don’t understand it. So, I anticipate that , and I can’t wait to have that conversation with Coach Monken.”

The comments suggest Deion believes Shedeur could finally receive the kind of coaching environment that allows him to fully rebuild confidence and develop at the NFL level.

After surviving a brutal rookie year filled with criticism, physical punishment, and constant scrutiny, the Sanders family appears hopeful that a fresh start under Monken could completely change the trajectory of Shedeur’s career.

Speaking on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, Monken dismissed Shilo Sanders altogether. “That’s a man making a comment on social media,” Monken said. “That’s someone reporting something they believe. It’s their opinion. Fine, I’m — not my opinion, I didn’t say that.”

Reporter Mary Kay Cabot stated that the Browns “should declare [Watson] QB1 asap and let the 1st team offense start to cook. There’s no time to waste.” To that, Shilo Sanders responded “Go make a sandwich Mary.” He faced backlash for being misogynistic.

Monken is not naming a starting QB yet

While Monken has revealed the final decision between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is still up in the air, he knows a decision must be coming soon. Monken also dismissed the report, and he is focused on working furthermore.

Monken comes from the Baltimore Ravens, which means he is not used to having QB battles, he is used to having a superstar under center. Now, it’s a whole change of scenario for him.

The Browns will provide good weapons for the starting QB

There’s a pre-draft receiving corps, and a post-draft receiving corps for the Browns. Thankfully for either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson, the Browns now have solid weapons.

• WR- Jerry Jeudy
• WR- KC Concepcion
• WR- Denzel Boston
• WR- Cedric Tillman
• TE- Harold Fannin Jr.
• RB- Quinshon Judkins

After a report stated that Shedeur Sanders is trailing Deshaun Watson in the Browns QB battle, the head coach went on and say “I’m not there yet, so I can’t say that… What I’ve seen after three days, that gives us a 40,000-foot view of where we’re at. There’s only so many reps you get, you’ve got to start to target towards who is gonna start opening day. That can still change.”

Hence, the reports might indicate who’s leading the competition, but not precisely that the decision is made. After all, nailing your starting quarterback is the first step towards success.

Deshaun Watson vs Shedeur Sanders

The Browns don’t have elite talent on their quarterback depth chart. Watson and Sanders both have under 60% completion. However, Watson has less turnovers in 12 games more with the Browns than Sanders.

On the other hand, Sanders averages one touchdown per game, more than Watson. Both are controversial figures that don’t return elite production, but one of them must start either way.

The Browns have to be competent on offense, as they are elite on defense

The Browns defense is arguably the best in the NFL. Hence, the team doesn’t even need to put 30 points per game, the defense just need the offense to not be one of the league’s worse.

In 2025, the Browns were the fourth-best total defense in the NFL. Hence, it’s just natural that they will continue their path of dominance, as most players remained with the team. If the offense is functional, the Browns can win plenty of games.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that the former Houston Texans quarterback came out of minicamp with a better chance of being the QB1 for Todd Monken. Most of the snaps with the first team went to Watson, a clear indication of the direction the franchise is heading in this new era.

Sanders, for his part, will need to step up his efforts to compete for the spot. Behind him, Dillon Gabriel is still in the mix, along with recently drafted 6th-round pick No. 182 Taylen Green.

Watson as the starter for the Browns

Deshaun Watson’s last start at the Dawg Pound took place on October 20, 2024, against the Cincinnati Bengals, a game that ended abruptly when he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Before the injury, he completed 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards, recording a solid 88.2% completion rate but failing to find the end zone.

If Watson is confirmed as the starter, he will be tasked with leading one of the youngest offensive units in the league. Following a 2026 Draft where Cleveland selected eight offensive players—including high-profile rookies like wide receiver Denzel Boston (22) and tackle Spencer Fano (21)—Watson must provide veteran stability for a roster teeming with inexperienced talent.

With young stars like Harold Fannin Jr. and Cedric Tillman taking on larger roles, the pressure will be on Watson to “carry” this revamped group and prove he can still execute at an elite level after his lengthy recovery.

Andrew Berry’s support for Shedeur

Despite the parity that currently exists in the Cleveland Browns’ QB room, Shedeur Sanders will clearly need to further elevate his abilities if he wants to earn the starting job. Andrew Berry hopes that in his second season in the NFL, he can continue learning and refining his game to achieve strong results.

“To take another step and keep growing and learning. I think he’s had a really nice offseason. He did a really nice job at voluntary minicamp,“ the GM said during a conversation with Tony Rizzo.

“I think his improvements in decision making and pocket management by the end of the year and certainly what we’ve seen so far in a very short spring have been positive. And I expect him to have more command of the offense and better ball security and situational awareness as we go into Year 2.”

That stance was confirmed by insider Adam Schefter, who reported: “Despite drafting QB Taylen Green today, the Browns say they have no plans to trade QB Dillon Gabriel.”

Even with that assurance, the reality in Cleveland remains complicated. With Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Gabriel, and now Green all in the mix, the Browns are once again navigating a crowded and highly controversial quarterback situation.

A crowded QB depth chart for the Browns

Keeping Dillon Gabriel in the fold suggests the Browns still value his role, whether as depth or as a legitimate competitor. After already being part of a crowded battle last season, his position doesn’t necessarily weaken, but it doesn’t become clearer either with new head coach Todd Monken.

The bigger picture centers on how all four quarterbacks coexist. Watson brings experience, Sanders carries intrigue as a potential QB1 despite an inconsistent year in 2025, Gabriel remains a steady option, and Green enters as a developmental piece with upside. That combination creates opportunity, but also uncertainty.

