The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation is once again in the spotlight, and this time, it’s unfolding under the watchful eye of new head coach Todd Monken. With Deshaun Watson sidelined for the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury, the Browns turned to two rookies-Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel-to carry the load. Sanders started seven games, Gabriel six, and while both had their moments, the Browns ultimately missed the playoffs for the second straight year.
Now, as the team resets for 2026, all signs point toward a quarterback competition brewing in Cleveland. According to reports, the Browns are keeping all options on the table.
Whether it’s the draft, free agency, or a trade, the front office is expected to explore every avenue to solidify the position. But as things stand, the battle lines are being drawn between Watson and Sanders.
Let’s start with Sanders. The rookie out of Colorado showed flashes of what made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in last year’s draft.
In eight appearances, Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Not a flawless stat line by any means, but there were moments-like his Week 14 breakout against the Titans-where he looked every bit the part of a future franchise QB.
In that game, Sanders lit up Tennessee’s defense for 364 yards and three passing touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. That kind of dual-threat performance is exactly what the Browns hoped to see when they gave him the keys late in the season.
And while the turnovers were an issue, his selection to the Pro Bowl-making him the first Browns quarterback to earn that honor since Derek Anderson in 2008-speaks to the respect he’s already gaining around the league.
One of Sanders' biggest supporters? None other than Myles Garrett.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year and heart of the Browns' defense had a front-row seat to Sanders’ rookie campaign. In a recent conversation with Micah Parsons, Garrett made it clear that Sanders will be given every opportunity to prove he’s the guy.
“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.”
Garrett didn’t hand Sanders the job, but he acknowledged the flashes of brilliance that turned heads in the locker room. “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.”
Still, standing in Sanders’ way is Deshaun Watson-a player whose time in Cleveland has been defined more by injuries than impact. Since arriving on a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal, Watson has played in just 19 games over three seasons.
He didn’t take a single snap in 2025, and his availability heading into 2026 remains a question mark. There’s no denying Watson’s talent when healthy, but the Browns can’t afford to keep waiting for that version of him to return.
That’s where the intrigue lies. Sanders has the momentum, the locker room is watching closely, and a new coaching staff could mean a clean slate.
But Watson’s contract and pedigree still loom large. And with the Browns reportedly considering external options as well, this quarterback room could look very different by the time training camp rolls around.
For now, though, it’s shaping up to be Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson.
One is a rising rookie with upside and something to prove. The other, a veteran still searching for a return to form.
The Browns are leaving no stone unturned-and they can’t afford to. Because in a division as competitive as the AFC North, finding stability under center isn’t just a priority-it’s a necessity.