After trading Myles Garrett to embrace a full rebuild, the Cleveland Browns will oversee a high-stakes training camp battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders to find out if they truly have a franchise quarterback.
Training camp is fast approaching, and while the Cleveland Browns roster looks much different in 2026, there is plenty of areas of intrigue on both sides of the ball.
Of course, that conversation starts at the quarterback position, where Cleveland is hosting another open competition for the starting job. New head coach Todd Monken said the battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders was too close to call at the end of spring workouts.
It sets the stage for training camp to provide a pivotal stage for the two signal callers to win the job.How could it all shake out?
Our training camp previews begin with the QBs.
Projected Depth Chart
Deshaun Watson
Shedeur Sanders
Dillon Gabriel
Taylen Green
Biggest Question
This one is obvious. The Browns' current QB situation is the motivation behind every move they made this offseason. By trading Myles Garrett, GM Andrew Berry and company accepted the franchise's status as a rebuilding team. It's a process that can't be completed without a franchise quarterback.
That's the biggest question facing this group in 2026. Does the QB of the future exist on this roster or not? Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are both in a position to prove they're that guy.
If neither emerges as a definitive option beyond this season, finding a franchise QB becomes priority No. 1 in 2027.
Best Case Scenario
The best-case scenario comes with one of these quarterbacks providing an answer to that question and emerging as a long-term answer at the position. Obviously, Watson and Sanders have the best chance to prove they're the answer as they continue their QB1 competition.
In an ideal world, one of the two comfortably secures the starting job during camp and maintains the role for the entire season. That would mean the chosen signal caller plays well enough throughout the 17-game grind of the regular season to lead a competitive offense and that the Browns are probably winning more games than expected. Perhaps a surprising playoff berth could even be had?
There is a case to be made that Sanders emerging as the QB of the future better positions the franchise for the future, considering he's on a rookie contract. However, competent QB play from either would be enough for Browns fans to be excited after two consecutive years of embarrassingly bad offense.
Worst Case Scenario
It's 2025 all over again. Much like Joe Flacco last season, Watson would win the starting job in camp, opening the season under center for Cleveland, but only makes it four or five weeks before being benched for inadequate play or due to injury.
Sanders then takes over for a stretch of 5-6 weeks, but also loses his starting status due to poor performance or injury, paving the way for Gabriel or even rookie Taylen Green to take over.
Essentially, another full-fledged QB carousel ensues. That's been the story of the Browns QB room for each of the last three seasons. If it happens again, Cleveland won't be winning many football games, and the franchise will be heavily scouting the 2027 quarterback class by Thanksgiving.
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