BREAKING NEWS: Cleveland Browns Quarterback Competition: Deshaun Watson Gains Momentum as OTAs Unfold!

CLEVELAND — As the NFL offseason enters the critical phase of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), the Cleveland Browns are currently navigating one of the most closely watched quarterback battles in the league. With the 2026 season looming, the competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and rising sophomore Shedeur Sanders has become the defining storyline of the team’s spring workouts.

A Shifting Dynamic

Early indicators from the practice field suggest that Deshaun Watson has established a tangible lead in the race for the starting job. While the organization has yet to make a formal announcement regarding a depth chart, multiple reports from the Cleveland beat indicate that Watson has been taking the primary repetitions with the first-team offense.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently noted that Watson’s experience and comfort level within new head coach Todd Monken’s offensive system have given him a “leg up” in the ongoing evaluation. “Deshaun Watson has a leg up in the quarterback competition,” Fowler reported. “The Browns like his experience, and Watson feels the new offense—which allows for some creativity and off-script playmaking—is a strong fit for his skill set.”

The “Unofficial” Depth Chart

Observations from recent individual and team drills have further solidified the narrative that a pecking order is emerging. Reporters on the ground have noted a consistent rotation during practice:

Deshaun Watson (First-team reps)
Shedeur Sanders (Second-team reps)
Dillon Gabriel (Third-team reps)
Taylen Green (Fourth-team reps)

This structured rotation, while officially labeled a “total evaluation” by head coach Todd Monken, has led many analysts to conclude that the Browns are leaning toward their veteran leader as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. Some insiders suggest that the coaching staff aims to finalize their QB1 decision shortly after the conclusion of mandatory minicamp on June 11, hoping to avoid a prolonged competition that could bleed into training camp and the preseason.

Sanders’ Development Under the Microscope

For Shedeur Sanders, the 2026 offseason serves as a pivotal opportunity to prove he can grow beyond a difficult rookie campaign. In 2025, Sanders struggled with consistency, recording a 56.6% completion rate and a 7-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Despite the current focus on Watson, the organization maintains that Sanders’ development remains a priority. Coach Monken has publicly lauded the young passer’s progress, noting that Sanders has “come a long way” since his debut last year. Sanders himself has adopted a “me versus me” mindset, focusing on incremental improvements rather than the external noise surrounding the depth chart.

The Path Forward

As the Browns look to finalize their roster identity, the coming weeks will be decisive. While Watson appears to hold the momentum, his track record in Cleveland—marked by injuries and inconsistent performance—means the door remains slightly ajar for the younger signal-callers.

For now, the mandate from the coaching staff is clear: perform in the meeting room, thrive in the weight room, and execute on the field. As the Browns transition from voluntary workouts to mandatory minicamp, all eyes will remain locked on the quarterback room to see if Sanders can orchestrate a late surge to challenge the veteran incumbent.