Once the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition extended into training camp, it was thought that it would inevitably drag on into the preseason games. Neither Deshaun Watson nor Shedeur Sanders has done enough to earn the job outright, but they also have not failed to the point where the decision is obvious.
That looked to have changed this past weekend, when Watson was given first-team reps in back-to-back practices, ending a previously steady rotation. With the veteran making “tremendous strides,” he turned in another strong performance that may have signaled an end to the process.
Instead, Sanders was back with the first team on Monday, and he turned in an impressive day of his own. Head coach Todd Monken also said each one would get to start one preseason game, with the first opportunity coming up this Saturday against the Chicago Bears.
While it may be an encouraging sign that each quarterback has risen to the occasion and will not give up the job easily, insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com revealed a concern about the QB battle, saying it prevents the rest of the offense from getting fully comfortable with whoever ultimately wins the job.
“This is going to go on for a while and it does concern me a little bit because I really do think the starting 11 has got to get working together. The season opener is a month away,” Cabot said.
"This is going to go on for awhile and it does concern me a little bit because I really do think the starting 11 has got to get working together. The season opener is a month away."
➡️ @MaryKayCabot w/ @CLETalkingHeads on the #Browns QB competition as it stands right now pic.twitter.com/nCftR1Cpst
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 11, 2026
This would be even more necessary if the Browns had settled on a starting offensive line, as it would be vital for those players to mesh with the QB, particularly given Monken’s emphasis on pre-snap adjustments and cadence. The receivers have been able to develop some valuable chemistry with both quarterbacks over the course of the spring and summer.
There is a good chance that neither quarterback would start all 17 games, regardless of who opens the regular season Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That may be more true if it is Watson, because if he does not play well, there would be no reason for him to continue to start, as he can become a free agent after the season and the Browns would want to see what Sanders is capable of.
Watson also has a lengthy injury history that has limited him to just seven games since November 2023, which is why his potential return against the Bears will be so important.
NEXT: Insider Makes A Big Prediction About Shedeur Sanders
