The Cleveland Browns are heading into the offseason with a big decision at quarterback. Deshaun Watson is still in the mix, but rookie Shedeur Sanders is already getting attention from the new coaching staff.

Early comments from head coach Todd Monken show that Sanders has made a strong first impression.

Monken recently spoke about Sanders and shared what he liked after watching him play.

“I think what you see is elite playmaking ability. That’s in him,” Monken said on ESPN’s This Is Football. “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 rookie isn’t, I mean, what first-year player doesn’t have a long way to go?"

Sanders played eight games in his rookie season and started seven of them. He threw for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The numbers are mixed, but they show he can handle game time and take on responsibility.

He was also named a Pro Bowl alternate, which speaks to how he was viewed across the league. For a young quarterback, getting that recognition in his first year matters.

Browns HC also made it clear that Sanders didn’t come from a pro-style system, but that’s not an issue, and it’s on the coaches to develop him properly.

Early signs are positive for Sanders, but this is only the beginning. The Browns still have a choice to make, and it will come down to how both quarterbacks perform from here.

Shedeur Sanders’ QB1 Battle With Deshaun Watson

The Browns are expected to have a real competition for the starting job. Sanders and Watson will both get a chance, and the final decision may come down to form and fitness.

Sanders brings youth and energy. He has already shown that he can play under pressure and manage games. With more time and coaching, he could improve quickly.

Watson, on the other hand, has experience. Since joining the Browns in 2022, he has played 19 games. But injuries have slowed him down, including two Achilles surgeries.

That makes things interesting. Watson has done it before, but his recent seasons have been up and down. Sanders is still new, but he is learning fast.

Monken’s comments also made one thing clear. The coaching staff will play a big role in this decision. They are responsible for helping both players perform at their best.

The Browns may not rush this call. Training camp and preseason will likely decide who gets the first start.

Tell us your thoughts on who should be the starting QB for the Browns this season.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi