The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2026 season with the starting quarterback position up for grabs.

Sanders was thought to be the frontrunner after the new head coach, Todd Monken, praised the young quarterback at the NFL combine.

As per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, however, the decision is not as straightforward. He revealed that there are some who believe that Deshaun Watson would start the season for the Browns.

“There are people out there who believe that Deshaun Watson is gonna be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on opening day,” Schefter said.

Watson arrived in Cleveland in 2022 after signing a blockbuster 4-year contract of $230 million. This was the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history at that time. Despite the Browns’ massive investment in Watson, things did not pan out the way they intended.

Injuries have made it difficult for Watson to stay on the pitch, with him starting just 19 games in three seasons. Back-to-back Achilles injuries severely hampered his progress. In fact, one of them was so bad that he did not play in the 2025 season at all.

This led to Shedeur Sanders receiving an opportunity to play 8 games in the 2025 season. The Browns had a 3-5 record with Sanders throwing 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

This led to speculation that Sanders could start, given the flashes of promise he showed during his appearances.

Schefter still made it clear that the position is still up for grabs. “We will see how that situation unfolds,” he added.

Deshaun Watson is preparing with his QB coach ahead of the new season

There is growing optimism that Watson will be prepared to play the upcoming season. Videos of Watson training with QB coach Quincy Avery surfaced recently. 

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot revealed, “Watson, cleared for all football activity in November, has been throwing in Florida with his longtime private quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery.”

She also added that several other former Browns players were training with him. “Among the other quarterbacks working out with him this week were former Browns signal-callers Kenny Pickett, Tyrod Taylor, and Jacoby Brissett."

Head coach Todd Monken is excited about the options at his disposal as he prepares to choose the starting position.

“I’m excited about Shedeur, excited about Deshaun, and Dillon Gabriel. I’m excited about the prospects, not only in free agency but also in the draft, and we’ll see where it all falls,” he said.

Who do you think should be the starting quarterback for the Browns this upcoming season? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker