Browns coach Todd Monken keeping QB competition open amid uneven practice reps, Shedeur Sanders buzz

Monken keeps Browns QB competition open after minicamp

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken reiterated that the starting quarterback competition remains open following the team's voluntary minicamp. Monken told Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan that it is premature to name a starter. He emphasized letting the competition play out while noting no clear leader has emerged after three days on the field.

The Browns return Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the 2026 season. Sanders assumed the starting role in Week 12 last season and secured it after two additional starts, while Gabriel shifted to backup and Watson remained on the physically unable to perform list despite a practice window opening in December. Monken, hired in January, plans a new offensive system and prefers one quarterback to distinguish himself.

At the media-open practice during the three-day minicamp on April 21, 2026, Watson led most drills, though the plan allocated more overall reps to Sanders. A recent report indicated Watson holds the inside track for Week 1, a claim Shilo Sanders downplayed while supporting his brother Shedeur. The Browns selected quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round of last week's NFL Draft and finished 5-12 last season.

General manager Andrew Berry stated in February at the NFL Scouting Combine that no rush exists to decide the starter and all quarterbacks must compete for roles. Organized team activities begin in mid-May, followed by mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July.