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

Dan Dakich dives into the ‘desperate’ Cleveland Browns as they force a high-stakes QB battle between an overrated Deshaun Watson and a humbled Shedeur Sanders.

The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL's more crowded quarterback rooms.

Shedeur Sanders took over as starting quarterback in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season. 

Dillon Gabriel moved to a backup role as Deshaun Watson remained on the physically unable to perform list, even after the team opened his 21-day practice window in December.

Sanders, Gabriel and Watson all return in 2026, but it remains unclear which quarterback will be under center when the regular season begins this fall. 

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Browns head coach Todd Monken reiterated his stance on maintaining an open competition for the starting job, telling Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan it's premature to name a starter.

"It’s my job to let it play out," Monken said.

Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass during a voluntary veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, on April 21, 2026. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Monken’s comments Friday are in line with his previously stated belief in letting players decide who plays and giving all involved opportunities as the competition evolves.

The remarks also follow a report that Watson leads the race for the starting job. They also come after Shilo Sanders downplayed the report and publicly expressed support for his brother Shedeur’s bid for QB1.

DESHAUN WATSON HAS 'INSIDE TRACK' TO BE BROWNS' WEEK 1 STARTING QUARTERBACK OVER SHEDEUR SANDERS: REPORT

Monken, who was hired in January, is expected