Browns Have Plan for Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders in Training Camp

On May 21, first-year Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken expressed his displeasure with the quarterback room during voluntary OTAs.

"We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God's sakes. Who does that?” Monken said. “There's no pass rush. It was embarrassing."

It was a slow start to a much-anticipated quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

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Watson and Sanders appear to have come a long way quickly in three weeks.

On Thursday, Monken told reporters that the Browns plan to split reps between Sanders and Watson at the start of training camp. Cleveland isn’t ready to name a starter for Week 1. Monken thinks both quarterbacks have earned the opportunity to compete in the preseason.

“It would feel different if I didn’t feel like their progression hadn’t gotten to this point where I think they both can start and play winning football,” Monken said, via ESPN. “I’m convinced of it. I’d say it if I didn’t. I can’t decide now because I think both have earned the opportunity to continue to compete once we put the pads on.”

The Browns will have to decide how long they want to keep the battle going on in training camp. The more reps that get split between Sanders and Watson, the less continuity the eventual starter will have with the rest of the first team before the season starts.

Earlier this week, Sanders told reporters he’s “not a judge” and couldn’t say if he’s ahead or behind Watson before training camp.

"That's nothing I'm focused on," Sanders said, via Pro Football Talk. "I'm focused on developing as a player, doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense and the scheme and playing with confidence.

“That's all I'm really looking for and trying to improve every day."

The Browns need improvement from both Sanders and Watson. Both quarterbacks left much to be desired the last time they played in a regular season game for Cleveland.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 7:21 PM.