Cleveland's Quarterback Carousel Spins Into High Gear

The Cleveland Browns are heading into their offseason program with one of the NFL's most intriguing storylines brewing: a genuine three-way battle for the starting quarterback position. New head coach Todd Monken has made it clear that nothing will be handed to anyone, setting the stage for a summer showdown between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year players Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

No Free Passes in Monken's New Regime

Gone are the days of predetermined depth charts in Cleveland. Monken, taking the reins this offseason, has emphatically stated that the competition under center will be wide open. "That is to be determined," Monken said regarding a Week 1 starter. "I am excited to coach all of the quarterbacks in the room this year." This philosophy represents a significant shift and signals that every rep in organized team activities and training camp will carry immense weight.

The decision aligns with the message from the front office. JW Johnson, a partner of the Haslam Sports Group, recently emphasized the competitive environment during a local radio appearance. "Nobody is getting handed the keys to the car today," Johnson stated. "They're going to come in and compete." He specifically noted Watson's return from a major Achilles injury, while acknowledging the expected growth from Sanders and Gabriel after their rookie campaigns.

The Three Contenders

The battle features three distinct profiles:

  • Deshaun Watson: The veteran and former Pro Bowler is attempting a comeback after a torn Achilles sidelined him in October 2024. His experience and past success make him a formidable contender, but his health and recent performance are major questions.
  • Shedeur Sanders: The charismatic second-year pro had an up-and-down rookie season, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. A segment of the fanbase believes his struggles were due to the previous coaching staff and is eager to see his development under Monken.
  • Dillon Gabriel: The other sophomore in the mix, Gabriel will look to build on his own first-year experiences and push both veterans for the top spot, offering a dark horse candidate in the race.

A Vocal Fanbase Makes Its Stance Clear

While the competition will be decided on the field, the Browns' passionate fanbase has already begun voicing strong opinions, particularly regarding Watson. Sentiment on social media and fan forums heavily favors moving forward with the younger options.

"Shedeur is QB1. In a fair competition he will take the job. It's his job to lose and he ain't losing it," declared one supporter, reflecting a common belief in Sanders' potential. Other comments were more direct in their opposition to Watson, with one fan calling the idea of starting him "fan repellent" and pleading with the organization to "move on." Another pointedly suggested that starting Watson would hinder the team's ability to fill their new stadium, referencing the ownership's past commitment to the embattled quarterback.

This palpable fan sentiment adds an extra layer of intrigue to the football decision, placing the Browns' brass in a position where they must balance on-field evaluation with broader franchise perception.

What's Next for the Browns

All eyes will now turn to the Browns' practice fields. Monken's offensive system will be installed, and each quarterback will have the opportunity to prove they are the right leader for this new era. For Watson, it's about demonstrating he is fully healthy and can recapture his elite form. For Sanders and Gabriel, it's about showing significant sophomore leaps in understanding, accuracy, and command.

This open competition promises to be the defining narrative of Cleveland's offseason. It's a clean slate and a fresh start, with the most important position on the team completely up for grabs. The Browns are betting that competition will bring out the best in their quarterbacks—only time will tell which one seizes the moment and wins the job.