Shedeur Sanders Battles for Browns' Starting QB Role in 2026

Young star faces competition from Dillon Gabriel and veteran Deshaun Watson

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in mid-throw, with the player's body and motion fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of orange, brown, and white colors.The Browns' quarterback competition promises to be a complex, multi-faceted battle for the starting role in 2026.Cleveland Today

Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback last season, is facing an open competition for the 2026 role. Head coach Todd Monken praised Sanders' 'elite playmaking ability' but acknowledged the team will explore all options, including potentially bringing in another QB to challenge for the job.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback situation is a key storyline heading into the 2026 season, as the team looks to build on Sanders' promising rookie campaign and determine the long-term direction of the position.

The details

In his rookie season, Sanders started 7 of 8 games, completing 59.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. However, he is one of three QBs under contract for 2026, with Dillon Gabriel and veteran Deshaun Watson also in the mix. Monken says the team will evaluate all options during the offseason and aims to have the starting role decided before training camp.

  • Sanders started 7 of 8 games as a rookie in the 2025 season.
  • The Browns' quarterback competition will play out during the 2026 offseason.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' starting quarterback last season, praised by head coach Todd Monken for his 'elite playmaking ability'.

Todd Monken

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who will oversee the quarterback competition in the offseason.

Dillon Gabriel

Another quarterback under contract for the Browns in 2026, who will compete with Sanders for the starting role.

Deshaun Watson

The experienced quarterback also under contract for the Browns in 2026, adding to the competition for the starting job.

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What they’re saying

“Sure, there's room for improvement, but that's true for any first-year player.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

“We'll evaluate our options during the offseason and make the best decision for the team.”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will evaluate their quarterback options during the offseason and aim to have the starting role decided before training camp in 2026.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation is an open competition, with Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson all vying for the starting job. Head coach Todd Monken is confident in Sanders' talent but acknowledges the team will explore all options to field the best QB in 2026.