As the Cleveland Browns move through training camp in Berea, head coach Todd Monken must decide who will run the offense once the season begins. While Deshaun Watson brings more experience, Shedeur Sanders gives Cleveland a younger option.

Jarrett Bailey of SB Nation believes the first decision may not last very long. In his article on '61 NFL Predictions Ahead of the 2026 Season,' Bailey wrote that Cleveland’s results in the opening weeks could push Monken to turn to a different quarterback.

“Deshaun Watson starts the first four games of the year for the Browns, going 1-3 in the process with the only win coming against the Panthers. The offense is terrible, though, as is Watson, to the surprise of no one,”  Bailey wrote on July 22. “With a mini-bye week, Todd Monken makes the switch ahead of Cleveland’s matchup with the Jets.” 

Sanders started Cleveland’s final seven games as a rookie in 2025 and posted a 3-4 record. He completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while the Browns went 2-8 without him as the starter.

In his July 22 SB Nation report, Bailey predicted the change to come after a Thursday night loss to Pittsburgh. The longer break before the Jets game would give Monken more time to prepare Sanders and reshape the offense around him.

The Browns need to see whether Sanders can lead the team for years before the 2027 draft. Watson will earn a guaranteed $46 million in the final year of his deal, but Cleveland must give Sanders a fair chance before making its next decision.

The team will judge more than his throws and numbers before giving him the role. Fortunately, Sanders has already started showing the leadership Cleveland wants from its starting quarterback.

Shedeur Sanders shows leadership in Browns QB battle

Shedeur Sanders stayed after Cleveland’s first training camp practice on Wednesday in Berea, Ohio, to work with rookie Taylen Green. He took that extra step while competing with Watson for the starting job.

Sanders understood Green’s position, having entered camp as Cleveland’s fourth quarterback last year. Players who are low on the depth chart receive fewer practice snaps, making extra work valuable.

Cleveland 19 News reporter Ashly Holder shared a practice video on X. It showed Shedeur Sanders staying on the field with rookie Taylen Green and helping him work on his footwork and throws.

The session gave Cleveland another point to study in its QB1 choice. Sanders helped a sixth-round rookie facing the same limited chances he faced one year earlier.

Monken has not named a starter and plans to divide first-team work between Watson and Sanders.

Cleveland would likely keep Watson even if Sanders wins the job because releasing him would create $127 million in dead salary-cap charges. But starting Sanders would move the team toward its younger option.

Could Sanders’ play and leadership force Cleveland to make the change when the Jets come to town? What's your take on that? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit