Overview
- Head coach Todd Monken confirmed a true open competition among Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the 2026 starting job.
- Reporting indicates Cleveland is currently prepared to proceed with Watson and Sanders as the top two contenders unless draft evaluations change that plan.
- Monken previously evaluated Sanders extensively and plans to give him expanded offseason reps as a developmental focus.
- General manager Andrew Berry said the team remains open to adding a quarterback through free agency, a trade or the draft.
- Trade chatter points to potential external options such as Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy, though such scenarios are speculative and Watson’s large contract makes any move complicated.