"It's a Valuable Tool": Todd Monken Explains Why Browns Are Using Unique Tech to Evaluate Shedeur Sanders & Co. Amid QB Competition

During Todd Monken’s first practice as an NFL head coach, all three QBs participated in the evaluation process with something to prove. Back in 2022, the Browns traded three first-round picks to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans and then signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. At the time, the Browns believed they had secured their franchise quarterback. But the results haven’t matched the investment.

Since arriving in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson has struggled to stay on the field, with a shoulder injury and an ACL tear sidelining him for multiple games since October 2024. Along with that, Watson also faced an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. As a result, Watson has not played 49 NFL games during his four seasons in Cleveland.

Last December, Watson returned to practice for the first time after he underwent a second ACL repair surgery. Still, because he hasn’t played in a game since 2024, this season could be Watson’s final opportunity to prove he can still be an NFL starter.

Meanwhile, in last year’s NFL Draft, the Browns invested in younger QB options by selecting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. During the 2025 season, Gabriel began as Cleveland’s starting QB. He recorded 937 yards, 7 touchdowns, and two interceptions, but the Browns went just 1-5 with him under center before an injury sidelined him.

After that, Shedeur Sanders stepped in and started the remainder of the season. He recorded 1,400 passing yards, 7 TDs, and 10 INTs, finishing with a 3-4 record as the Browns’ starter. As such, both rookies received opportunities in Cleveland, but neither fully seized the QB1 role. This has opened a three-way battle between Watson, Shedeur, and Gabriel this offseason, with each looking to get as many practice snaps as possible to showcase their potential as a starter.

Todd Monken clears the air on the QB battle at minicamp

The three quarterbacks began the first day of the Browns’ voluntary minicamp working through footwork drills and throwing routes during individual periods. Once team drills began, however, both Shedeur and Watson received first-team reps, while Gabriel did not. Was that a sign that the QB competition in Cleveland had already narrowed to two candidates?

“He [Shedeur] was first man up,” Monken said. “The way it was going to turn out, Shedeur was going to get more reps, some of it in [seven on seven], some of it in [11 on 11]. Team periods were slowed down [and] set up in a way for us to get a look at all of them. The plan was to have Shedeur get a few more reps, but have Deshaun and Shedeur both have reps with the ones.”

According to Todd Monken, the rotation followed a plan designed by Browns QB coach Mike Bajakian. Monken emphasized that the practice structure will continue to evolve throughout the offseason. At the same time, Monken also rejected the idea that the starting QB battle will come down to only two players.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a two-man race,” Monken added. “I would just say that at every position, there’s competition. Irrespective of the reps they get, which I’ve said before, everybody ought to be competing.”

While talking about Gabriel, Monken also praised his “intelligence” and “professionalism,” while the young QB remains focused on controlling what he can in Cleveland. Recently, Browns GM Andrew Berry also acknowledged that his team could still select a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. So, the QB battle in Cleveland may not stop with the current roster.