Todd Monken had a loaded quarterback room to sort through, and the first year Cleveland Browns coach leaned on experience. Deshaun Watson beat out Shedeur Sanders for the starting job, while Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green rounded out the deepest quarterback room in the NFL.
The decision has only looked better as the season has gone on. Watson missed all of 2025 recovering from a torn Achilles, but he’s looked sharp since returning. Through four games, he has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 855 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions.
With Watson rolling and Cleveland at 3-1, its best start since 2021, Sanders has settled into the backup role, Green has moved up to third string, and Gabriel has watched from injured reserve after a preseason back injury left the Browns with four quarterbacks on the roster.
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That depth made the Browns an interesting team to watch as other franchises searched for quarterback help, fueling speculation about Sanders’ future beyond this year. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler floated the idea that the Browns could field offers for Sanders if the right deal surfaced, gaining some traction given how well Watson has played.
Cleveland has shown no interest in moving on from its second-year quarterback. Daryl Ruiter reported Monday that the Browns are “not looking to trade” Sanders, noting the organization remains pleased with his progress under Monken.
A separate QB update followed Tuesday, when Cleveland designated Gabriel to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window to activate him or leave him out for the rest of the year.
Gabriel started six games as a rookie last season, going 1-5 with 937 yards passing, seven touchdowns and two interceptions, and his return could force an awkward roster decision if the Browns want to keep four quarterbacks without exposing Green to waivers.
Cleveland will carry its 3-1 record into Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 11.
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