The Cleveland Browns have officially turned the page on the guaranteed starter era. In a stunning announcement at the NFL Scouting Combine 2026 in Indianapolis today, head coach Todd Monken declared an open, three-way quarterback competition for the upcoming season. The battle will pit the franchise's $230 million investment, Deshaun Watson, against second-year signal-callers Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, signaling a philosophical shift for a front office desperate to salvage its championship window.
Monken's ultimatum: "The Best Man Plays"
Speaking to reporters from the podium in Indianapolis, Monken wasted no time addressing the biggest question of the Browns' offseason. Less than two months after replacing Kevin Stefanski, the former Ravens offensive coordinator made it clear that Watson's massive contract no longer guarantees him the QB1 spot. The Cleveland Browns QB battle is officially on.
"We are going to play the quarterback who gives us the best chance to win, period," Monken said Tuesday. "Deshaun is healthy and ready to compete, but so are Shedeur and Dillon. We have a unique room with three guys who have started NFL games, and we owe it to this roster to let them battle it out. No jobs are handed out in February."
The move is a bold departure for the organization, which has publicly backed Watson through injuries and suspensions since his arrival. However, after Watson missed the entire 2025 season with a second Achilles tear, the door has cracked open for the younger talent on the roster to seize the reins.
Shedeur Sanders: The 5th-Round Steal Ready to Ascend
The most intriguing name in this competition is undoubtedly Shedeur Sanders. After a surprising slide to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders proved his doubters wrong during his rookie campaign. Thrust into the lineup in Week 12 following injuries to the starters, Sanders showcased the poise and accuracy that made him a college star, throwing for 1,200 yards and 9 touchdowns in seven starts.
For Shedeur Sanders Browns fans, the open competition is validation of the flashes he showed late last season. Sanders operates with a chip on his shoulder—a "perfect fit" for Cleveland, according to Monken—and his ability to process defenses quickly aligns well with Monken's up-tempo, spread concepts. While he lacks the raw arm strength of Watson, his efficiency and leadership have reportedly won over key veterans in the locker room.
"I've been competing my whole life," Sanders told reporters last month. "Draft round doesn't matter when you step between the lines. I'm preparing to be the starter, point blank."
Dillon Gabriel: The Wild Card
Often overlooked in the headlines is Dillon Gabriel, the team's 2025 third-round pick. Gabriel actually started the season ahead of Sanders on the depth chart before a concussion sidelined him. His mobility and deep-ball touch make him a schematic fit for Monken's vertical offense, adding a legitimate third variable to the equation. While pundits view this primarily as Shedeur Sanders vs Deshaun Watson, Gabriel's familiarity with RPO concepts keeps him firmly in the mix.
The $80 Million Elephant in the Room
The backdrop to this football decision is a financial reality that complicates everything. Deshaun Watson contract news continues to dominate the conversation, as the veteran enters the 2026 league year with a staggering cap hit of over $80.7 million. Restructuring is inevitable to field a compliant roster, but general manager Andrew Berry faces a dilemma: keep pushing money into the future for a quarterback who might not start, or bite the bullet?
If Watson wins the job and returns to his 2020 form, the contract becomes manageable. But if Sanders or Gabriel outplays him in training camp, Cleveland could be staring at the most expensive backup in sports history. Monken's declaration suggests that the "sunk cost" fallacy will no longer dictate football decisions. The franchise appears ready to prioritize on-field production over financial optics, a refreshing change for a fanbase weary of offseason drama.
Looking Ahead to Training Camp
As the NFL world descends on the NFL Scouting Combine 2026, the Browns have arguably become the league's most fascinating storyline. NFL quarterback rumors will swirl until September, but the timeline is set. The three passers will split reps evenly during OTAs in May, with the competition heating up when training camp opens in late July.
For Watson, it is a fight for his NFL survival. For Sanders, it is the opportunity to cement his status as the steal of the 2025 draft. And for Todd Monken, it is the first major test of his head coaching tenure. The message to the locker room is clear: the best player will lead the Browns out of the tunnel in Week 1, price tag notwithstanding.
