ESPN reporter updates Browns QB battle between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders

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BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 11: Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Cleveland Browns laughs with Deshaun Watson #4 during the Cleveland Browns Mandatory Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 11, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

One game down, and it seems like Cleveland Browns HC Todd Monken is sticking to his word in giving both QBs Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders a chance to start a preseason game before making a decision about who is the team’s starting quarterback. Neither did much to separate themselves against the Chicago Bears, with some positives and negatives for both quarterbacks.

Not everyone saw positives from Watson and Sanders:

When asked about the plan for the quarterbacks this week, HC Todd Monken gave a rundown of what would happen, including during the joint practice session with the Buffalo Bills:

“I was just talking to Jake about that. Coach (Mike) Bajakian. I think we’re going to go Shedeur on Monday and Wednesday, and Deshaun Tuesday and Thursday, but Thursday is really both. I’m meeting with Joe Brady here, at four, we’re trying to get blocks set up and run-downs so we can get 16 plays where maybe we go five with the ones, three with the twos, five with the ones, three with the twos, which means both quarterbacks get five reps in each block. Run-downs, pass-downs, red zone, two-minute, those kinds of things we’re going to work through in 27 minutes.”

Sanders will get the start Saturday against the Bills in the Browns second preseason game.

In a segment on ESPN, Cleveland’s quarterback competition was discussed, with quick notes on the two competitors, including an interesting note from one of ESPN’s Insiders:

On Deshaun Watson:

“This is the guy.” – Herm Edwards

“Some momentum, not all the momentum. Seems well positioned right now.” – Jeremy Fowler

On Shedeur Sanders

“He’s made it interesting throughout.” – Jeremy Fowler

Fowler expects Monken and his coaching staff to “huddle up” after Saturday’s preseason contest and make a decision.

The discussion about the Browns quarterbacks can be found at the beginning of the video below:

Breaking down the Browns QB battle and preseason storylines with @HermEdwards and @HannahStormESPN on @SportsCenterpic.twitter.com/3Jm1ZbP6jM

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 16, 2026

It is interesting how Fowler couched both quarterbacks and where they stand in the competition. Fowler seems to indicate that Watson has the lead, and maybe has had it, but that Sanders has done enough to keep the competition open.

A vital week for Watson, Sanders, Monken, and the Browns.

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Where do you think things stand with the Browns QB competition at this point after the Bears game?

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