The Cleveland Browns have a new head coach in Todd Monken. Now, the Browns need to find their next franchise quarterback too.
Of course, he may already be on the roster. After all, the Browns selected two QBs in the 2025 NFL Draft, first with Dillon Gabriel in the third round, then they traded up for Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round.
Cleveland also has three-time Pro Bowl QB Deshaun Watson under contract for next season too. The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. While some rumors have suggested that the Browns will try to find a creative way to move on from Watson this offseason, their new head coach is “intrigued” by the dual-threat QB.
Moreso, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reports that Monken is “just as excited” to work with Watson as he is for the opportunity to coach Sanders and Gabriel too. Yet, there’s also a possibility that the Browns’ 2026 starting QB isn’t on the roster yet. Another addition could arrive in free agency, via trade, or even through the NFL draft.
In the meantime, Watson will continue trying to get back to peak form after tearing his Achilles twice in the past two years. Fully cleared for football activity back in November, Watson has no restrictions on his workouts and, barring a setback, will be fully healthy by Week 1 of the season.
Related: Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler Plans to Join New Team in 2026
