Browns commit to quarterback evaluation over immediate acquisition

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has confirmed the organisation will retain quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders for the 2026 season to evaluate their potential, rather than seeking a new starter via the draft or free agency. Monken acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the position, noting that neither player has demonstrated consistent success, with Watson's form declining since 2020 and Sanders struggling with accuracy and turnovers as a rookie. The organisation intends to build the rest of the roster, which includes defensive additions like Jared Verse and offensive talent such as Quinshon Judkins, while likely targeting a franchise quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Monken, hired in January, noted that while most new coaches prefer a clear quarterback plan, he accepted the role despite inheriting a volatile situation. The 60-year-old coach stated the decision was made to "exhaust every opportunity" to see what the current quarterbacks can offer, citing it would be a "damn shame" if they played well elsewhere after being in the building. This approach diverges from the norm for new head coaches, with the source noting that most teams available in the previous offseason had either a franchise quarterback or a clear plan to acquire one.

The decision comes as the Browns navigate a significant transition in their personnel. Deshaun Watson has not played since 2024 and has not performed at a high level since his last appearance for the Houston Texans in 2020. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders, a second-year player, had high publicity but struggled with accuracy, recording a 56.6% completion rate and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns as a rookie. The organisation has opted to use the 2026 season to determine the viability of these players before making a definitive move.

Despite the quarterback uncertainty, the Browns have focused on strengthening other areas of the roster. The defensive unit features Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, alongside linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who also received Defensive Rookie of the Year honours last year, and Pro Bowl corner Denzel Ward. On the offensive side, the team has added running back Quinshon Judkins, tight end Harold Fannin, and rookie receivers including K.C. Conception. The source also notes that the team traded away Myles Garrett, previously described as the best defender in the NFL, indicating a shift in defensive leadership.

The Cleveland Browns' strategy suggests a pivot point for the franchise, with Monken emphasising the need to build the roster first and reassess the quarterback situation later. While the current quarterbacks remain in place for evaluation, the likelihood of Cleveland targeting a franchise quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft remains high. This approach allows the organisation to develop its young talent while avoiding the immediate pressure of securing a new starter through external markets.