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.

“You know, I think I’m just running my own race and focused on what I can control, and that’s mastering my reps and doing it a high level,” Gabriel said, via Cleveland.com.

The former Oregon Ducks player had the opportunity to be a starter in a few games, although injuries eventually kept him off the field. “Just learning, you know, a bunch of learning. I think even prior I was able to learn from Joe (Flacco), but even in that towards the end of the season, I think you just have opportunities for growth and learning, kind of take a step back after playing and continue to apply to get better.”

A new era is coming to the Dawg Pound following Kevin Stefanski’s departure. Will the Browns finally be able to enter the ranks of AFC North contenders?

Gabriel wants to reclaim a starting role

Concussions played a major role in Dillon Gabriel’s rookie season going off track. Looking ahead, the left-hander will look to reclaim his place again, as he acknowledges it was far from easy to be forced out of the first team due to those circumstances.

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s ever easy, as a competitor, right? But you just want to keep staying the course, trust in God’s plan and then ultimately you got to run your own race and focus on your goals.”

While he was healthy for his team, Gabriel recorded 937 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He finished his first campaign in Cleveland with a QBR of 31.4.

Shedeur or Watson as the starter?

Todd Monken faces a franchise-altering decision as he evaluates whether to start the veteran Deshaun Watson or the rising Shedeur Sanders for Week 1. Watson is returning from a grueling recovery process following a re-rupture of his right Achilles, an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 campaign and casts doubt on his explosive playmaking ability.

In contrast, Sanders is coming off a productive rookie season where he threw for 1,400 yards and 7 touchdowns in limited action, showing enough poise to earn a Pro Bowl nod. Monken must now decide if Sanders’ high-upside rhythm outweighs the risk of starting a veteran whose physical durability remains the team’s biggest question mark.

Will the Browns go after another QB in the next Draft?

The Cleveland Browns are positioned as major power players in the 2026 NFL Draft with nine total picks, highlighted by two first-round selections at No. 6 and No. 24 overall. While the roster already includes a crowded quarterback room, speculation remains high that Andrew Berry could still target a high-ceiling signal-caller like Ty Simpson if he falls to their second Day 1 pick.

However, many analysts expect the Browns to prioritize elite protection for their current passers, potentially using their top-10 capital on a blue-chip offensive tackle like Spencer Fano or Monroe Freeling to solidify the unit for whoever wins the Week 1 starting job.

• 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
• Round 7: Pick 248 (via Seahawks)

“That’s my guy,” Coleman said about Sanders on the Up & Adams Show. “I’m super happy for him, proud of him for where he’s at right now, proud of the guy that he is becoming. But hey, that would be crazy. Freshman year, the chemistry we [have]…I would love to go back and play with him.“

He also added: “He got stronger, he got smarter. He’s more mobile; he can take off, but he’s more accurate. But I just know the type of guy he is; he’s never complacent. So that’s why I love playing with a guy like him. This is only the beginning for him, and he’s going to improve each and every year.”

Todd Monken’s Browns have some intriguing picks ahead, although they may not use their highest selections to land the receiver. Will Coleman Jr. get his wish of making it to the Dawg Pound?

The Sanders era at Jackson State

During his two-season tenure at Jackson State, Shedeur delivered a historic performance that transformed the program into a dominant force in the SWAC. Under his father’s leadership, Sanders completed nearly 68% of his passes, accumulating a staggering 6,963 passing yards and 70 touchdowns against only 14 interceptions.

His 2022 campaign was particularly remarkable, as he set a school record with 40 passing touchdowns and led the Tigers to a perfect 12-0 regular season and back-to-back Celebration Bowl appearances. Beyond the raw numbers, Sanders’ efficiency and poised pocket presence earned him the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in the FCS, solidifying his legacy as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the university’s history.

The upcoming NFL Draft for the Cleveland Browns

With just a few days to go until a new NFL Draft, these are the nine picks the Cleveland Browns will have at their disposal to strengthen their roster:

• 1st Round: No. 6
• 1st Round: No. 24 (via Jaguars)
• 2nd Round: No. 39
• 3rd Round: No. 70
• 4th Round: No. 107
• 5th Round: No. 146
• 5th Round: No. 149 (via Bengals)
• 6th Round: No. 206 (via Bears)
• 7th Round: No. 248 (via Seahawks)

Speaking to the press, Monken said he is aware of the team’s reputation and knows how to change it. “Winning. It changes everything,” Monken said. “I told the coaches that the other day, right? How does a player stop the narrative? Play well. How do we stop the narrative on offense? Score. How do you stop the narrative of winning? Win. It’s pretty freaking simple.”

Monken is trying to do the impossible with the Browns. No coach since Marty Schottenheimer has ended his Browns tenure with a winning record. And that happened in 1988. It’s been a long time since winning days have been a part of the Browns.

However, it all starts with the QB

Winning in the NFL is very hard. Winning without a franchise quarterback is next to impossible. Shedeur Sanders showed glimpses of talent during his rookie year, but he didn’t show a finished product yet.

As for Deshaun Watson, he was a top five QB in the NFL… back in 2018. The 2020s have not seen a good version of Watson, who has struggled with serious injuries and off-field issues that really hampered what was a very promising career.

The Browns still have a unit to rely on

The Browns might have not many things to brag about on offense, but it does have an elite defensive unit with one of the most unstoppable forces in the NFL, Myles Garrett. With them, the fact is that the offense has to be merely decent-to-good, not even elite.

Tyson Campbell played 12 games for the Browns last season, but then also played five games for the Jaguars. Hence, he knew Jim Schwartz, but now that he is back with the Browns, he’s been impressed by Mike Rutenberg.

“Rudy, off rip, he brings a lot of energy, a lot of passion. And that’s what you want out of a D-coordinator, a guy that brings a lot of energy and passion to the group and all about team camaraderie,” Campbell said to Cleveland.com.

How is the QB battle going?

Sanders is the frontrunner to be quarterback to some reports. However, it’s also been speculated that Deshaun Watson should be the man that earns the starting spot. However, Watson hasn’t played in quite some while due to serious injuries to his knee and Achilles.

Having said that, Shedeur Sanders wasn’t incredible during his rookie year to just grant him the QB1. However, he showed glimpses and the ability to create big plays. Hence, that’s the focus of the team right now. Thankfully, the defense is apparently not an issue.

The Browns defense is the unit the teams rely on

Campbell, Denzel Ward, and Grant Delpit are in charge of the secondary. Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger, and newly-arrived Quincy Williams will take the load in the trenches.

With that, they just need a half-decent offense to win football games. Whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders are capable to be the ones to make this unit competent remains to be seen. Still, those are the Browns’ hopes.

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.