Publicly, the Cleveland Browns have not said who will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2026. Head coach Todd Monken has made it clear that a decision has not been made, and candidates like Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are still duking it out on the field.
But is that the truth, or is there something else going on behind the scenes? Speaking to 92.3 The Fan, Daryl Ruiter discussed how the race for QB1 could be decided.
If fans continue to see Watson playing with the Browns’ first team, they should assume he is in the lead to take the coveted starting position.
“It’s the first time that he said something to us that did not align with what we, ultimately, ended up seeing. Because he’s been so open and honest about things, I’m gonna give him a little latitude. We’ll see what he says today. I’m curious to hear the explanation. If he goes back to Shedeur and he’s back with the ones, then I think the quarterback competition is still on. But if it’s Deshaun again today going into Bears week, I just go by what Todd has said in the past. He’s not into grand announcements. If you see a guy with the ones, and you see him with the ones regularly, he’s a one,” Ruiter said.
"It's the first time that he said something to us that did not align with what we, ultimately, ended up seeing. We'll see what he says today…I'm curious to hear the explanation."
🚨 @RuiterWrongFAN to @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony on #Browns head coach Todd Monken's comments… pic.twitter.com/ZWaBarX4q7
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 10, 2026
This year’s training camp has been all over the map. Some days, reports have said that Watson has the upper hand. Then a report will come stating that Sanders is in the lead. It’s hard to keep up with all the speculation.
But things are coming down to the wire, which means that analysts and fans need to pay extra close attention to Monken’s choices during the end of camp. Preseason is beginning, and now is the time for Cleveland’s coaches to make a ruling.
Monken is in a tough position because he will face backlash no matter which direction he chooses. He’s a first-time coach and would like to ensure as much success as possible.
It’s reasonable to assume that the more proven veteran could provide that, which could give Watson a leg up over Sanders. Watson has been spending a lot of time with the Browns’ first team.
All eyes will be on what happens next, because it could be a huge indicator of the season ahead.
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