Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken is keeping his quarterback competition wide open between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson during training camp. Monken avoided a reporter’s trap question on Monday, August 10, 2026, confirming that both players continue to split first-team reps ahead of upcoming preseason games.
Todd Monken Dodges Reporter Trap on the Browns Quarterback Battle
The Cleveland Browns are working through one of the league’s most closely watched preseason quarterback competitions as head coach Todd Monken weighs whether Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson will take the field as QB1 for the upcoming season. Sanders ended the season as the starter after unseating Dillon Gabriel in the depth chart, but Watson’s return to the team this season has led to preseason debates over which one of the two should start.
The debate has been evenly poised throughout camp, although Sanders has been more consistent so far. Watson’s high points have been great, but he started camp poorly and has improved later on. Monken’s original comment about Watson getting better was a specific comment on August 10 after Watson’s performance in training camp on August 8.
During a media session following Monday’s practice, a reporter attempted to pin down Monken by cleverly relaying past comments, asking: Were you saying Deshaun [Watson] has gotten better since camp, or that he's better than Shedeur [Sanders]?
Monken immediately pushed back against the framing and avoided the trap.
“What was that? I said Deshaun is better? Oh, I don’t think I threw in there that he’s better than Shedeur. I’m not sure I went that far, but I appreciate you trying to trap me in that s—.”
Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns
The exchange underscored how tightly monitored every rep has become as the team evaluates both passers through training camp.
First-Team Reps and the Procedural Shift Behind Saturday’s Rotation
Throughout training camp, Sanders and Watson have consistently shared reps as the first team QB. However, the routine saw a brief departure when Watson took all of the first-team reps on a Saturday session even though Sanders was scheduled to work with the starters. That sudden shift changed briefly on Saturday and only added to the uncertainty around a competition many had assumed was starting to tilt toward Sanders.
Monken addressed the shift on Monday, explaining that coaches noticed Sanders had picked up more first-team reps in recent sessions, prompting the adjustment. He was clear that the change was procedural, not a reflection of where the competition stands.
“That’s all it was. I was like, ‘Yeah, sure. We’ll flip it, and then next week, we’ll go the other way.’ Ultimately, Shedeur is going to go today with the ones unless, on the way out, I change my mind, and then he won’t.”
Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns
Monken reiterated that the battle remains open while the rotation stays balanced.
“As long as we’re still sharing reps, it’s a competition. When I know what we’re going to be doing, you’ll know.”
Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns
Sanders appeared in eight games in 2025, throwing seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions with a 68.1 quarterback rating for a team that finished 5-12.
Preseason Evaluation Timeline and Roster Adjustments
Both Sanders and Watson will hold QB1 responsibilities in their respective preseason games, with that likely being the final step of their evaluation before Monken has to name one as the starting QB. Watson’s experience and accuracy might make Monken lean towards him to start the season and use Sanders as his high-upside backup who could step in if Watson can’t reach his former heights at the position.
Beyond the quarterback room, the team is integrating key rookies into larger roles. Spencer Fano, taken ninth overall, will no longer split time with Dawand Jones and is set to work primarily with the first-team offense. Denzel Boston, selected No. 39 overall, is also moving up to work with the starters.
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