Monken keeps Browns QB competition open after minicamp
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken stated that the quarterback competition remains open following the team's voluntary minicamp. Monken told 92.3 The Fan that it is premature to name a starter, adding, "It’s my job to let it play out." He noted no clear leader has emerged after three days of work, despite Deshaun Watson leading most drills during the media-open session.
The Browns return Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson for the 2026 season. Sanders assumed the starting role in Week 12 last year and secured it after two additional starts, while Gabriel shifted to backup and Watson stayed on the physically unable to perform list despite a practice window opening in December. Monken, hired in January, plans a new offensive scheme and prefers one quarterback to distinguish himself.
At minicamp on April 21, 2026, in Berea, Ohio, Watson took more reps than Sanders in visible drills, though the overall plan allocated more to Sanders. The Browns finished 5-12 last season and selected Taylen Green in the sixth round of last week's draft. General manager Andrew Berry said in February at the NFL Scouting Combine that no rush exists to decide the starter.
Organized team activities begin in mid-May, followed by mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July.
