Browns Delay Decision on Week 1 Quarterback Starter

The Cleveland Browns aren’t rushing to announce their starting quarterback for Week 1, even in mid-February.

General manager Andrew Berry commented at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, stating, “It’s too early to tell.” Mary Kay Cabot from Cleveland.com highlighted the uncertainty regarding whether Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson will lead the team in September.

After finishing last in the AFC North with a 5-12 record, the Browns had a tumultuous season, primarily relying on quarterbacks like veteran Joe Flacco, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders.

Watson, who had signed a five-year fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million in 2022, missed the entire season due to a re-ruptured Achilles tendon. According to Spotrac, he faces a significant cap hit of $80.7 million in 2026, the last year of his deal.

Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick last year, took over as the starter in November. He managed to throw for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions across eight games.

Sanders is just starting his NFL journey, while Watson’s future remains uncertain, particularly given the controversies surrounding his contract with the Browns, which has proven disappointing.

The franchise will also be entering 2026 under new management after hiring Todd Monken, formerly the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, to replace fired head coach Kevin Stefanski. It’s unclear whether a new quarterback will be brought in.

Cabot mentioned that the Browns are considering potential external quarterbacks like Malik Willis, a former Packers backup, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

As Berry embarks on his seventh year as the team’s GM, he remains open to competition during the upcoming training camp.