New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken takes over a roster that already has three quarterbacks on the roster. Still, neither of them may be the team’s starter in 2026. Between Deshaun Watson, Shadure Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, could the Browns already have their franchise QB?
Monken made it clear during his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Browns want to give their quarterbacks a chance to unlock a new level of performance with his guidance. That includes Watson, who is entering the final year of a five-year, $230 million contract.
While Monken is impressed by the qualities of the three-time Pro Bowl QB, he called Sanders’ playmaking ability “elite” while speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday. Monken also left the door open for Sanders, a fifth-round pick in 2025, to become the team’s starting quarterback for the first week of the 2026 season.
“Certainly he can. I think what you’re looking for is the ability to make elite plays – he’s got that. You’ve seen it, we’ve seen it. You saw it in college. You saw it on tape last year. Sure, there’s a way to go, but what rookie doesn’t? I mean, a first-year player doesn’t have a long way to go? So, I’m excited to get started with him and all of our quarterbacks and all of our players. “I am.”
Todd Monken on Shedure Sanders
Monken is “hopeful” the team’s QB situation will be sorted out by training camp, so the Browns’ starter can get all the first-team reps on offense.
Still, as curious as Monken is about the current QB room, he also acknowledged that the team will do its “due diligence” in evaluating others who could join the group this offseason. After drafting one in the third round last year and another in the fifth round, would the Browns really add another rookie?
In the meantime, would they also like another veteran? Watson is a seven-year pro, and both Gabriel and Sanders gained valuable starting experience last season. Unless they find a sure-fire starter who is obviously better than all three, the Browns will be better off rotating with their crew and hoping one of them can come out of the pack.
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