Browns QB Shedeur Sanders to get first crack at starting gig?

The Cleveland Browns ' offseason program kicked off this week in Berea, and the most-watched quarterback battle in the league kicked off along with it. The Browns ' quarterback question is equal parts fascinating and discouraging. The "battle" appears that it will be more like a pillow fight because whoever comes out as the starter isn't exactly going to get the entire fanbase excited.

Deshaun Watson carries a semi-truck load full of baggage to go along with bad quarterback play, Shedeur Sanders has turnover problems and an inconsistency from an accuracy standpoint that is worrisome, and Dillon Gabriel, as option number three, is discouraging because he simply does not have the tools to be an NFL quarterback. Head coach Todd Monken definitely has his work cut out for him in his first-ever season as an NFL head coach. But, regardless of their potential or outlook, they have to put someone out there to try and win on the field.

The Browns' quarterback battle was a headline topic on Thursday's "Get Up" episode on ESPN. Former NFL Player turned analyst Jason McCourty weighed in on the situation and gave his two cents on it. "[Shedeur Sanders] would be my QB1 starting the offseason program, but he's going to have to earn that and keep it.

" — @JasonMcCourty on the Browns' QB situation 🏈 pic. twitter. com/ThxtsKoTGw — Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 9, 2026 What to watch for in Browns' QB battle While acknowledging that Watson is going to be a part of the competition for sure, McCourty suggested that Cleveland start the offseason with Sanders as quarterback one while still making him earn the starting job.