Browns coach Todd Monken keeping QB competition open amid uneven practice reps, Shedeur Sanders buzz

Browns' Monken holds QB competition open after minicamp

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken reiterated that the starting quarterback competition remains open following the team's three-day voluntary minicamp. Monken told 92.3 The Fan it is premature to name a starter, stating, "It’s my job to let it play out." He added, "I’m not there yet, so I can’t say (there’s a leader). We’ve been on the field three days."

The Browns return Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson in 2026 after a crowded quarterback room last season. Sanders took over as starter in Week 12 and held the role through two more starts. Watson remained on the physically unable to perform list despite the opening of his 21-day practice window in December, while Gabriel shifted to backup. Monken, hired in January, plans a new offensive system and prefers one quarterback to emerge from the group. The team also drafted Taylen Green in the sixth round last week.

At the media-open practice on April 21, 2026, Watson led most drills, though Monken noted Sanders received more reps overall per the plan. The Browns finished 5-12 last season. General manager Andrew Berry said at the NFL Scouting Combine in February there is no rush to decide, adding, "We don't have to make that decision anytime soon. I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different."

Organized team activities begin in mid-May, followed by mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July.