Browns to rotate QBs Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson in preseason
8 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 11:08 PM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken plans to alternate Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson as starting quarterbacks during the preseason. Each quarterback is set to start one of the three games, with the leader of the competition most likely starting the final game. The decision follows an evaluation period that began with practice, as Monken aims for clarity before the regular season starts on September 13. Both quarterbacks have demonstrated their worthiness, keeping the competition close. Monken is prepared to announce the starter following a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills and the second preseason game.
- •Monken orchestrates QB rotation plan for preseason games.
- •Sanders and Watson to start alternating games during preseason.
- •Final decision expected after joint practice with Bills.
- •Week 1 of the 2026 season begins on September 13.
- 11:08 PMYahoo Sports — Browns coach Todd Monken sets a supreme Shedeur Sanders vs Deshaun Watson QB battle timeline
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Browns GM Sets a Bar For Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson to Clear as Cleveland Inches Closer to Preseason Opener
- 3:44 AMYahoo Sports — Pat McAfee Throws 2-Word Message Out as Deshaun Watson Turns Up the Heat in Browns’ QB1 Battle Against Shedeur Sanders
- 3:32 PMCBS NFL — Browns' HC reveals plan for naming starter as QB battle continues between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders
- 2:54 AMYahoo Sports — Browns’ Todd Monken reveals preseason plan for Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders
- 2:51 AMYahoo Sports — Todd Monken reveals plan for Browns QBs During Preseason
- 1:27 AMcleveland.com — Todd Monken reveals he’ll give Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders each a start in Preseason Games 1 and 2: Br - Cleveland.com
"As the NFL season approaches, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has revealed when he expects to decide between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson in one of the NFL’s biggest quarterback competitions. The Browns enter the 2026 season looking to bounce back after winning just eight games across the previous two campaigns, with high expectations from Monken, who is facing a crucial decision under centre in his first year as head coach.
"Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have both been on the job for roughly a week now, getting to see how first-year head coach Todd Monken runs training camp. Both are competing to become the next starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, and oddly enough, they’ve both already done the job before.
"After six seasons under Kevin Stefanski, the Cleveland Browns have a new head coach in Todd Monken, and when preseason is said and done, they could have a new starting quarterback too. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are competing for QB1.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 11:08 PMBrowns coach Todd Monken sets a supreme Shedeur Sanders vs Deshaun Watson QB battle timeline
As the NFL season approaches, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has revealed when he expects to decide between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson in one of the NFL’s biggest quarterback competitions. The Browns enter the 2026 season looking to bounce back after winning just eight games across the previous two campaigns, with high expectations from Monken, who is facing a crucial decision under centre in his first year as head coach.
- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 7:00 AMBrowns GM Sets a Bar For Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson to Clear as Cleveland Inches Closer to Preseason Opener
Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have both been on the job for roughly a week now, getting to see how first-year head coach Todd Monken runs training camp. Both are competing to become the next starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, and oddly enough, they’ve both already done the job before.
- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 3:44 AMPat McAfee Throws 2-Word Message Out as Deshaun Watson Turns Up the Heat in Browns’ QB1 Battle Against Shedeur Sanders
After six seasons under Kevin Stefanski, the Cleveland Browns have a new head coach in Todd Monken, and when preseason is said and done, they could have a new starting quarterback too. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are competing for QB1.
- CBS NFLAug 5, 2026, 3:32 PMBrowns' HC reveals plan for naming starter as QB battle continues between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders
Todd Monken plans to start each QB in one preseason game, before deciding who will start the third
- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 2:54 AMBrowns’ Todd Monken reveals preseason plan for Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders
The Browns quarterback watch will continue into the preseason, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders still in a battle for the QB1 role.
- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 2:51 AMTodd Monken reveals plan for Browns QBs During Preseason
Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are expected to trade starts during the preseason, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken closes in on QB1 decision
- cleveland.comAug 5, 2026, 1:27 AMTodd Monken reveals he’ll give Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders each a start in Preseason Games 1 and 2: Br - Cleveland.com
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