Overview
- Monken said the battle will be performance-based with practice reps managed day by day, and he named Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as the competitors.
- Owner Jimmy Haslam voiced that Watson "has a great chance" and noted the veteran will report for the offseason program on April 7 after weeks of throwing sessions in Florida with top receiver Jerry Jeudy.
- Sanders has drawn praise for staying in the building, and after a 3-4 finish as a rookie with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, multiple reports describe him as a credible or even leading internal option.
- General manager Andrew Berry said any quarterback the team adds will be expected to compete, with Alabama prospect Ty Simpson visiting and some local analysts urging Cleveland to consider him with the No. 6 pick.
- Watson has not played since Week 7 of 2024 due to two Achilles surgeries, and the franchise’s push for quick clarity reflects years of turnover at the position and a desire to avoid another prolonged summer shuffle.