Browns quarterback rumor sheds light on Shedeur Sanders' odds of starting in 2026

The Cleveland Browns appear to be content with their quarterbacks room going into 2026 after the team has not yet added one in free agency.

If the Browns don't draft a quarterback with a high pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which seems unlikely given the lackluster class, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson should be considered the favorites for the starting job.

Dillon Gabriel is in the mix, also, but after he struggled mightily during his rookie campaign, his chances of beating out both Sanders and Watson are slim.

When it comes to Sanders' chances of starting, Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom is hearing that head coach Todd Monken is "open to the idea" of Sanders starting.

"The Browns crowded quarterback situation did not get more clouded through the first week of free agency, with them avoiding any veteran upgrades, and league sources continue to maintain that new head coach Todd Monken is open to the idea of Shedeur Sanders being his starter in 2026," La Canfora reported.

When it comes to Watson, La Canfora notes that the only reason he's still on the roster is because of his contract.

"Deshaun Watson remains on the roster trying to return from a long-term injury, but he is in Cleveland still solely based on the ludicrous contract the team bestowed upon him," La Canfora wrote.

Monken's willingness to give Sanders an opportunity to start is not surprising for a few reasons.

For starters, Monken was on a Baltimore Ravens team last year that was interested in drafting Sanders before Sanders told them not to, so it's clear the Browns head coach saw at least something in the Colorado product.

"We tried to draft your a-- last year, for God's sake," Monken said to Sanders after taking the Browns job. "It all worked out."

Another reason why the Browns should start Sanders is because he at least gives hope for the future in Cleveland. The book is already written on Watson, who has been awful with the Browns, and he doesn't offer any promise as a potential long-term answer.

If Sanders pans out, the Browns will have their long-term answer. If he doesn't, the Browns will be picking at the top of the draft again in 2027, which will present a much better quarterback class.

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