Browns QB Room Packed with Talent for 2026 Season

Analysts predict a competitive battle for the starting job in Cleveland next year.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game broken down into overlapping planes of brown, orange, and blue, conveying the complexity and intensity of the Browns' quarterback competition.The Browns' quarterback competition promises to be a complex, multi-faceted battle for the starting job in 2026.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback room is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the NFL for the 2026 season. With young talents Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel joining veteran Deshaun Watson, head coach Todd Monken will have a tough decision to make on who will lead the offense.

Why it matters

The Browns have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position in recent years, but this upcoming season could see a resurgence with the influx of young talent. How Monken manages the competition and development of these three QBs will be crucial to the team's success.

The details

Sanders and Gabriel, both in their mid-20s, are expected to push the 31-year-old Watson for the starting job. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, had a breakout season with the University of Miami last year. Gabriel, a transfer from UCF, is known for his strong arm and mobility. Watson, who joined the Browns in 2023, is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.

  • The Browns' quarterback competition is expected to heat up during training camp in July and August 2026.
  • The team's first preseason game is scheduled for August 9, 2026.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

A 24-year-old quarterback who had a standout season with the University of Miami in 2025.

Dillon Gabriel

A 25-year-old quarterback who transferred to the Browns from UCF, known for his strong arm and mobility.

Deshaun Watson

A 31-year-old veteran quarterback who joined the Browns in 2023 and is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Todd Monken

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who will be tasked with managing the quarterback competition.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be one of the most intriguing quarterback battles we've seen in the NFL in years. Shedeur, Dillon, and Deshaun all bring unique skillsets to the table, and it's going to be fascinating to see how it all plays out.”

— Analyst

What’s next

The Browns' coaching staff will closely monitor the quarterback competition throughout the preseason, with a decision on the Week 1 starter expected to be made in early September 2026.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback room is loaded with talent, but the team will need to carefully manage the competition and development of these three QBs in order to find the right leader for their offense in 2026.