Cleveland Browns finished fourth in the AFC in 2025 with a 5-12 record. One of the biggest reasons behind this underwhelming performance was unstable quarterback play. What made matters worse was injuries to key players including veteran QB Deshaun Watson and running back Quinshon Judkins.
Deshaun Watson's injury meant that he was forced to miss the entire 2025 season. But the Browns didn't immediately turn to Shedeur Sanders. It was Dillon Gabriel who got the nod. Former Oregon QB unfortunately suffered a concussion which opened the door for Shedeur to make his NFL debut. Former Colorado QB was coming off a record-breaking senior season, during which he threw for 4,134 passing yards, including 37 TDs and 10 interceptions.
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While Shedeur showed glimpses of brilliance in his first NFL season, his turnover issues and holding the ball for too long became concerns for the team. These up-and-down performances have contributed to a open QB1 battle with Deshaun Watson for 2026 NFL season.
Both Shedeur and Watson have made a good account of themselves in the early battles, but it seems like Watson is starting to emerge as the favorite after Saturday's practice, following Todd Monken's unexpected decision.
Browns head coach Todd Monken had announced that both Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson will take alternating reps, but to everyone's surprise, it was Watson who took all the reps with the first-team offense in Saturday's practice. This decision has led to NFL legend Shannon Sharpe criticizing Todd Monken
Sharpe, on his show, criticized Monken for his decision, saying, “I’m just trying to figure out why you want to see him (Watson) in personnel groupings when it’s my day? When it’s his day, now you can see."
Todd Monken has still not announced who will be QB1 for the 2026, but Saturday's decision has definitely stirred the pot. It will be interesting to see how he manages the two QBs in the preseason game against Chicago Bears.
