Browns' QB Competition Heats Up as Watson, Sanders Vie for Starting Role

New coach Todd Monken remains tight-lipped on plans for dividing reps in offseason program

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:50pm

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The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation remains unsettled as the team heads into the offseason program, with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel all vying for the starting job under new coach Todd Monken. Monken has stressed that nothing is settled, and the competition will play out over the coming weeks and months, with the goal of having a starter named by early training camp.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback situation has been in flux for years, and the addition of Watson via trade in 2022 has only added to the uncertainty. With Watson's contract expiring after 2026 and the team's preference for a younger option, the competition between Sanders and Gabriel could have major implications for the franchise's long-term future at the position.

The details

Monken has only met with Watson once, and the veteran quarterback hasn't played since October 2024 due to a twice-torn right Achilles tendon. Sanders, who started the final seven games of the 2025 season, has been a regular presence at the team facility and seems the most likely to get the first crack at the starting job. However, Monken has stressed that nothing is settled, and the coaching staff will have its first on-field work with the quarterbacks during a voluntary bonus minicamp on April 20.

  • The Browns' formal but voluntary offseason program begins on Tuesday, April 11.
  • The team will hold a voluntary bonus minicamp on April 20, when the coaching staff will get its first on-field work with the quarterbacks.
  • The NFL Draft begins on April 23.

The players

Deshaun Watson

A veteran quarterback who was acquired by the Browns in a trade in 2022 but hasn't played since October 2024 due to a twice-torn right Achilles tendon. He has been medically cleared for competition and will be in the building next week.

Shedeur Sanders

A young quarterback who started the final seven games of the 2025 season for the Browns and has been a regular presence at the team facility this offseason.

Dillon Gabriel

A quarterback who is also on the Browns' roster and is expected to be in attendance next week, though he has not been in the building to this point.

Todd Monken

The Browns' new head coach, who has stressed that nothing is settled in the quarterback competition and that the job must be won in the coming weeks and months.

Andrew Berry

The Browns' general manager, who said the team will probably add a young quarterback via the draft if they add another player at the position.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not ready to say that yet. I just said the reps can't be divided up evenly. There's no chance — at least on a daily basis.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach

“Nobody has touched the grass, nobody has really worked with our coaching staff, (so) I wouldn't handicap it for anyone. I think everyone in that room deserves opportunity.”

— Andrew Berry, General Manager

“I really haven't looked at much film from the past of Deshaun. I know he's going to be part of the roster, and I know he's played at an elite level in the past, and we're excited to get to work with him.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach

What’s next

The Browns will hold a voluntary bonus minicamp on April 20, when the coaching staff will get its first on-field work with the quarterbacks. The NFL Draft begins on April 23, and the team could potentially add another young quarterback via trade or the draft.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback competition remains wide open, with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel all vying for the starting job under new coach Todd Monken. The team is keeping an open mind and will let the competition play out over the coming weeks and months, with the goal of having a starter named by early training camp.