Overview
- New reporting offers split signals, with ESPN’s Dan Graziano calling Shedeur Sanders the most likely Week 1 starter and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo earlier putting Deshaun Watson in pole position.
- Todd Monken said he will not divide first-team snaps and will set early pecking order based on prior performance and how last season ended.
- Sanders closed 2025 as the starter, throwing for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games, and he reached the Pro Bowl after player withdrawals.
- Owner Jimmy Haslam said Watson has a great chance to win the job, praised his conditioning, and said he will be in Cleveland when the offseason program begins.
- Coverage and team signals suggest the competition will come down to Sanders and Watson, with Dillon Gabriel viewed as a long shot and the Browns expected to avoid drafting an early quarterback.