After months of waiting, Cleveland Browns fans were finally able to see all the new faces in action this week during the team’s OTA period on Wednesday afternoon.
While there were plenty of new additions to the organization this offseason, the main issues surrounding the Browns heading into the 2026 NFL season is the quarterback position, which has created tons of buzz throughout the national media. And while there have been reports as to who is currently the favorite to become the starting quarterback, it’s clear that the battle for the starting role is down to veteran Deshaun Watson and 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders.
What Monken said about Watson, Sanders on Wednesday
When asked about what has surprised him about both Watson and Sanders after Wednesday’s OTA period, Monken told reporters that it’s “exciting” to see the veteran quarterback’s athleticism despite his previous injuries.
“I shouldn’t say surprised, I think more people will be surprised [with] Deshaun’s athleticism,” Monken stated. “Obviously, he’s had the injuries that have set him back, so I wouldn’t say that it’s a surprise, but it’s exciting to see. [Watson’s athleticism is] a weapon for him, it’s one of his superpowers.”
Watson, who was traded to the Browns in 2022, has been underwhelming when looking at the return on the team’s investment. Throughout his time with the organization, the once highly touted quarterback has played in just 19 games, while recording 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. However, now that Watson has fully recovered from an Achilles tear back in 2024, he will now look to compete for the starting job this offseason.
As for Sander, Monken highlighted the second-year quarterback’s improvements in terms of getting through his progressions and his understanding of concepts on offense.
“I think Shedeur has come miles in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts,” Monken claimed. “I think he’s come a really long way.”
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders eventually secured the starting quarterback gig for the Browns as a rookie in the back half of the 2025 season. During his first year, the son of former NFL legend Deion Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Still, despite showing flashes of promise, Monken has made it clear that both he and Watson will have to earn the starting quarterback position before the team’s Week One contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns’ Todd Monken discusses Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders in OTAs
Reporting by Dylan Feltovich, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
