Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ competition with Deshaun Watson for the starting role next season intensifies with the OTAs set to commence this week.
Sanders was given the starting role in the second half of last season after Dillon Gabriel’s concussion setback. ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo said that the former Colorado star was treated like an “intern” last year but has faith in new Browns coach Todd Monken to make the right decision for the 2026 season.
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“My guy (Shedeur) is like an intern,” Rizzo said. “You know what? It’s the coach’s job to go with the guy he thinks gives him the best chance to win. I have faith in Monken that he’ll do that. He’s not playing favorites.
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“I’m just saying a guy that’s a 10-year vet, who was a three-time Pro Bowler has a big advantage over a kid who they treated like an intern last year. That’s all.”
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Although Watson has not played in the NFL since 2024 due to injuries, the veteran quarterback started 19 games for the Browns before tearing his Achilles tendon.
NFL insider reveals Deshaun Watson’s equation with Browns coach Todd Monken
Despite Deshaun Watson’s lack of gametime over the last two years, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the veteran quarterback has “hit it off” with the new Browns coach.
“I’m told he’s hit it off with Todd Monken, who’s got an offensive concept, some elements that Watson has run in the past and been his best at,” Fowler wrote on X.
Todd Monken has not named his starter yet, but NFL analyst Daryl Ruiter believes the Browns will have identified their starter when training camp begins in July.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash