Browns Face Key Shedeur Sanders Question After Todd Monken Hire

New Browns OC Monken must decide if Sanders or Watson will be QB1 in 2026.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have several key offensive needs this offseason, including wide receiver, running back, and the offensive line. However, the biggest question facing the team is at quarterback, where Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel are the current options. With new offensive coordinator Todd Monken now on board, the Browns must decide if Sanders or Watson will be the QB1 going forward.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback situation is the most pressing issue this offseason, as the team must determine if Sanders, Watson, or another option will lead the offense in 2026. Monken's influence as the new OC will be crucial in shaping the QB room and the overall offensive direction for the team.

The details

The Browns have several holes to fill on offense, including the departure of tight end David Njoku and the entire offensive line hitting free agency. However, the biggest question mark is at quarterback, where Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel are the current options. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken must decide if he views Sanders or Watson as the QB1 going forward, or if the team will pursue a veteran free agent like Malik Willis or try to trade for someone like Kyler Murray.

  • The Browns hired Todd Monken as their new offensive coordinator in February 2026.

The players

Todd Monken

The new offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, tasked with shaping the team's offense and determining the starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

Shedeur Sanders

The current Browns quarterback who has shown promise but also struggles with interceptions and sacks, leaving his long-term future with the team uncertain.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran Browns quarterback who has a limited ceiling at this stage of his career, creating questions about whether he will remain the starter under the new offensive coordinator.

Dillon Gabriel

Another Browns quarterback option who, like Watson, has a limited ceiling and may not be the long-term answer the team is seeking.

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What they’re saying

“Will Monken view Watson or Sanders as his initial QB1, fixing other offensive elements instead of the situation under center?”

— Bradley Locker, PFF.com writer (PFF.com)

“Alternatively, could Cleveland try to jockey for free agent Malik Willis or trade for someone like Kyler Murray?”

— Bradley Locker, PFF.com writer (PFF.com)

What’s next

The Browns will need to make a decision on their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken playing a key role in determining if Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, or another option will be the QB1.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation is the most pressing issue this offseason, as the team must decide if Sanders, Watson, or another option will lead the offense under new OC Todd Monken. This decision will be crucial in shaping the team's overall offensive direction and success in 2026.