Overview
- Multiple local and national reports from Wednesday show Deshaun Watson taking early first-team reps and building chemistry with new coach Todd Monken, creating an inside edge for the Week 1 job.
- Monken has not named a starter and says the team will keep rotating quarterbacks through offseason work and use the June mandatory minicamp and training camp for a final decision.
- Watson’s medical and availability history remains a central concern because he has played just 19 games for Cleveland since 2022 and missed all of 2025 recovering from Achilles surgery.
- Shedeur Sanders remains an active contender who led the main 11-on-11 period in some OTAs, offers cost-controlled upside on a rookie deal, and has drawn praise from Monken for his progress.
- The Browns’ choice balances short-term competitiveness and a large, fully guaranteed contract for Watson against Sanders’ development as a longer-term option and will shape roster and game-plan decisions into the season.