Raptors forward Brandon Ingram doubtful for Game 6 vs. Cavaliers due to heel injury
Brandon Ingram is doubtful for Game 6 against the Cavaliers due to a heel injury.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken discussed the quarterback competition ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Veteran Deshaun Watson reportedly has an early lead in the race for the starting position.
Mentioned in this story
The omnipresent debate about the Cleveland Brownsâ quarterback situation shifted into high gear more than four months before the 2026 NFL season opener.
New Browns head coach Todd Monken can be excused for wanting to pick a quarterback and move on to other items.
MORE: Hall of Fame Browns reporter responds to Shilo Sandersâ inappropriate comment
On Friday, May 1, Monken addressed the debate just two days after a report indicated veteran Deshaun Watson has an early lead in the competition.
Ken Carman of âThe Ken Carman Show with Anthony Limaâ asked Monken if heâd like to have a starter named by training camp.
âI would love to have that,â Monken said. âIâm not there yet, so I canât say that. Weâve been on the field three practices, which was awesome to get out there with our players.â
Cleveland has struggled to find a quarterback since acquiring Watson from the Houston Texans in 2022. The Browns handed Watson a guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Between a disciplinary suspension and injuries to his shoulder and Achilles, Watson has played just 19 games with for Cleveland. When on the field, he turned in an 80.7 quarterback rating, well below the 104.5 he recorded as a Texan.
Rookies Shedeur Sanders and both saw considerable playing time during the Brownsâ 5-12 season in 2025. Sanders went 3-4 as a starter to finish the season and earned a Pro Bowl nod despite throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (seven).
Todd Monken emphasized the importance of selecting a quarterback as the team prepares for the offseason program.
Veteran Deshaun Watson is reported to have an early lead in the competition for the starting quarterback position.
The 2026 NFL season opener is scheduled for September 2026.
Brandon Ingram is doubtful for Game 6 against the Cavaliers due to a heel injury.
Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor's Legion Sports Bar closes after 3 years in Bellevue.
LIV Golf's future is uncertain as financial troubles mount and Saudi funding withdraws.
2027 DE Jackson Vaughn includes Tennessee in his top nine schools!
F1 introduces new regulations for the Miami GP amid controversy. What does Audi's Nico HĂŒlkenberg think?
Arthur Melo is expected to return to Juventus after a loan at Gremio.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Cleveland also selected former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round of this yearâs draft.
Monken seemed to indicate he will choose a de facto starter during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, which ends June 11. Training camp opens July 25.
âTheyâre all external to me,â Monken said of the quarterbacks. âThereâs only so many reps you get; youâve got to start to target towards whoâs going to start opening day. Now that can still change. That can change, even if somebodyâs getting two-thirds of the reps, and someoneâs getting one-third of the reps because youâre still going to play preseason games.â
Look for Watson to receive the first opportunity to nail down the Brownsâ quarterback job. Monken, a first-time head coach, will lean on Watsonâs experience and upside. Plus, Cleveland would love to get at least some useful production for the money theyâve committed to the 30-year-old.
Sanders will be first man up should Watson falter again.