Browns ‘26 QB competition starts a lot like ‘25’s with an interesting addition

TL;DR

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition for 2026 is underway, featuring Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. New head coach Todd Monken aims to identify a starter quickly, despite similarities to last year's competition.

Key points

Browns' QB competition includes Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel
Todd Monken wants to identify a starter quickly
Only three quarterbacks are practicing compared to five last year
Cameras on quarterbacks' helmets are a new addition
Competition dynamics may change day-to-day

Mentioned in this story

Todd Monken

Cleveland BrownsDeshaun WatsonShedeur SandersDillon Gabriel

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Shedeur Sanders #12, Tyler Huntley #7 and Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns look on during the first quarter of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images By the start of the Cleveland Browns 2025 training camp, QB **Kenny Pickett** was injured, which led to the first time “QB1” was identified in last year’s quarterback competition. QB **Joe Flacco** held that spot for the rest of camp and was the team’s starter until QB **Dillon Gabriel** took over in Week 5 for the Browns game in London. At least to start the 2026 offseason on-field process, things have started similarly with QBs **Shedeur Sanders** and **Deshaun Watson**, along with Gabriel, splitting snaps. , but new that he wanted a starter identified as quickly as possible. In the first on-field work of the year, Watson took all of the quarterback drill snaps first: Then, when team drills started, Sanders led the way: Like last year under HC Kevin Stefanski, Monken noted that the reps were split to favor Sanders on purpose, : Monken praised the quarterbacks after practice: To the chagrin of some, 2026 is so similar to 2025 that the ESPN Cleveland “QB Tracker” has already made a return: There are some differences. There are only three quarterbacks practicing right now, compared to last year when, at times, there were up to five. Flacco, , Tyler Huntley, and are all on different teams. The other big difference is the use of cameras on the quarterbacks’ helmets. Monken shared what the benefits of those are: It will be interesting to see how the ‘26 competition looks different than the one in ‘25. The similarities do not mean this year will end up as poorly as last year, nor does anything different (like the cameras) ensure a more positive outcome. ***Do you prefer that Monken identify his starter soon or think he should take as much time as possible to make the decision?*** *Share your QB thoughts below*

Q&A

Who are the quarterbacks competing for the Browns' starting position in 2026?

The quarterbacks competing for the Browns' starting position in 2026 are Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel.

What did Todd Monken say about identifying the starting quarterback for the Browns?

Todd Monken emphasized the importance of identifying a starting quarterback as quickly as possible during the offseason.

How does the 2026 Browns quarterback competition differ from 2025?

The 2026 competition features only three quarterbacks practicing, compared to five in 2025, and includes new technology like cameras on quarterbacks' helmets.