Overview
- The Browns began offseason work with an open battle between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the 2026 starting job.
- Andrew Berry said he may add a younger quarterback who would be expected to compete, and Cleveland hosted Alabama’s Ty Simpson on a predraft visit.
- Watson is healthy and taking part in workouts after missing last season following two Achilles surgeries, with only 19 games played for Cleveland since his 2022 trade.
- Public voices are backing Sanders, with ex-Browns All-Pro Hanford Dixon and ESPN’s Kevin Clark urging the team to make him QB1, while Jason McCourty favors giving him the first crack.
- Sanders showed flashes as a rookie with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and coach Todd Monken praised his playmaking and plans to give early first-team reps to the quarterback he leans toward as the draft later this month could add another contender.