While the decision on the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback is a significant one, it is worth remembering that it’s not permanent. Once the regular season gets going, head coach Todd Monken can change his mind at any time, and he can go back and forth as much as he wants, based on the circumstances at hand.
The Browns’ QB1 distinction may be more important for perception than it is in reality on the field. Getting the job would be a major accomplishment for Deshaun Watson, who would have returned from significant injuries and almost two years on the sidelines to become an NFL starter again.
As for Shedeur Sanders, getting the nod would confirm that he is not the waste of attention some people perceive him to be and that he does have a legitimate future in the league. It would be an impressive ascension from his fall into the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Even though it is a high-profile position and the most important in the sport, the Week 1 starter does not have to be a season-defining move. So maybe the Browns should just get on with it and see where it takes them.
Insider Tony Grossi recently sent that simple message to the Browns about the QB competition, urging them to decide so the rest of the team can properly prepare for the upcoming campaign.
“Absolutely, because whoever plays first will not play the whole year. I’m convinced that all quarterbacks are gonna end up playing. What’s important is getting the team ready for the start of the season, not who’s the quarterback. The team needs a quarterback to get ready for the season. So, just choose one. The other guy’s gonna play too,” Grossi said.
.@TonyGrossi thinks it's time for the Browns to just pick a QB and get ready for the season.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/a0qDgpL6Yh
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 11, 2026
The longer this drags out, the less time there is for the entire offense, particularly the reconstructed offensive line, to develop the necessary chemistry. Of course, if both quarterbacks are going to play during the season, getting reps with both of them in training camp could be time well spent.
There are other factors in play, specifically what the dynamic would be with Watson as the starter and Sanders lurking in the wings as the backup. That could put every offensive series under serious scrutiny until a change is made.
Only one of the quarterbacks can take the first snap of the upcoming preseason game against the Chicago Bears, so maybe that will be the first step in this drawn-out process finally coming to an end.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Concern About Browns' QB Battle
