Shedeur Sanders Shuts Down Narratives Around Browns' QB1 Competition with Deshaun Watson

While the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson is dominating headlines this offseason, Sanders isn't giving it much thought.

"I think the way y'all look at things is different than how we look at things. ... Y'all look at it as like a competition. That's nothing I'm focused on," Sanders told reporters on Wednesday. "I'm focused on developing as a player, doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense and the scheme and playing with that confidence I have. That's all I'm really looking for and trying to improve every day."

Watson and Sanders have split first-team practice reps throughout Cleveland's offseason workout program. However, first-year head coach Todd Monken announced this week that he is unlikely to name a starting quarterback by the end of minicamp on Thursday.

"Once we get to the fall, we'll have to dissect the reps how we see fit," Monken said, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "I just don't see it after the way Shedeur has played and Deshaun's played. They've both played well enough to earn the right to compete to start."

Oyefusi noted that on the first day of minicamp, Sanders received all of the first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills, while Watson took reps with the second-team offense. Monken said they would alternate on Wednesday and then split the starting reps on Thursday.

Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate after playing in eight games with seven starts as a rookie. Watson obviously has the edge in experience, but he's coming off a torn Achilles that forced him to miss the entire 2025 season. Monken could wait until the preseason to continue his evaluations before naming a starter for the 2026 campaign, as he will want to make the right decision for his first year at the helm in Cleveland.