Overview
- Head coach Todd Monken and GM Andrew Berry are running an open, performance-based fight for QB1 and say the team will pick a starter based on play in padded practices and the preseason.
- After early no-pad work, July 31's sessions showed Deshaun Watson throw multiple interceptions in full-speed team drills while Monken publicly criticized the plays, raising fresh questions about his consistency.
- Shedeur Sanders posted cleaner early reps in team drills across multiple sessions, completing a high percentage of throws without turnovers and drawing praise from media voices urging the Browns to give him a longer look.
- Watson enters the season on the final year of a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal and has made only 19 Browns appearances, facts that increase scrutiny of durability, sunk-cost pressure, and roster planning.
- The outcome will shape near-term moves: who occupies the backup spots, potential trade interest, salary decisions for 2027, and how the Browns approach the upcoming preseason opener on Aug. 15 and the regular-season opener.