The Cleveland Browns' most recent decision to draft quarterback Taylen Green (No. 182nd overall) has created 4-QB room. At the same time, the veteran QB Deshaun Watson has returned to play at the ongoing offseason program.

The move intensifies the competition for the starting position between Watson and last season's starter, Shedeur Sanders. Radio host Tony Rizzo and analyst Tony Grossi discussed Cleveland's crowded quarterback room on Monday.

“I heard Deshaun took the majority of snaps on Wednesday when you guys were not allowed to watch practice, and he looked phenomenal,” Rizzo told Grossi.

With Watson taking the majority of first-team snaps, the early signs of the QB competition may not be going in Sanders' favour

According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Sanders, 24, and Watson, 30, led the practice while Dillon Gabriel took a backseat. 

“Watson and Sanders are the leaders, with Dillon Gabriel a clear third,” Jackson reported. “But Monken said the Browns are focused on teaching and installing the offense rather than drawing conclusions.”

Head coach Todd Monken had laid out his plans in late March. During the annual NFL meeting, Monken referred to splitting first-team reps. “We certainly want to allocate our reps to the players we feel like are going to give us the best chance to win.”

Now, Sanders, who debuted as a starter in Week 11 last season, started seven games (3-4), 56% pass completion rate for 1,400 passing yards, 7 TDs, and 10 interceptions. While Watson was injured (shoulder and Achilles tear) from 2023 to early 2026.

In April 2025, franchise owner Jimmy Haslam labeled Watson a “swing and a miss” trade. But recently, he has renewed his faith in the veteran QB. In an ESPN report by Daniel Oyefusi, Haslam talked about a “fresh start” for the QB.

“Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach who has in his past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful.”

With this development, Sanders and Watson are competing for the QB 1 position. And Taylen Green’s addition has led analyst Tony Grossi to question Gabriel's place on the roster long term.

Will Browns Keep Dillon Gabriel Long Term?

Taylen Green's arrival further complicates a depth chart already featuring three other quarterbacks. But Grossi believes it won’t be for too long. He said that 25-year-old Gabriel might be released in the near term. 

“No, I don't see that happening. Let's see it play out,” he told Rizzo. “You're not going to get anything for Dillon Gabriel.”

Gabriel was picked in the third round in 2025, earlier than Sanders (fifth round). After starting between Week 5 and 10, Gabriel gained just 937 passing yards. He threw 7 TDs and 2 INTs. 

Green, a dual-threat QB, put forth a record-breaking NFL Combine performance. After the 4-12 and 5-13 records in the past two seasons, respectively.

So, how would the Browns QB room look? Tell us your thoughts.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey