Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Competition Shines in Preseason

The NFL preseason often struggles to captivate fans. While enthusiasm for the sport’s return is high, starters typically play briefly, leaving lesser-known players to finish. Yet, the Cleveland Browns offer reasons to follow their initial preseason games.

Quarterback Decisions by Todd Monken

Head coach Todd Monken announced his quarterbacks for the Browns’ first games. Deshaun Watson will start against the Chicago Bears. Next, Shedeur Sanders takes the lead in the game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22. This decision highlights one of the NFL’s intriguing quarterback contests.

Monken plans to play both Watson and Sanders for about half each against Chicago, then reverse roles in the subsequent match against Buffalo. The offseason saw Cleveland treat its quarterback role as a genuine competition. Monken reinforced this during practice, alternating Watson and Sanders with the first-team offense. The preseason allows evaluation beyond the training camp.

Deshaun Watson’s Comeback

Watson’s start carries significant weight. Absent from NFL games since an Achilles injury in October 2024 and a subsequent surgery, his performance in an actual match will be interesting. The Browns must assess if Watson can handle Monken’s offense and still perform as an NFL starter after his long break. Despite being a standout in 2020, Watson’s situation became complicated due to off-field issues and demands for a change from Houston.

The Browns made a substantial trade for Watson, who has played only 19 games in four years, with a 9-10 record. Cleveland doesn’t need a superstar, just a competent quarterback.

Shedeur Sanders’ Opportunity

Sanders, 24, joined the Browns as a fifth-round draft pick in 2025. Although not the first quarterback selected, he quickly made an impact. In eight games as a rookie, Sanders had 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. His debut was mixed, featuring impressive moments and typical rookie errors.

This competition is engaging because Sanders, with meaningful starting experience, faces high expectations. The team wonders what Sanders might accomplish with a full offseason under a new coach. Unlike typical QB battles with predictable outcomes, this one appears genuine. By starting both quarterbacks, Monken signals interest in seeing them in action with the first team.

Cleveland has injected stakes into preseason football, typically lacking such significance.

Meaningful Performances

The outcome of the Browns-Bears game won’t matter to most. However, Watson’s sharpness or rust after such a hiatus will be notable. Similarly, Sanders’ performance against Buffalo could fuel debates about his potential as the Browns’ starter. Mistakes could highlight his uneven rookie year.

Monken need not decide on a permanent starter after these games. With a third preseason match against New England on Aug. 27, further evaluation is possible. There’s even potential for a surprise appearance by Dillon Gabriel.

For now, Watson faces Chicago, and Sanders meets Buffalo. For two Saturdays, this quarterback competition stands out as one of the more compelling storylines in the NFL preseason.