Overview
- Todd Monken split first‑team reps during OTAs and mandatory minicamp and said he will not pick a Week 1 starter until he sees the quarterbacks in pads and live game‑like settings.
- Deshaun Watson looked physically recovered in spring work with clearer downfield intent, a development coaches said improved his case to start in 2026.
- Shedeur Sanders drew praise from GM Andrew Berry and Browns coaches for sharper footwork, quicker processing and growing poise after his rookie season.
- League observers and reporting say Watson is widely viewed as the frontrunner entering camp in part because he is in the final year of a fully guaranteed, high‑value contract that the team would like to validate.
- The team plans to use training camp, joint practices and preseason games to decide, a timeline that keeps both players active contenders and leaves roster, contract and draft strategies unsettled.