Browns QB Sanders looks more poised heading to camp

Browns QB – Todd Monken says Shedeur Sanders has progressed in his offense after an uneven start at OTAs, while Deshaun Watson—returning from an Achilles injury—has also shown signs of improvement. The Browns plan to split reps as pads come on for training camp.

For a while, the Browns’ quarterback competition felt stuck in the mud—particularly during OTAs when the interceptions came fast enough to sour the mood for head coach Todd Monken.

Monken pointed to “embarrassing interceptions” during 7-on-7 drills, a rough beginning for the showdown between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. But by the time mandatory minicamp wrapped last week, Monken said the quarterback picture had moved.

In the final stretch before pads arrive for training camp, Sanders has drawn the clearest praise. During his look in Monken’s offense. Sanders appeared “more poised” as time went on. a shift that coaches said showed up in the basics—improved footwork and better processing. not just flashes. The Browns now plan to give Sanders and Watson a chance to split reps once training camp begins. keeping the competition active as both attempt to prove they can carry the offense.

Watson’s track to this moment has been different, and not just because of the playbook. He last played in 2024. when he also had to work his way back after an Achilles injury that disrupted his readiness. In the seven games he played, Watson threw for 1,148 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. He struggled to push the ball downfield and lacked the mobility that helped define his 2020 season with the Houston Texans.

During OTAs, Monken’s staff noticed another change with Watson’s approach. He was “more willing to push the ball downfield” than he was with the offense under former head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Monken isn’t treating this as a one-week turnaround. He framed it as a progression that has finally reached a point where both quarterbacks deserve another look—especially once the competition gets more physical. “It would feel different if I didn’t feel like their progression hadn’t gotten to this point where I think they both can start and play winning football. ” Monken said. “I’m convinced of it. And I’d say it if I didn’t. I mean. I can’t decide now because I think both have earned the opportunity to continue to compete once we put the pads on.”.

That competition comes with realities beyond practice timing and play-calling. The NFL is also a business. and the front office has to think about what tape could mean later—how either quarterback could be positioned for a future elsewhere. Watson. in particular. could become a high-value story if he plays well enough for another team to pursue him in free agency next year. If that happens, the Browns could gain a compensatory pick.

Sanders, meanwhile, carries a different kind of stakes. At 24 years old. he is the 2025 fifth-round pick who could be the long-term answer if his development matches the flashes he showed last season. But there’s one flaw the Browns still want erased: he has needed to improve at not putting the ball in harm’s way.

By the time training camp arrives. the Browns will be watching for the same thing in two different forms—whether Sanders can keep showing that calmer. more controlled presence in Monken’s offense. and whether Watson can translate his new downfield willingness into consistent results. For now, Monken’s message is clear: both have earned the chance to compete once the pads come on.

Cleveland Browns Todd Monken Shedeur Sanders Deshaun Watson NFL training camp quarterback competition OTAs mandatory minicamp