Overview
- The Browns have not named a Week 1 starter and coach Todd Monken says he will use padded practices and preseason game work to decide the job.
- Shedeur Sanders has posted strong practice metrics with high completion rates and multiple touchdown plays and has won public endorsements that have raised his profile.
- Deshaun Watson has struggled with turnovers in early camp reports, throwing multiple interceptions, but he has also produced at least one standout practice performance.
- Third‑year Dillon Gabriel has earned increased first‑team reps after impressive work in camp and has emerged as a meaningful third option in the competition.
- Monken plans to evaluate starters across the Browns’ preseason slate against Chicago (Aug. 15), Buffalo (Aug. 22) and New England (Aug. 27), with roster and trade implications tied to the final choice because teams rarely keep four quarterbacks and Watson carries a fully guaranteed, high‑value contract and recent Achilles injuries.