Todd Monken just wrapped up the offseason workout program with the Cleveland Browns. This also ended their third and final mandatory minicamp practice on June 11.

Monken certainly liked what he saw from his quarterbacks. This is exactly why he still hasn't made a pick for his preferred quarterback.

"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," said Monken as reported by ESPN. "I'm convinced of it. And I'd say it if I didn't."

So the road is still open for both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Though Monken had said he would eventually name a starter before training camp, he has still delayed that decision.

"I can't decide now because I think both have earned the opportunity to continue to compete once we put the pads on," said Monken via ESPN.

Sanders showed development in Monken's offense and showed signs of improvement in his footwork and game reading.

On the second day of mandatory minicamp, Sanders ran 11-on-11 drills with the second unit and completed passes to tight ends Brenden Bates and Blake Whiteheart.

A day earlier, he had worked with the first-team offense, hitting wide receivers Denzel Boston and Isaiah Bond on deep touchdown throws.

Apart from Sanders, Watson also had his moments. He has recovered well from his Achilles tear and shoulder injury and showed solid pocket movement and play extension during 11-on-11 work.

The veteran also stood out for his deep passing, including several 30-plus-yard connections with Luke Floriea and Tylan Wallace.

According to an NFL insider, Monken needs to see both Sanders and Watson in preseason games before pulling the trigger on a QB1 decision.

NFL Insider Gives His Verdict On Browns Quarterback Situation

Jeremy Fowler was a guest on The Daily Grossi podcast on ESPN Cleveland on June 15, and said that the crucial time begins for the quarterback situation after the camps.

"A lot is going to have to happen—90% of the story has not been told yet as far as who’s going to start at quarterback because you need those five, six days in a row, like you get in training camp with pads, joint practices, preseason game action. I expect both quarterbacks to get some preseason game action," said Fowler

Choosing Watson over Sanders can also have a backlash. Yet he feels Monken will hold onto the decision till the last minute.

Watson hasn't taken a snap since October 20, 2024. Sanders is returning from a less severe injury history, and so that might make a huge difference, and even Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry is liking the improvement.

Berry also talked about the quarterback situation with 92.3 The Fan.

“It’s easy to say we’re not in pads (but) it just feels like he’s making quicker decisions," said Berry. "The ball’s coming out of his hands. His ability to process quicker and get the ball out of his hands and eliminate lost yardage plays is going to be huge for us to be able to stack plays and score, which is ultimately the No. 1 thing here."

Putting it all into perspective, we just might have to wait a little longer to finally know who will be QB1.

What do you think of Monken delaying his decision to pick the starting quarterback? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Quarter Back Central.

Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar