Watson Leads Browns QB Race After Minicamp

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson holds the inside track to the starting job for the 2026 NFL season after outperforming competitors during the team's voluntary minicamp last week, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Watson, a veteran who has battled injuries over the past several seasons, earned more first-team reps than second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders across the three-day session. Observers noted his quicker decision-making, stronger presnap process and greater efficiency in passing drills, particularly during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods. Although Sanders received initial first-team snaps on the one day open to the public, Watson accumulated the most based on his performance. Third-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick who started six games last season before a concussion, received no first-team work.

New head coach Todd Monken, formerly the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, hopes to identify or name his starter by the end of the team's minicamp from June 9 to 11. That timeline gives Sanders roughly six weeks to close the gap ahead of training camp. Monken aims to avoid the pitfalls of last year's four-way quarterback...