After an exciting offseason that saw many new names join the organization, the Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry are slowly beginning to prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
Berry made it clear in both free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft that his primary goal was to revamp the offense. Thanks to the front office’s efforts in free agency to address the offensive line, the Browns were able to walk away with three key playmakers in the most recent draft, including Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, along with a pair of wide receivers in Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion and Washington’s Denzel Boston. Now, with a completely new offense heading into this season, the main question surrounding the struggling franchise is the quarterback position.
However, while there has been speculation as to who the frontrunner could be for the starting position throughout this offseason, head coach Todd Monken offered clarity on Friday morning during his appearance on 92.3 The Fan.
“I would love to have [the answer to the starting quarterback position], I’m not there yet,” Monken claimed. “We’ve been on the field 3 practices…There’s only so many reps you get; you start to target who is gonna start opening day. That can change even if someone is gonna get two-thirds of reps or one-third of reps because you’re still gonna play preseason games.”
Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback in 2026?
While Monken may not have the answer to the quarterback position, Browns’ insider Mary Kay Cabot recently reported on Wednesday afternoon that veteran Deshaun Watson had the edge over 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders after voluntary workouts in April. The report sparked plenty of debate within the Browns fanbase, as many believed that Sanders would have a legitimate shot to take the starting position in 2026.
During his rookie season, Sanders showed some flashes of promise in his eight games with the team, as he threw for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, there were still bumps in the road throughout his first season in the NFL, since Sanders also finished with 10 interceptions while completing 56.6 percent of his pass attempts last season.
Now, with Watson returning after his season ending achilles injury in 2024, the longtime veteran has a shot to revitalize his career in 2026 if he is able to win the starting job. There is still time for both quarterbacks to win the battle this offseason, but Watson’s experience in the league could give him a slight edge over Sanders.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns HC Todd Monken reveals stance on QB battle this offseason
Reporting by Dylan Feltovich, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
