Browns' Measured Approach to QB Decision Signals Confidence in Both Watson and Sanders, But Third Preseason Game Looms as True Test
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation heading into the 2025 offseason has become one of the most intriguing roster questions in the NFL, and head coach Todd Monken has now provided the clearest roadmap yet for how this competition will unfold. Per sources close to the coaching staff, Monken's plan to split preseason reps between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with the third preseason game serving as the deciding factor, represents a calculated approach that acknowledges both the investment already made in Watson and the ceiling represented by Sanders.
This methodology is not arbitrary. Multiple sources confirm that Monken spent considerable time during the offseason evaluating what he inherited and what he has added to the roster. The decision to give both quarterbacks equal opportunity in games one and two before making a definitive choice suggests the coaching staff genuinely believes there is a legitimate competition happening, rather than a ceremonial process designed to appease one party or the other. The structure also provides maximum information gathering time without forcing a premature decision that could impact the locker room dynamics heading into the regular season.
The business side of this equation cannot be ignored. Watson carries a contract that ties the Browns to him financially, even as some organizational stakeholders have begun exploring whether the relationship remains optimal. A source with direct knowledge of the front office's thinking explains that any decision made regarding the starting quarterback must account for the salary cap implications and the message it sends about the organization's direction. The third preseason game represents a window in which the coaching staff can evaluate performance without the noise of guaranteed money and long-term commitments clouding the evaluation process.
What makes Monken's plan particularly interesting is what it says about Sanders. The son of legendary coach Deion Sanders has generated significant attention in the lead-up to his NFL entry, and the Browns' willingness to give him a genuine shot at the starting position, rather than positioning him as a developmental project, indicates the organization sees genuine starting potential. Multiple evaluators around the league have told me that Sanders' arm talent and processing ability are NFL-ready in ways that many college quarterbacks are not upon entering the professional ranks. The preseason games will provide the first real opportunity for Browns' coaches to assess whether Sanders' collegiate success translates to the professional level.
The competitive framework Monken has established also serves another purpose, one that veteran scouts and front office executives understand implicitly. By treating this as a genuine competition rather than a formality, the coaching staff is creating accountability for Watson while simultaneously managing expectations around Sanders. A veteran front office executive not affiliated with the Browns explains that this approach prevents the fanbase from feeling as though a decision has already been made behind closed doors, which can poison the well when it comes to player acceptance and locker room morale. The transparency of having each quarterback start a preseason game allows the entire organization to feel as though the decision was earned, not predetermined.
The preseason schedule itself deserves scrutiny in this context. The first two games will feature Watson and Sanders respectively, or vice versa, and the matchups scheduled for those dates will provide important context regarding performance evaluation. A source with knowledge of how the coaching staff is approaching these evaluations notes that Monken and his offensive coordinators are specifically looking at decision-making speed, accuracy under pressure, and how each quarterback executes the system in game conditions. College tape can only tell you so much, and preseason opponents will present defensive looks and situational football that Sanders has not experienced in his career.
Watson's position in this competition carries its own complexities that extend beyond statistics and tape study. The veteran signal-caller has proven his ability to execute in the NFL at an elite level when circumstances permit, but questions about whether he remains fully committed to the position and the organization have circulated throughout the offseason. Multiple sources confirm that Watson's mindset and engagement level heading into training camp will factor heavily into how the competition unfolds. A source with knowledge of Watson's thinking explains that the quarterback understands this situation represents an opportunity to reestablish himself as clearly the preferred option, and his approach to preparation and game performance will demonstrate whether that remains his priority.
The locker room dimension of this quarterback decision cannot be understated. Veterans on the roster who have played alongside Watson understand his capabilities and his temperament. Simultaneously, those same veterans will be evaluating Sanders as a new player entering the league, which means perceptions will be shaped by early practice habits, work ethic, and how each quarterback commands respect in meetings and on the field. A source familiar with conversations among position groups indicates that the team's defensive leaders are genuinely curious about both quarterbacks and are prepared to support whoever Monken selects, but they are also realistic about what they are seeing in both players as camp progresses.
Monken's offensive scheme and philosophy will determine much about how these quarterbacks are evaluated. The system is designed to emphasize decision-making and accuracy over extended plays, which means both Watson and Sanders will be assessed on their ability to get the ball out quickly and efficiently while processing multiple read progressions. Several sources indicate that this particular system may actually favor a quarterback with Sanders' physical tools and relative inexperience, as it does not require extensive system terminology knowledge or years of experience reading defenses at the NFL level. Watson's familiarity with similar systems throughout his career could be an advantage, but only if he executes with precision and consistency.
The third preseason game takes on outsized importance in this framework. By the time that game arrives, both quarterbacks will have shown what they can do in live action. The coaching staff will have tape to evaluate, teammates will have formed opinions based on practice and game performance, and the organization will have meaningful information upon which to base a decision that impacts the entire season. A source close to the coaching staff suggests that the third preseason game may not necessarily be about which quarterback plays the most snaps, but rather which one is prepared to lead the team out of the tunnel for the regular season opener. Sometimes the decision becomes obvious through observation and performance, and Monken seems to be building a process that allows that decision to emerge naturally.
The implications of this quarterback decision extend far beyond the immediate starting depth chart. The choice Monken makes will signal to the entire roster what the organization values, what the coaching staff believes is necessary to compete at the highest level, and what direction the team is headed in terms of long-term planning. Trade market considerations, free agency approaches, and draft board priorities all flow downstream from the quarterback decision. Multiple sources confirm that other departments within the organization are preparing contingency plans depending on which direction the quarterback situation resolves.
What happens next will be closely monitored not just by Browns fans and media, but by the entire NFL community. The preseason games will be scrutinized for performance details that might provide insight into which quarterback is genuinely running the offense and executing at the highest level. Team insiders will be paying attention to whether there is any indication that the competition is already decided versus whether both players are genuinely receiving equal opportunity and consideration. The narrative around the Browns' quarterback situation will likely dominate local and national sports conversations throughout the preseason, and how Monken handles the process will reflect on his credibility as a head coach charged with building a winning program.
The next move to monitor is the opening moments of Browns training camp, where the practice patterns and drill work assignments will reveal whether Monken is truly treating this as an open competition or whether subtle indicators suggest a preference already exists. Watch also for how Watson and Sanders handle the pressure of competition, as mental toughness often separates quarterbacks in these situations just as much as physical tools do.