Browns coach Monken addresses quarterback competition between Sanders and Watson
6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 12:25 AM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has responded to inquiries regarding the quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. During a recent press conference, Monken refuted claims that Watson has surpassed Sanders in the competition. Both quarterbacks are vying for the starting role ahead of the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. They remain in contention for the position as training camp progresses. Sanders received an opportunity with the first-team offense earlier but was then reassigned to second-team duties, leading to scrutiny of Monken's decisions. The teams' upcoming joint practice with the Buffalo Bills will serve as a crucial opportunity for both players.
- •Monken denies Watson is better than Sanders amid competition.
- •Sanders was first in line for first-team reps before being reassigned.
- •Browns play their preseason opener against the Bears soon.
- •Upcoming joint practice with the Bills is a key evaluation opportunity.
- 12:25 AMYahoo Sports — Todd Monken praises 'awesome' Deshaun Watson, gives update on Browns QB battle
- 11:49 PMYahoo Sports — Browns Send Shedeur Sanders Troubling QB1 Message After Watson Debut
- 8:28 AMYahoo Sports — “Big Mistake”: Skip Bayless Takes Aim at Todd Monken for QB1 Choice Between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson
- 1:56 PMBleacher Report — Browns HC Monken Shuts Down Question on Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB Battle in Funny Video - Bleacher Report
- 8:49 AMYahoo Sports — Browns’ coach Todd Monken refuses to fall for Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson debate amid QB1 battle
- 4:54 AMYahoo Sports — ‘I Appreciate You Trying To Trap Me’ — Browns HC Todd Monken Nips Latest Shedeur Sanders Vs. Deshaun Watson Rumor in the Bud
"New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has a big decision to make regarding picking the franchise’s QB1 for next season between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Sanders ended the season as the starter after unseating Dillon Gabriel in the depth chart, but Watson’s return to the team this season has led to preseason debates over which one of the two should start.
"Newly minted Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken has been dealing with an internal decision throughout the current offseason. With veteran Deshaun Watson returning to play, Monken will now have to decide between him and rising star Shedeur Sanders as his starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
"Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has drawn criticism over his handling of the quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. However, when a reporter pressed him to reveal a preference or name a potential starter, Monken quickly dismissed the question with a sharp response.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 12:25 AMTodd Monken praises 'awesome' Deshaun Watson, gives update on Browns QB battle
Todd Monken provided an update on the Browns' QB competition after their preseason loss to the Bears, praising both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 11:49 PMBrowns Send Shedeur Sanders Troubling QB1 Message After Watson Debut
Shedeur Sanders is facing added pressure in the Cleveland Browns' QB1 race after Todd Monken delivered an emphatic review of Deshaun Watson’s preseason debut. The post Browns Send Shedeur Sanders Troubling QB1 Message After Watson Debut appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 8:28 AM“Big Mistake”: Skip Bayless Takes Aim at Todd Monken for QB1 Choice Between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson
Newly minted Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken has been dealing with an internal decision throughout the current offseason. With veteran Deshaun Watson returning to play, Monken will now have to decide between him and rising star Shedeur Sanders as his starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
- Bleacher ReportAug 11, 2026, 1:56 PMBrowns HC Monken Shuts Down Question on Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB Battle in Funny Video - Bleacher Report
Todd Monken may be in his first year as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, but he already has the media savvy of someone who has held the position for much longer.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 8:49 AMBrowns’ coach Todd Monken refuses to fall for Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson debate amid QB1 battle
New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has a big decision to make regarding picking the franchise’s QB1 for next season between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Sanders ended the season as the starter after unseating Dillon Gabriel in the depth chart, but Watson’s return to the team this season has led to preseason debates over which one of the two should start.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 4:54 AM‘I Appreciate You Trying To Trap Me’ — Browns HC Todd Monken Nips Latest Shedeur Sanders Vs. Deshaun Watson Rumor in the Bud
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has drawn criticism over his handling of the quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. However, when a reporter pressed him to reveal a preference or name a potential starter, Monken quickly dismissed the question with a sharp response.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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