The Cleveland Browns entered training camp in Berea, Ohio, with their most scrutinized quarterback competition in years, as returning veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie passer Shedeur Sanders split first-team repetitions under new head coach Todd Monken.
Monken wanted a starting quarterback named before the conclusion of spring practices, but the competition remained officially open as the team transitioned into full camp preparations, according to reports surrounding the AFC North franchise. The unfolding battle shapes the immediate outlook for Cleveland’s offense following a coaching change prompted by consecutive last-place finishes in the division.
How the Quarterback Room Reached an Open Competition
The quarterback battle took shape after the Browns dismissed former head coach Kevin Stefanski in January following a second straight last-place finish in the AFC North. To rebuild an offense that struggled significantly, Cleveland hired former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, a play-caller widely recognized for helping guide Lamar Jackson during an MVP-level season.
Monken inherited a crowded quarterback room. Alongside headliners Watson and Sanders, the roster includes 2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green, plus veteran depth pieces who have rotated through the depth chart during drills. Monken stated that he intends to start the player who gives the Browns the best chance to win, resisting any pressure to force an early, unearned decision during the spring workouts.
Contract Status and Recovery for Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson enters the 2026 campaign as the presumptive starter by virtue of his contract, though his recent production on the field has been heavily interrupted by injuries. Watson missed the entire 2025 season while rehabilitating from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He is currently playing through the final guaranteed stretch of the five-year, $230 million contract he signed following his trade to Cleveland in 2022.
Under the terms of that deal, Watson is due $46 million fully guaranteed for the 2026 season. His salary cap figure previously stood as the highest in the NFL before the Browns restructured the agreement to generate necessary roster flexibility. Reports indicate that Watson reported to spring workouts as the clear favorite to retain his starting role.
Shedeur Sanders Tests the Depth Chart
Shedeur Sanders, selected as the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, is the primary reason that designation carries an asterisk. Having already started games for Cleveland during his rookie campaign, the second-year passer put together a strong spring performance that prompted observers to note he had narrowed the gap on Watson.
Sanders built his reputation at the collegiate level on passing precision and touch on deep throws. Questions that followed him into the professional ranks focused primarily on how quickly he reads defensive pressure and delivers the football. The arrival of training camp, featuring live pass rushes once players put on full pads, provides the coaching staff with a definitive evaluation environment to answer those questions.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Outside of Berea, the competition has drawn heavy attention from analysts and the betting market, particularly regarding Week 1 starting quarterback proposition wagers. With an open competition featuring an established veteran trying to revive his career and a rising young challenger, oddsmakers have adjusted figures dynamically in response to updates emerging from practice sessions.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the competition arrives as the Browns progress through training camp practices and upcoming preseason fixtures, where Monken and his staff will continue evaluating performance under live game conditions. Readers can follow official team updates and announcements through the franchise’s official channels and media portal.
Worth a look
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