Browns Quarterback Battle Remains Unsettled

Conflicting reports on whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will start the season as QB1

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:58am

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The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation for the 2026 season remains uncertain, with conflicting reports on whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will be the starter. While NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo stated that Watson is in 'pole position' to be the QB1, ESPN's Dan Graziano believes Sanders is the 'strongest candidate' to open the season as the starter. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam expressed excitement about Watson's return, but head coach Todd Monken said he plans to pick a QB1 early in the offseason and stick with that player.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback decision will have a significant impact on the team's performance and playoff aspirations for the upcoming season. Watson, who has played just 19 games in the last five years, represents a high-risk, high-reward option, while Sanders showed promise as the starter for the final seven games of 2025. The battle between the two will be closely watched as the Browns look to improve on their 5-11 record from last season.

The details

According to the reports, the Browns' quarterback situation is still unsettled. While NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo stated that Deshaun Watson is in 'pole position' to be the QB1, ESPN's Dan Graziano believes Shedeur Sanders is the 'strongest candidate' to open the season as the starter. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam expressed excitement about Watson's return, but head coach Todd Monken said he plans to pick a QB1 early in the offseason and stick with that player, indicating that the job is up for grabs between the two. Sanders had his struggles in 2025, but the Browns went 3-4 with him under center, an improvement over their 2-8 record with Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco as the starters.

  • In the final seven games of the 2025 season, Shedeur Sanders was the Browns' starting quarterback.
  • The NFL's owners meetings in Phoenix took place a week ago, where the Browns' quarterback situation was a topic of discussion.
  • Browns head coach Todd Monken said he plans to pick a QB1 early in the offseason and let that player have the job until he loses it.

The players

Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns quarterback who has played just 19 games in the last five years and is under contract for one more year.

Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns quarterback who started the final seven games of the 2025 season, going 3-4 as the starter.

Jimmy Haslam

The owner of the Cleveland Browns, who expressed excitement about Deshaun Watson's return to the team.

Todd Monken

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who said he plans to pick a QB1 early in the offseason and stick with that player.

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What they’re saying

“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 them successful. So, Deshaun has a great chance to do that now.”

— Jimmy Haslam, Browns Owner

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

— Todd Monken, Browns Head Coach

What’s next

The Browns will need to make a decision on their starting quarterback early in the offseason, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders both vying for the job. The team's performance in the preseason and early regular season games will likely determine who ultimately wins the starting role.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains unsettled, with conflicting reports on whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will be the starter in 2026. The decision will have a significant impact on the team's performance and playoff aspirations, and the battle between the two players will be closely watched as the Browns look to improve on their 5-11 record from last season.