The Cleveland Browns are still not sold on giving Shedeur Sanders the starting quarterback duties this upcoming season. On Saturday, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe provided a concerning update for the rookie quarterback.

He said that Shedeur is expected to compete for the starting quarterback job alongside Deshaun Watson. The $230 million man marked his return with offseason training after missing the entire 2025 campaign while rehabilitating from a right Achilles tendon injury.

“There is still optimism for Shedeur Sanders there in Cleveland, especially with Todd Monken, now the head coach” Wolfe said. “They think there is a little bit more flexibility in his offense and maybe that gives Shedeur a chance to use his playmaking ability more than he was under Kevin Stefanski.

“You also have Deshaun Watson, who started throwing again with his quarterback coach, Quincy Avery, this week. They believe he will be involved in that competition. So, the Browns could bolster their roster at wide receiver, O-line and other spots and let these guys compete for the quarterback spot.

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Wolfe also highlighted how the Browns are expected to utilize the upcoming draft to bolster their offense.

“(The Browns) may be one of the most interesting teams to watch in this draft. Two first round picks, … They are expected to go heavy on offense. I talked to GM Andrew Berry several times, … he said, ‘We feel like we’re close to set on the defense. But we have needs on wide receiver, offensive line, and of course figuring out that quarterback question.’ Don’t be surprised that they don’t select a quarterback in the first round.”

During his rookie campaign, Shedeur Sanders was named the QB1 after Dillon Gabriel’s concussion in Week 11. In eight games, he recorded 1,400 yards and seven TDs passing, while the Browns finished dead last in the AFC North with a 5-12 record.

Last month, they fired Kevin Stefanski from his position after six seasons and a 45-56 overall record. A few days later, Todd Monken was introduced as his replacement and the team’s new coach.

Myles Garrett shares his thoughts on quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns defensive star Myles Garrett has no favorite for the QB1 job in 2026 between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson.

Last week, he linked up with Packers linebacker Micah Parsons on Bleacher Report’s podcast. Garrett said that the rookie has yet to prove his worth for the QB1 job, while Watson is expected to compete for the same as a veteran.

“We’re gonna give him (Shedeur) a shot to prove that he’s a guy,” Garrett said. “So that we’re not going to give anyone that title until they go out there and earn it. And he was the last person on the field and he showed some, he showed some flashes. So we’re going to give him an opportunity to show what we can.

“I feel like everyone on the roster is going to get a shot. He was the last guy on the field obviously gonna get first service. Deshaun or whoever else on the roster, they’re gonna get a real look.”

Apart from them, the Browns also have Dillon Gabriel on their depth chart. He played in 10 games during the 2025 season and recorded 937 yards and seven TDs passing.