Browns QB Battle
Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Competition Between Sanders and Watson Remains Early, Key Evaluation Nears
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The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson is just getting started — and no decision is expected until at least late August, according to AP News. The two quarterbacks are currently splitting first-team reps, alternating days, with the battle set to be resolved after the team's second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22.
Coach Todd Monken said both players are performing well, but real evaluations won't begin until the full offense is installed, Newsday reported. The Browns will be off Sunday before diving into six straight days of practice, with the first padded practice set for Monday.
Sanders Earns First-Team Reps After Last Year's Struggles
A year ago, Sanders was buried deep on the depth chart during training camp. Now he's sharing first-team snaps with Watson, alternating days at the top of the depth chart. It's a significant jump for the young quarterback, who is clearly being given a real shot at winning the starting job, Seattle PI reported.
The equal split signals that the Browns are treating this as a genuine competition rather than handing the job to Watson by default. Sanders and Watson each get a full day with the starters before swapping, giving coaches a clean look at both players under similar conditions.
Monken Wants Full Offense Installed Before Judging Quarterbacks
Head coach Todd Monken is pumping the brakes on any early conclusions. He said evaluations will only begin once the offense is fully installed. That means the next few weeks of practice — starting with Monday's first day in pads — are more about learning than competing, according to WWL TV.
Putting players in pads is a key step. Contact practice gives coaches a much better read on how quarterbacks handle pressure and make decisions. Monday marks the first chance for the competition to get physical and more meaningful.
Watson Says Quarterbacks Must Adapt to Their Surroundings
Watson addressed the unusual setup of splitting reps and working with different units each day. He said it is the quarterback's job to adapt. The veteran signal-caller did not appear rattled by the competition, framing the situation as part of the role rather than a challenge to his standing, AP News reported.
Watson is coming off a serious injury that limited him in 2024. He has something to prove, just as Sanders does. The Browns are leaning into that dynamic, letting the two quarterbacks push each other through training camp before drawing any firm conclusions.
Aug. 22 Bills Game Will Be the Deciding Moment
The Browns have set a clear target date for a decision: after the second preseason game against Buffalo on Aug. 22. That gives both Sanders and Watson roughly four weeks of practice and two exhibition games to make their case, according to Seattle PI.
Preseason games are where quarterback battles often get decided. Playing against real opponents — even in exhibition play — reveals things that practice reps simply cannot. The Bills game will likely be the last major data point before Cleveland names its Week 1 starter.
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