Deshaun Watson is currently the frontrunner to be the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback for the 2026 season, following a strong performance in minicamp. Shedeur Sanders is also in contention, but Watson holds the edge as the competition unfolds.
A new season approaches for the Cleveland Browns. While first-year head coach Todd Monken is already very familiar with the AFC North division from serving as the Baltimore Ravens‘ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, he still doesn’t know who his starting quarterback will be with the Browns.
There are four possible options in Cleveland right now. They are – Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green. That may be how Cleveland internally views their QB depth chart right now too, but that order could change quickly.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Watson has emerged as the early favorite to become the Browns’ starting QB for the 2026 season.
“Deshaun Watson emerged from the Browns’ voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition — and has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1, sources tell cleveland.com.”
Mary Kay Cabot on Browns’ QB competition
Monken’s goal is to name the Browns’ starting QB by the end of the team’s minicamp, which runs from June 9-11. That gives Sanders a lot of time to catch up to Watson, who is coming off two torn Achilles injuries. Sanders, a 2024 fifth-round pick, has had a full offseason to work on his game after starting seven games as a rookie.
Yet, of all the QBs on the Browns roster, Watson is the most proven, by far. The three-time Pro Bowl QB just hasn’t found his peak form since being traded to Cleveland in 2022. The Browns are hoping Monken can help the 30-year-old get back on track.
Related: 5 Teams Who Improved The Most in 2026 NFL Draft, including DAL Cowboys
Related Headlines
Deshaun Watson has emerged as the early favorite to be the Browns' starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
The Browns aim to name their starting quarterback by the end of their minicamp, which runs from June 9-11.
Shedeur Sanders has had a full offseason to improve after starting seven games as a rookie, but currently trails Deshaun Watson in the competition.
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