QB1 Duel to Stay Between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson with Dillon Gabriel Absent From Browns

Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson to battle in training camp for the starting quarterback job as Browns want to evaluate all options.

QB1 Duel to Stay Between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson with Dillon Gabriel Absent From Browns

Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel (Image via Sleeper NFL/Browns/X)

In Short
  • The Cleveland Browns have not yet decided on their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
  • Shedeur Sanders is competing with Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel for the QB1 position.
  • Head coach Todd Monken plans to evaluate quarterbacks based on practice performance rather than evenly distributing reps.

All the information coming from the Cleveland Browns’ camp is that they have not decided on their starting quarterback yet. That means Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and whoever they select in this year’s draft will be battling for the job.

This was not what the Colorado Buffaloes alum hoped for when he finished the season after leading his team to a 3-4 finish. But the reality is that the franchise has a quarterback whom they have paid an enormous amount of money and draft picks to get.

The Browns would prefer if Sanders won the starting job clearly and fairly in training camp, rather than them being judged for not handing Watson a job that was his in the first place.

It seems the 24-year-old is aware of the challenge and is preparing himself in the best way possible. That has come to the attention of the owner, front office, and new head coach Todd Monken.

It’s too early to really evaluate him, other than it’s been great that he’s been in the building. It’s refreshing to see a player that recognizes where he’s at and where he wants to get to… As far as I know, I have not seen Dillon yet. Deshaun was in early, so I got a chance to sit down with him.

Todd Monken said

This was the former Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator answering questions from reporters about his opinion on Shedeur Sanders and that of Dillon Gabriel. From Monken’s answer, it is clear that the latter’s absence has at the least made him raise an eyebrow.

Rumors indicate Deshaun Watson is ahead of Shedeur Sanders

The last part of Todd Monken’s response was about Deshaun Watson and how he has been able to sit down and connect with the 30-year-old.

Deshaun Watson rumored to be ahead in QB1 race
Deshaun Watson rumored to be ahead in QB1 race (Image via Tyler S/X)

That revelation, along with other rumors from the Browns’ camp, led Adam Schefter to deduce that the three-time Pro Bowler could be ahead of Shedeur Sanders in the race to become QB1.

I think that’s been the least talked about, biggest stories going into the season. The fact that Deshaun Watson could wind up being the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. I think that’s absolutely on the table. It feels like it’s moving towards that right now.

Adam Schefter told Pat McAfee

After ESPN’s top NFL insider confirmed those rumors, Pat McAfee mentioned how Sanders being in the Browns’ facilities working out all throughout the offseason, says a lot about his desire to battle for a spot.

On the other hand, both Schefter and the former Indianapolis Colts’ punter felt that Dillon Gabriel’s absence also says a lot about his intentions heading into this season.

Todd Monken gives further insight into Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders’ QB1 battle

Reporters at the NFL league meeting grilled Todd Monken further on his thought process behind not confirming a QB1 for now. One of the questions was if he was going to give his QBs equal reps to have a fair battle.

I wouldn’t say that they are going to be evenly dispersed. But we will definitely disperse to give ourselves a chance to at least evaluate who we have on the roster… The reps can’t be divided evenly… At least on a daily basis.

Todd Monken replied

He repeatedly made it clear that just because he was not going to divide the first-team practice reps equally does not mean that it will diminish the battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

Rather, he reiterated that on a daily basis the distribution of reps will change. That will help them evaluate better. Whatever that system may be, it is still a major departure from when the Buffaloes’ star did not get a single rep with the first team last offseason.

It seems Monken wants to give each of his signal passers time on the ball, instead of sticking to a set pattern that could give one or the other either an advantage or a disadvantage.

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