Cleveland Browns star pass-rusher Myles Garrett has publicly supported Shedeur Sanders as a top candidate for the starting quarterback position as the team prepares for an offseason filled with uncertainty. The Browns currently have three quarterbacks under contract—Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel—as they plan to evaluate all options to strengthen their quarterback lineup.
The Browns are also adjusting to a new offensive system under head coach Todd Monken, who was hired to revitalize a struggling offense. Last season, Cleveland’s offense ranked near the bottom of the league, averaging only 262.1 yards and 16.4 points per game.
Despite beginning last season as a fifth-round draft pick buried deep on the depth chart, Sanders stepped into the starting role for the final seven games, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. When asked at a panel during Super Bowl week if Sanders was “the guy” at quarterback, Garrett gave a cautious but hopeful response.
That’s who we’re looking at as the guy,
Garrett said.
“We’re gonna give him a shot to prove that he is the guy, we’re not gonna give anyone that title until they go out there and earn it.”
He was the last person to be on the field, and he showed some flashes, so we’re gonna give him an opportunity to show what he can really do, uncork the ball.
Todd Monken’s Outlook on Quarterback Competition, Including Watson
Garrett emphasized that while Sanders should have the initial opportunity, the Browns will give all quarterbacks on the roster a chance to compete. This includes Deshaun Watson, a former Pro Bowler who is recovering from a series of injuries, as well as any new additions the team might make.
I feel like everyone on the roster is gonna get a shot. He (Shedeur) was the last guy on the field, so he’s gonna get first serve,
Garrett explained.
Deshuan, whoever else is on the roster is gonna get a real look.
Monken has remained non-committal about who will ultimately lead the Browns’ offense but expressed optimism about Watson’s potential impact.
You’ve got two young players who still have a long way to go in terms of development, and that’s just part of the learning curve in the NFL,
Monken said in an interview with Ashley Holder of Cleveland 19 News.
Then you have a player like Deshaun, who is coming back from injury and was once a Pro Bowl player and an elite player in this league. We would love to tap back into that.
Confidence Remains High in Myles Garrett’s Future with the Browns
Despite offseason changes, including the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns remain confident that Myles Garrett will continue his dominance without requesting a trade. Garrett had previously requested a trade, wanting to join a contender, but ultimately agreed to a four-year, $160 million extension with Cleveland.
Team owner Jimmy Haslam expressed strong faith in Garrett’s commitment and ongoing impact on the defense.
Listen, I love Myles, OK? Haslam stated.
I haven’t talked to him since the day after the season, but I’m highly confident Myles will come in here and break the sack record again and be the Defensive Player (of the Year). He hasn’t been named it (yet), but I’ll be shocked if he isn’t and will be a leader of our team.
Garrett’s recent season set the NFL single-season record with 23 sacks, underscoring his status as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
Looking Ahead: Browns’ Quarterback Battle and Defensive Leadership
The endorsement from Myles Garrett certainly positions Shedeur Sanders as the early front-runner to claim the Browns’ starting quarterback role, yet the competition will be closely watched throughout the offseason. With head coach Todd Monken’s arrival, Cleveland hopes to rejuvenate an offense that recently underperformed, and the development of quarterbacks Sanders, Watson, and Gabriel will be central to that effort.
Meanwhile, the Browns’ defensive unit will continue to rely heavily on Garrett’s elite pass-rushing skills, with expectations high that he will build upon his record-setting performance. As offseason moves unfold, the Browns’ decisions at quarterback and on defense will likely shape their trajectory for the coming NFL season.
