New favorite for Cleveland Browns starting quarterback job emerging
Even though the NFL is headed toward the 2026 NFL Draft, teams may already have answers to some questions on their rosters. Most importantly, the starting quarterback position remains at the forefront. If there’s a team that knows about those questions, it’s the Cleveland Browns.
They’ve had a long list of starting quarterbacks since their return in 1999. MORE: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has a unique approach to scouting However, new head coach Todd Monken has gone on record stating that he likes the players currently on the roster. After Deshaun Watson was rumored to be the leading candidate, a new name is emerging.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. New clubhouse leader?
Reports indicate that Monken is impressed with Shedeur Sanders’ work ethic, and it’s believed he is now in the driver’s seat. Sanders took over late last season in a putrid quarterback room. Dillon Gabriel and Watson reportedly haven’t been at the facility much, if at all.
Sanders, on the other hand, has been there almost daily. Watson was recently praised by the front office and ownership at the annual league meetings in Phoenix. Jimmy Haslam even indicated that the “swing and miss” could turn into a home run.