Browns Coach Monken Hopeful for Depth Chart Progress in Spring

Cleveland's new head coach sees quarterback competition as just one area where he hopes to establish a pecking order before training camp.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:05am

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Browns head coach Todd Monken said he hopes to come out of the team's upcoming voluntary offseason program with a clearer depth chart, including at the quarterback position where a competition is ongoing between Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel. Monken acknowledged the order wouldn't be "written in stone" but wants to at least establish a pecking order for reps heading into training camp.

Why it matters

The Browns have had frequent quarterback competitions in recent years, and establishing some clarity on the depth chart before training camp could help the team make more progress during the critical summer practices. Monken's comments suggest he wants to create a more defined hierarchy, even if it's not finalized, to help the team's preparation.

The details

Monken said the goal is to "come out of the spring with a depth chart," though he noted that doesn't mean the competition is over. He wants to "narrow the reps or at least balance up the reps" for the quarterbacks the team sees as having the best chance to be the starter. Monken previously said at the NFL Combine that he hoped the team could identify a starting QB by the start of training camp.

  • The Browns' first voluntary offseason program under Monken is coming up soon.
  • The team will also have a second, voluntary minicamp the same week as the NFL Draft (April 23-25).

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is looking to establish more clarity on the team's depth chart, especially at quarterback, during the upcoming offseason program.

Shedeur Sanders

One of the quarterbacks competing for the starting job with the Browns.

Deshaun Watson

Another quarterback in the mix for the Browns' starting QB role.

Dillon Gabriel

The third quarterback competing for the Browns' starting job.

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What they’re saying

“Well, you'd love to be able to come out of the spring with a depth chart. That doesn't mean there's still not competition. But I do think you have to narrow the reps or at least balance up the reps of who you anticipate has come out of the spring, certainly in a position to be a starter.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

“You would hope that by the time you get to training camp that the reps that you're giving to a quarterback is for your starter.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will hold their first voluntary offseason program under Monken in the coming weeks, followed by a second, voluntary minicamp the same week as the NFL Draft in late April.

The takeaway

Monken's comments suggest he wants to create more clarity on the Browns' depth chart, especially at quarterback, before the team gets to training camp. While he acknowledges the order won't be "written in stone," establishing a pecking order for reps could help the team make more progress during the critical summer practices.