For Sanders in particular, the message is unmistakable. Even if the coaching staff believes in his potential, the constant additions to the room reinforce that nothing will be handed to him. Every rep, every practice, and every preseason snap will matter.

And while the Browns insist there are no plans to trade Gabriel, situations like this rarely stay static. As training camp unfolds and roles begin to take shape, decisions will have to be made. It’s hard to expect four quarterbacks will remain on the roster.

For Sanders, this is a familiar position. Just a year ago, he entered a crowded quarterback room competing with veterans like Joe Flacco and Tyler Huntley, as well as rookie Dillon Gabriel. Now, the cycle repeats. The names have changed, but the uncertainty remains and, once again, Sanders finds himself fighting to prove he belongs at the top of the depth chart.

The difference this time is the pressure. Expectations have shifted, and so has the margin for error. After an inconsistent 2025 season, Sanders no longer carries the same level of untouchable upside. The Browns may still believe in him, but their actions suggest they’re not willing to rely on that belief alone.

What is Browns QB depth chart?

With Deshaun Watson still in the picture, along with Dillon Gabriel and now Taylen Green, the Browns’ quarterback room is once again packed with options in an open competition for Shedeur Sanders.

While Green may be viewed as a long-term project, his presence adds another layer of competition and reinforces the idea that no spot is secure. Head coach Todd Monken may be comfortable with Sanders as a potential QB1, but comfort doesn’t equal commitment.

The team’s approach suggests they want competition to drive clarity, not assumptions to dictate roles. And for Sanders, that means nothing will be handed to him.

Shedeur Sanders will have to fight for QB1 job

What makes this situation particularly intriguing is how quickly narratives can shift. One strong training camp could solidify Sanders’ position, but any inconsistency could open the door for someone else.

That’s the reality of a crowded room. Every rep matters, and every mistake is amplified. Once again, the Browns head into a season with more questions than answers at quarterback. And once again, Shedeur Sanders is right at the center of it.

“I actually got, kind of like, a story. When I had entered the transfer portal after my sophomore season, I had actually went down to Colorado and met Shedeur,” Concepcion told media. “He’s a great guy, a great leader. I just cannot wait to build that relationship, build that connection with him.”

Sanders embraces this Browns’ new era, even amid uncertainty over whether he will be the starter in the season opener. What is clear is that the Dawg Pound is excited about the possibility of making a big impact next season in the AFC North.

Concepcion arrives in Cleveland with strong numbers

In his standout 2025 campaign with Texas A&M, KC Concepcion solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile threats in college football, earning First-team All-American honors. He led the Aggies with 61 receptions for 919 yards and 9 touchdowns, while showcasing his “all-purpose” utility by adding 75 rushing yards and two punt return touchdowns.

Concepcion’s elite run-after-catch ability and slot versatility could perfectly complement Shedeur Sanders. Sanders’ surgical accuracy and poise under pressure should allow Concepcion to thrive in space, creating a dynamic young duo capable of revitalizing the Browns‘ passing attack through precise timing and explosive playmaking.

Other Browns Draft picks

Beyond the addition of KC Concepcion, Cleveland focused heavily on the trenches by drafting Utah tackle Spencer Fano (9th overall) to serve as a cornerstone protector. In addition to this, they continued to bolster their offensive identity by selecting Washington receiver Denzel Boston and adding depth to the line with Austin Barber.

A new era with Todd Monken in Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns have officially entered a new era with Todd Monken at the helm as the team’s 19th head coach, following his highly successful stint as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Coming off a 2025 season where his Ravens offense ranked among the NFL‘s elite—finishing third in scoring (27.9 PPG) and second in total yards per game (375.6)—Monken aims to translate that explosive production to Cleveland.

His primary goal is to transform the Browns into a legitimate contender in the fiercely competitive AFC North by implementing a versatile, high-tempo scheme that balances a physical ground game with a sophisticated aerial attack. By focusing on player development and strategic aggressive play-calling, Monken looks to end the divisional dominance of rivals like the Steelers and Ravens and firmly establish Cleveland as a powerhouse in the conference.

Following his first practices with the new staff, Sanders highlighted a different atmosphere compared to what he experienced during his rookie season with Kevin Stefanski.

“Coach Monken’s great and all the other coaches on the staff are extremely great. They’re going to understand and embrace you just as a person, and then they push you each and every day in the meeting room, on the field, in the weight room. It’s a new vibe, a new energy.”

Will the Browns draft QB?

It’s possible that the Cleveland Browns draft a quarterback. However, Shedeur’s statement hints and marks a contrast from his difficult rookie year under Kevin Stefanski.

During that stretch, opportunities were limited as the Browns leaned on veterans like Joe Flacco and other options such as Dillon Gabriel before Sanders eventually saw the field.

Sanders ultimately stepped into a larger role following an injury to Gabriel, but his performances did not produce particularly remarkable results. As a result, questions about his long-term outlook with the franchise remain firmly in place.

Who will be Browns starting quarterback?

Shedeur Sanders has the lead to be the Browns starting quarterback in 2026, but, even with a strong early connection to Monken, uncertainty continues to surround the position. A new coach often looks to bring in his own QB, rather than fully committing to a player inherited from a previous regime.

That leaves the Browns in a delicate position. While Sanders may get a fresh opportunity in a new system, the possibility of the team drafting another quarterback cannot be ruled out, keeping competition and pressure firmly in place heading into the season.