While the Cleveland Browns have been busy this free agency, the big question remains who will start as quarterback for the 2026 season – Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson.

The Browns’ latest acquisition, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, who came from the Green Bay Packers, offered his thoughts on the matter.

Jenkins said, “Me being on another team, I’ve seen both of them play some really good football. So, just keeping everything competitive. No matter who wins the starting spot, we’re going to be there for him — the No. 1 or the No. 2. We’re going to be there for him.”

Jenkins was signed to a two-year, $24 million contract after being released by the Green Bay Packers. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and has played seven seasons for the Packers. Jenkins is expected to start at center in the upcoming season.

Jenkins has said that he is eager to work with either quarterback, regardless of who head coach Todd Monken decides to go with.

“So I guess just keeping it competitive and just being there for both of them when they need it. But they’re very good football players, and I’m excited to work with them,” Jenkins said.

Monken has declared the decision an “open competition” regarding who should start the season.

Speaking at the NFL Combine, Monken said, “Sure, I think it’s an open competition. I don’t know why it wouldn’t be an open competition, and I don’t mean to say that harshly. But I don’t think there’s enough on film over the last couple of years one way or the other to say, ‘Boy, we have a starter at quarterback.’”

Elgton Jenkins is happy to be part of the Browns roster

After his release from the Packers, Jenkins is excited at the thought of linking up with the Cleveland Browns.

Jenkins called Cleveland “the perfect place to be”. The newly signed Tytus Howard and Jenkins share a close relationship, and Jenkins is excited to team up with him.

“I feel like it was a perfect place for me to be, especially trying to just work on my game.  Just being able to play together again and build this offensive line and take us to where we want to go. (Howard) was very enthusiastic about us moving forward, so I was on board, and we’re here now,” Jenkins said.

The Browns' offensive line struggled a lot last season. While the rookie QB Dillon Gabriel was sacked 19 times in 10 games, Shedeur was sacked 23 times in just 8 games.

Surely, Jenkins will play a key role at center in the upcoming season.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker