Browns' QB Situation Remains Murky as Training Camp Approaches

Head coach Todd Monken says starting job is wide open, leaving fans unsure of who will lead the offense in 2026.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:19am

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The Cleveland Browns' quarterback room remains in flux as the team heads into the offseason, with no clear starter emerging from the group of Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson. Head coach Todd Monken has emphasized an open competition, but has not committed to a QB1 going into workouts. Sanders, a second-year pro, is likely to get the first shot, but his rookie season was unimpressive. Gabriel is considered a long shot, while Watson's long layoff and declining skills make him a risky option at best.

Why it matters

The Browns' inability to solidify their quarterback position is a major concern for a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. With no clear leader in the QB room, Cleveland faces uncertainty at the game's most important position, which could hinder their chances of returning to the playoffs.

The details

The Browns' quarterback options include second-year pro Shedeur Sanders, who struggled as a rookie; Dillon Gabriel, whose limited athleticism makes him a long shot; and Deshaun Watson, who hasn't played since 2023 and is coming off an Achilles injury. Head coach Todd Monken has emphasized an open competition, but has not named a starter, leaving the team's QB situation in limbo.

  • The Browns' offseason workouts are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

The players

Todd Monken

The Cleveland Browns' head coach, who has emphasized an open competition at the quarterback position.

Shedeur Sanders

A second-year pro who is likely to get the first crack at the starting job, despite an unimpressive rookie campaign.

Dillon Gabriel

A long shot to win the starting job, with limited athleticism and a poor showing on tape last season.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran in the Browns' QB room, but he hasn't played since 2023 and is coming off an Achilles injury, raising concerns about his ability to recapture his past form.

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What they’re saying

“This will be an open competition for the starting job. We're not going to hand it to anyone.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will continue to evaluate their quarterback options throughout the offseason, with the starting job still up for grabs as the team heads into training camp.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains a major question mark as they look to bounce back in 2026. With no clear starter emerging from the group of Sanders, Gabriel, and Watson, the team faces uncertainty at the game's most important position, which could hinder their chances of returning to the playoffs.