Browns HC Reveals Most Important QB Traits Amid Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Competition

As Todd Monken decides whether Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson will be the starting quarterback, the Cleveland Browns head coach identified what he believes is a quarterback's most important trait.

"Definitely up there is mental toughness," Monken said. "Your mental stamina to withstand the ups and downs of playing the position."

Monken also said that both Sanders and Watson will see preseason action.

Monken said on Tuesday that Sanders and Watson will continue to split first-team reps, but he hasn't established a timeline for naming the starting quarterback. Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network noted that the leader of the quarterback competition after the first two preseason games will likely get the start in the third.

The Browns kick off their preseason schedule against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15, followed by a matchup with the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22 and the New England Patriots on Aug. 27.

Sanders started the final seven games for the Browns last year, completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He showed some flashes during his rookie year, including a 364-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans.

The key for Sanders heading into Year 2 is eliminating turnovers and being more efficient with the ball. If he can do both of those things, he should be a starting-caliber quarterback.

When healthy, Watson has proved to be an All-Pro-level quarterback, but he hasn't been that version of himself in a long time. He's played just 19 games for the Browns since being traded in 2022 and hasn't stepped onto the field since October of 2024.

His multiple knee surgeries over the last few years may have also taken a toll on his mobility.

It's hard to compare the two quarterbacks since they're at different stages in their careers, but seeing them in preseason action should give Monken and the Browns' coaching staff enough information to make a decision.