Why Browns fans will have to be patient with Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson QB competition

The Cleveland Browns might have one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions across the NFL, as the second-year Shedeur Sanders and trade-mistake Deshaun Watson are fighting for the QB1 job in Todd Monken's offense.

Monken's noted before that he wants an answer for the team's starting quarterback by training camp, but following mandatory minicamp and OTAs, things have changed.

According to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, it appears that Browns fans will need to be patient with this quarterback competition, as it might drag out into the preseason this year.

Browns' QB competition will require patience

"However, he's holding off on naming a starter," Oyefusi writes, "mainly because he wants to see the two play in more game-like settings."

The most game-like setting the Browns could get this offseason before the 2026 regular season would be the preseason games later this summer.

Monken's quarterback decision is not going to be a quick one, as the Browns head coach is seemingly okay with "delaying the decision," according to Oyefusi.

While Sanders did impress recently, and might have a better chance of earning the starting job than before practices began, there isn't any indication of Monken deciding the team's starter just yet.

"Monken, though, acknowledged it's important to evaluate Watson and Sanders in practices with pads on, a more lively pass rush, and possibly even preseason games before he decides on who will start," Oyefusi writes.

MORE: Taylen Green has a much higher ceiling for Browns than Shedeur Sanders

If the Browns drag out this quarterback decision until the preseason, that would mean they figure out the team's starter after their three preseason games.

Their first game this summer is on August 15 against the Chicago Bears, their second against the Buffalo Bills on August 22, and finally their third against the New England Patriots on August 27.

While there's no telling when Monken will make his decision, this QB competition might last until late August. Sanders vs. Watson might not have a winner until right before the regular season.

This competition is seemingly going to require Browns fans' patience, as Monken is trying to get as complete a look at his two top options for the starting job this summer before making a final decision on the team's QB1.

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