Overview
- Head coach Todd Monken has not named a starter and says the team will use padded training camp and preseason games to decide between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
- Watson is publicly signaling readiness but returns from two Achilles injuries and has made just 19 starts for Cleveland since 2022, increasing pressure as 2026 is the final guaranteed year after a March contract restructure.
- Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, showed technical gains in the spring and narrowed the gap with Watson after a rookie season that produced about 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
- Outside evaluations and reporting have raised questions about Watson’s consistency — The Athletic noted uneven OTAs and Pro Football Focus placed him last among projected starters — even as Watson continues intensive workouts and plans a July passing camp.
- The front office’s extra 2027+ draft capital and growing young core give Cleveland multiple paths forward: keep both quarterbacks, trade Sanders for value if Watson wins the job, or pursue a new starter in future drafts as analysts have suggested.