Browns Prioritize Quarterback Competition at NFL Meetings

Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders to battle for starting job under new coach Todd Monken

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:04am

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At the NFL owners meetings, the Cleveland Browns' leadership team discussed the team's quarterback situation, with owner Jimmy Haslam expressing cautious optimism about Deshaun Watson's potential comeback, while new head coach Todd Monken indicated the competition between Watson and second-year pro Shedeur Sanders will be closely watched throughout the offseason. The Browns also left the door open for potential draft-day trades as they assess their options with the 6th overall pick.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback decision will be a key storyline heading into the 2026 season, as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The competition between Watson and Sanders could have long-term implications for the franchise, with the team weighing both short-term and long-term factors in their evaluation.

The details

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam expressed cautious optimism about Deshaun Watson's chances to regain his Pro Bowl form, saying the team's new offensive-minded head coach Todd Monken will give Watson "a great chance" to succeed. However, Haslam also acknowledged the team needs to see Watson perform "under pressure, et cetera" before fully committing to him as the starter. Monken, for his part, said the quarterback reps in the offseason won't be divided evenly, hinting that second-year pro Shedeur Sanders, who started the final seven games in 2025, could have the early edge. But Monken also said the starting job is "the most important part" and the decision will come down to "who's going to put a winning product on the field."

  • The Browns will begin their offseason program on April 7.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.

The players

Deshaun Watson

A former three-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Houston Texans, Watson was acquired by the Browns in a trade in 2022 and is looking to regain his elite form under new head coach Todd Monken.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' second-year quarterback who started the final seven games of the 2025 season, Sanders is expected to compete with Deshaun Watson for the starting job in 2026.

Jimmy Haslam

The owner of the Cleveland Browns, Haslam expressed cautious optimism about Deshaun Watson's chances to bounce back with the team.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Monken will have the final say on who starts at quarterback in 2026.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns, Berry indicated the team is open to trading their 6th overall draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Now, Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach who has, in his past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make him successful. So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now.”

— Jimmy Haslam, Browns Owner

“The most important part is to put a winning product on the field. I don't care who that is, whether they're on a roster or they're not.”

— Todd Monken, Browns Head Coach

“I would tell you guys, I don't know that we are going to be picking six at the end of April, and if we are picking six, I have no idea what we're going to take at this point.”

— Andrew Berry, Browns General Manager

What’s next

The Browns will continue to evaluate their quarterback options throughout the offseason, with the competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders expected to be a major focus leading up to training camp.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains fluid, with the team weighing both short-term and long-term factors as they determine whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will be their starting QB in 2026. New head coach Todd Monken's approach to managing the competition could be a key factor in the team's success next season.