The Cleveland Browns are expected to avoid a chaotic four-quarterback battle during training camp this summer, according to head coach Todd Monken. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on February 25, Monken said he hopes to decide on his starter before camp begins in late July, based on the performances during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. The current contenders for the starting role are Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel.
You would hope by the time you get to training camp that the reps you’re giving to your quarterback are for your starter,
Monken said.
Whether we get to that place, I don’t know. That will be determined in the offseason as part of it. It’s just another part of the piece.
Quarterback Development and Past Approach Under Previous Coaching
Last year under former head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns had four quarterbacks on the roster: Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett was acquired in a trade with the Eagles, Flacco was signed as a free agent, and Gabriel and Sanders were drafted in 2023. Stefanski split the reps during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp by grouping the quarterbacks separately, a strategy that resulted in Sanders not taking any first-team reps until just before his regular-season debut against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 23.
This season, Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel need to transition away from the offense used last year to learn Monken’s new system. The Browns’ offseason program begins on April 6, and Monken intends to evaluate the quarterbacks closely.
I don’t why it wouldn’t be an open competition,
Monken said.
I don’t mean that saying it harshly, but I don’t think there’s enough on film over the last couple years one way or the other to say, ‘Boy, we have our starter at quarterback.’ Whether internally or externally.
Monken Maintains Confidence in Deshaun Watson’s Potential
Todd Monken’s optimism about Watson is noteworthy, as he served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia when the Browns traded for Watson in March 2022. Watson’s time with Cleveland has been limited due to an 11-game suspension related to personal conduct violations, injuries, and surgery. Over four seasons, Watson has participated in just 19 of a possible 69 games, missing the entire 2025 season after recovering from Achilles surgery. Prior to joining the Browns, Watson had a strong 2020 season with the Houston Texans, passing for 4,823 yards and throwing 33 touchdowns, but with Cleveland, he has totaled only 19 touchdown passes.
I think anytime that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skillset at an elite level, I think you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of him again,
Monken said.
I think that’s how you should look at every player. I’m going to let it play out.
Now you’re going to have some preconceived notions obviously, because we have prior evidence. But I don’t decide who plays. The players decide who plays. I’ve never decided who plays.
Shedeur Sanders Viewed as a Promising Young Talent
Monken also spoke positively about Sanders, who finished last season with a 3-4 record as a starter. The fifth-round pick out of Colorado threw seven touchdowns but also nine interceptions and was sacked 21 times during those appearances. Despite these challenges, Monken highlighted Sanders’s natural abilities as a playmaker and his adaptability in the pocket.
I think what you see is elite playmaking ability,
Monken noted.
That’s in him. You’ve seen it. We’ve seen it. You saw it in college, you saw it on tape last year.
Sure there’s a ways to go, but what first-year player doesn’t have a long way to go? I’m excited to get started with him and all of our quarterbacks and all of our players.
Shedeur has a knack. He’s got a feel. Like he does in playmaking, he has a real sense in the pocket when it starts to collapse and moving around the pocket. He made more plays or got himself out of trouble than I would’ve guessed, than I would’ve thought even coming out (of college), which was nice to see.
Open Competition Could Expand Beyond Current Quarterbacks
Monken has not ruled out the possibility of acquiring another quarterback to join the competition, whether through the draft or free agency. While the coaching staff assesses the existing options, the Browns remain open to strengthening their quarterback group before and during camp.
Implications for the Browns’ Offense and Future Outlook
The quarterback decision will be crucial as the Browns aim to establish stability at the position after years of turnover and uncertainty. Monken’s track record with offensive schemes and previous connections to Watson could influence his decision, but ultimately, the starting job will be earned through offseason performance. Securing a reliable starter before camp allows for more focused preparation and better offensive cohesion heading into the season.
As training camp draws near, the Browns and their fans will watch closely for glimpses of progress from Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel. The quarterback competition remains wide open, reflecting the team’s desire to find a leader who can drive success on the field in the upcoming NFL season.
