Shedeur Sanders learns Browns fate as double Super Bowl champion claims ‘bad’ QB wins race

Todd Monken won’t officially name his starting quarterback for another couple of months, but according to a two-time Super Bowl champion, his decision has already been made behind-the-scenes.

Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are said to be going head-to-head for the No. 1 spot on the Cleveland Browns depth chart, with Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green also in the mix.

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Cleveland kicked off their organized team activities (OTAs) this week, which marks the final phase of the offseason program.

When they hit the practice field, Coach Monken will get a real first look at all four quarterbacks participating in practice together.

But LeSean McCoy has this week suggested the Browns already have their starter in mind — and it’s bad news for second-year star Sanders, who ‘went through hell’ in 2025.

Browns make quarterback decision ahead of OTAs

“I got a lot of sources and connections over there, players, you know what I’m saying,” the six-time Pro Bowler told Speakeasy.

“They say Deshaun Watson looks good over there.

“I ain’t believe it, though, he’s been so God damn bad, but they say he’s rolling right now.

“I think with the new offense, new coach over there, things are looking different for him.”

McCoy went on to predict that Watson will be the Week 1 starter, even if the veteran wouldn’t be his own first choice.

“I wanted Shedeur to play. He’s younger, he’s fresher. Let’s see what he has to offer,” the two-time Super Bowl champ continued.

“We saw what Deshaun looked like when he left the Texans.

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“But they say he’s looking good. They say this year, he will look a lot better, and he’s going to start.

“If anyone wants to bet, make some money, I told y’all first: Deshaun Watson is going to start.”

McCoy, it seems, isn’t the only one touting the $230 million quarterback to start.

Deshaun Watson has ‘hit it off’ with Todd Monken

Over the weekend, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared an update on the battle that’s been unfolding in Cleveland, and noted that the veteran has already established a good base with his new coach.

“I’m told he’s hit it off with Todd Monken, who’s got an offensive concept, some elements that Watson has run in the past and been his best at,” Fowler said on Sportscenter, per ESPN Cleveland.

The writer then followed that TV hit up with a written piece on why the Browns are giving their vet another shot at starting.

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Sources told Fowler that there’s hope Watson’s skill set suits Monken’s ‘Air Raid offense’ more than fired head coach Kevin Stefanski’s under-center, West Coast scheme.

“This can be a good thing for Monken because he’s got a veteran that he can play with low expectations,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.

“If (Watson is) even 80% of what he was, that’s a win. But he just hasn’t played a lot of football and has a long injury history, so it’s hard to truly know what you have.”

All signs, right now, point to Watson leading the Browns in Week 1.

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If that’s the case, then Sanders will find himself in a familiar situation. He might have to settle for the bench through the early weeks of the season, and work to take the role further down the line.

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