Todd Monken on QB Competition: 'It's My Job to Let It Play Out'
BEREA, Ohio -- Todd Monken wants clarity by late July, but he won't force it. The Cleveland Browns head coach addressed the media Friday afternoon following the final day of organized team activities, delivering a measured and honest update on the team's most pressing question: the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
"I'd love to have it settled before we get to training camp," Monken said. "That's always the goal -- give the offense a clear voice, get the timing down with the receivers, build that rhythm. But it's my job to let it play out. If it takes all summer, so be it."
For the first time in years, the Browns enter May with a genuine quarterback battle. Watson, the veteran with the sizable contract and complicated past, remains on the roster. Sanders, the electric rookie and 2026 first-round pick, is already turning heads in practice. Monken, known for his offensive expertise, is tasked with making the ultimate call.
Two Different Quarterbacks, One Big Decision
The contrast between Watson and Sanders couldn't be clearer.
Deshaun Watson, 30 years old, carries a fully guaranteed contract that remains financially binding. Watson has 68 career starts, three Pro Bowl selections, and led the NFL in passing yards in 2020. However, his tenure in Cleveland has been marred by injuries and inconsistency -- 24 starts over three injury- and suspension-shortened seasons -- and flashes of elite play have yet to become sustained success.
In contrast, Shedeur Sanders burst onto the scene as the most polished passer in the 2026 draft class. The 24-year-old from Colorado, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is known for his quick release, excellent anticipation, and calm demeanor under pressure. Practice reports praise his accuracy and poise, traits rare in a rookie quarterback.
"Shedeur has a presence about him," Monken said. "You can see it in the huddle. He's confident without being arrogant. He asks good questions. He processes information quickly. That's rare for a rookie."
Yet rarity doesn't guarantee readiness -- a challenge Monken is keenly aware of.
What the Competition Looks Like
The Browns have maintained a true open competition through OTAs. Watson has taken most first-team reps early, a nod to veteran status, but Sanders has rotated in frequently, forcing close evaluation on every snap -- throws, reads, decisions.
Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer installed a system tailored for both styles: a rhythm-based, quick-passing offense that lets speedy receivers like Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond exploit space, combined with deep shots designed for Watson's arm strength and Sanders' touch.
But the real test awaits in training camp, when the defense -- led by coordinator Mike Rutenberg and featuring stars like Myles Garrett and Mason Graham -- will push the quarterbacks under true pressure.
"It's not just completion percentage," Monken said. "It's how they lead the room. It's how they respond to a bad practice. It's how they handle a blitz look they didn't expect. You can't manufacture that in May. You have to let it happen naturally."
The Roster Around the Quarterback
Whichever quarterback earns the starting job will have a well-rounded supporting cast with upside and some question marks.
The wide receiver corps saw major changes this offseason. Gone are Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore; the lineup now features Jeudy, the clear No. 1 acquired via trade last year; Bond, a speedy young threat; Malachi Corley, a yards-after-catch specialist; plus veterans Cedric Tillman and Tylan Wallace. Depth options like KC Concepcion and Aaron Anderson inject talent and competition.
At tight end, the group is anchored by second-year Harold Fannin Jr., bowling-green product and highly regarded reception threat. Veterans Jack Stoll and Blake Whiteheart balance blocking and reliability, while Caden Prieskorn provides additional pass-catching.
The backfield is stocked as well, led by bruising Ohio State second-year Quinshon Judkins. Ahmani Marshall, Dylan Sampson, and Raheim Sanders provide change-of-pace options, promising a strong ground game regardless of who's behind center.
The offensive line presents some developmental questions. Elgton Jenkins anchors at center following a full-time move inside, with bookend tackles Tytus Howard and Dawand Jones. The guard spots remain competitive, with Teven Jenkins and Zion Johnson battling for starting roles. Chemistry building here is another reason Monken wants to resolve the quarterback race early.
What's the Timeline?
Monken's preference is to name a starter before training camp begins in late July. This would provide the first-team offense ample reps to build rapport and timing. Still, the coach refuses to impose a rigid deadline.
"I don't want to say, 'We have to have it done by this day,' because then you might rush a decision you're not ready to make," he said. "If both guys are playing well, I want to see more. If one guy clearly separates, I'll make the call."
With three preseason games ahead -- starting mid-August -- both quarterbacks could see meaningful snaps versus live competition before a final decision is made.
The fan base remains divided, unsurprisingly. Some believe Watson can reclaim his Pro Bowl form at age 30. Others are eager to usher in a new era with Sanders, impressed by his calm confidence in practice.
For Monken, it's simpler than emotion or contract size.
"I'm not worried about contracts. I'm not worried about draft capital. I'm worried about winning football games," Monken said. "And right now, it's my job to let it play out."
The Bigger Picture
This quarterback battle signals a crossroads for the Browns.
General manager Andrew Berry has skillfully managed a tricky salary cap situation, but Watson's contract remains a significant burden. Moving on would incur a steep dead cap hit, one that would linger multiple years despite restructuring efforts.
Ultimately, the NFL is a results-driven business. If Sanders outshines Watson decisively, Browns leadership will face a tough business decision. If Watson returns to form, the franchise may finally have the quarterback it envisioned when signing him in 2022.
Monken declined to make predictions or set fan expectations.
"The answer will reveal itself," he said. "It always does."
This thoughtful approach sets the stage for one of Cleveland's most intriguing offseason stories as the Browns prepare for a pivotal season in 2026. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as this quarterback competition unfolds in the months ahead.