Todd Monken's doubts about Shedeur Sanders could help him in his battle with Deshaun Watson

As the Cleveland Browns get ready to start the 2026 season, head coach Todd Monken finds himself in a position full of doubts and potential decisions. His value of hard work is a defining skill he teaches athletes from a young age, yet in the Browns' current quarterback room, there is a growing concern that the internal "battle" between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson simply is not enough to spark the change the franchise desperately needs.

The reality inside the Cleveland locker room is one of a kind. As of right now, the quarterback situation is not good enough for anybody, especially for Monken. For him, the doubt comes when thinking about whether the current environment will actually bring out the best in the two players.

The Sanders-Watson current dilemma

The Browns enter this waited spring with a crowded, yet questionable, depth chart. At the center we have Shedeur Sanders, who is coming off what many have described as a decent rookie campaign. Despite the massive expectations surrounding his arrival in 2025, Sanders struggled with consistency in the latter part of the season, as he did not enjoy many opportunities in the beginning, and once he did, his performances were not good enough to convince the front office.

Now, standing in his way is Deshaun Watson. He is still recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered two seasons ago, so Watson is a player searching for one last opportunity to prove everyone, including himself, that he can still play at an elite level.

While the "Sanders vs. Watson" narrative is great for headlines, the doubts persist inside the Cleveland franchise. If the team does not establish a legitimate quarterback competition, it may affect Sanders in a negative way, as he would definitely benefit from a more competitive environment to help improve his game.

Why Dillon Gabriel could be the next move

We also must note the figure of Dillon Gabriel in the conversation. He is still on the roster for now, even though his time in Cleveland appears to be short-lived. Some sources suggest that his kind of play does not match the specific offensive vision Todd Monken wants to run. Whether it is through a trade or a cut, the Browns seem focused on moving on from Gabriel, further lightening the room and leaving space for a new challenger.

If the move finally takes place, the Watson-Sanders situation could be on a new level. The arrival of someone new to compete for the only available spot will definitely be good for everyone. Now, they must be paying attention to the franchise next move so they know what they are going against in the 2026/2027 season.

For the Browns, the expectations could not be higher. Sanders has yet to prove he is a definitive starter heading into minicamp, and Watson's health remains a looming question mark. The arrival of a new piece will open and revitalize a squad in need of new dreams.