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Now, with Todd Monken taking over as head coach of the Cleveland Browns moving on from Kevin Stefanski the quarterback room suddenly feels different. The battle for QB1 takes on a new dimension, with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson competing for the starting job, while Dillon Gabriel appears to be in line as the third option. As the NFL preseason gets closer, the pressure is only going to build.
One detail that stood out early: Sanders took the first 11-on-11 reps on Day 1 of practice. Once again, the spotlight finds him. Just like from the beginning, he continues to draw attention, naturally keeping the media focus on his every move.
How the quarterbacks are arriving to camp
Sanders is also debuting a familiar number No. 2, the same one he wore throughout his college career. But beyond the jersey, there's a visible change. He looks leaner, sharper, and in noticeably better shape. He stayed active during the offseason, making sure he didn't lose rhythm. Now back with the Browns in structured practices, he looks refreshed, more confident, and quietly convinced that the QB1 job can be his earned, not given. That confidence comes through clearly when he speaks.
Meanwhile, Watson arrives at this stage of the offseason quietly rebuilding his path back. After months away from the field, he's been training in South Florida alongside Jerry Jeudy, staying sharp while working outside the team's facilities. Monken acknowledged this week that he has only met with Watson once since taking the job, reflecting how independent this phase has been. Watson hasn't played since October 2024 due to a double tear in his right Achilles, but he now returns fully cleared for football activities.
As for Gabriel, he dealt with a concussion during a Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2025. He experienced symptoms at halftime and requested evaluation from the training staff, adding another layer to his current position in the depth chart. Although, as Todd Monken already said, all three will have the same opportunities to prove themselves.
A real quarterback battle is coming. Sanders arrives in Cleveland with a new energy, but everything is still to be decided as practices continue. Wearing No. 2, he made one thing clear: "This is the most important thing I have to do in my life." At the same time, he admitted he doesn't know everything yet and that might be exactly what gives him an edge.
That shift in mindset, combined with visible physical changes and the work he put in during the offseason, paints the picture of a player who understands the gap between potential and reality and is actively working to close it. If that energy translates on the field, it could very well open the door for him to become the starter in Cleveland.