Overview
- Todd Monken said June 11 he has not named a Week 1 starter and will alternate first‑team reps between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders when training camp opens.
- Coaches say Sanders has shown clear improvement in footwork, processing and getting the ball out quicker during the offseason work, which has shortened his decision time in drills.
- ESPN Cleveland practice totals from OTAs and mandatory minicamp favored Watson in open team drills, with Watson completing 90 of 133 passes for 13 TDs versus Sanders’ 79 of 113 for five TDs.
- Watson is returning from two Achilles surgeries and has not played a meaningful snap since October 2024, and his fully guaranteed contract year gives the starter decision clear roster and financial stakes.
- Both quarterbacks have presented enough positives to keep the race alive, team leaders report unity in the QB room, and the Browns will weigh live, padded reps and preseason game performance before making a final call.