May 8, 2026 — The Cleveland Browns entered the offseason with a stark headline: three quarterbacks will vie for the starting job in 2025. Head coach Todd Monken, hired last month, must decide between veteran Deshaun Watson, rookie Shedeur Sanders and former backup Dillon Gabriel as the team seeks stability at the most critical position.
Fans and analysts alike cringe at the prospect of another uncertain season, but the competition may also spark a needed spark in Cleveland’s offensive scheme. The Browns’ front office faces a dilemma: bet on a proven but controversial veteran, nurture a high‑upside rookie, or stick with a familiar, if under‑performing, second‑year player.
Background: Browns’ Recent QB Carousel
Over the past two years, Cleveland has cycled through four starters, none of whom delivered a winning record. The franchise’s last playoff appearance came in the 2023 season, and the quarterback position has been the primary obstacle to returning to the postseason. The hiring of Monken, a former offensive coordinator known for aggressive play‑action, signals a shift toward a more dynamic passing attack, yet the talent pool remains thin.
What Does the QB Competition Look Like?
According to ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz, each contender offers a different risk‑reward profile. Watson brings a career passer rating above 95 but carries legal baggage and a sizable cap hit. Sanders, the son of former NFL star Deion, dazzles with mobility and a strong arm, yet lacks NFL experience. Gabriel posted a 6.5 EPA per pass attempt in limited action, a respectable figure but insufficient to convince the front office.
The Browns’ offensive line, still anchored by Joel Bitonio, will be tested regardless of who starts. If the line improves, even a modestly productive quarterback could elevate the team’s red‑zone efficiency, which sat at 62% last season.
Key Developments
- Aaron Schatz, a senior writer for ESPN’s Football Outsiders, authored the critical assessment of the Browns’ QB room.
- The Sporting News article that sparked the debate was published on May 8, 2026, at 00:31 GMT.
- Todd Monken signed a four‑year contract worth $30 million, giving him full authority over the quarterback selection process.
- Deshaun Watson’s contract includes a $12 million roster bonus due in March 2025, a factor the Browns must weigh against cap flexibility.
- Shedeur Sanders finished his sophomore season at Jackson State with 3,200 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, the best statistical output among the three.
Impact and What’s Next
Choosing a starter will shape Cleveland’s draft strategy. If Monken leans toward Watson, the Browns can focus on adding play‑action weapons in the 2025 draft. Opting for Sanders may push the team to acquire veteran receivers and a reliable running back to complement a mobile quarterback. Gabriel’s selection would likely keep the Browns in the market for a proven passer, potentially targeting a trade or free‑agent signing in early 2025.
Regardless of the decision, the front office must address the cap implications of Watson’s guaranteed money while balancing the need for offensive weapons. The next preseason will reveal which quarterback earns the nod, and Cleveland’s fans will be watching every snap.
When did Todd Monken become the Browns’ head coach?
Todd Monken was hired as the Cleveland Browns’ head coach on April 12, 2026, after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers (general knowledge).
What is Deshaun Watson’s current contract situation?
Watson is under a three‑year, $45 million contract that includes a $12 million roster bonus due in March 2025, limiting the Browns’ cap flexibility.
How did Shedeur Sanders perform at the college level?
Sanders posted 3,200 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and a 68% completion rate during his sophomore year at Jackson State, making him the most statistically productive of the three contenders.
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