BEREA, Ohio — On the first day of Cleveland Browns voluntary minicamp, quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson each took first-team snaps in team drills under new head coach Todd Monken. Dillon Gabriel did not receive first-team work.
Monken said the rotation was intentional, following a recommendation from quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian. Sanders began with the starters in 11-on-11 drills. “The plan was to have Shedeur get a few more reps but have Deshaun and Shedeur both have reps with the ones,” Monken said.
Monken emphasized that the competition is open across the roster, not limited to two quarterbacks. He praised Gabriel’s professionalism and intelligence. Gabriel, a third-round pick in 2024, said he focuses on controlling what he can.
Watson, acquired in 2022 for three first-round picks, has missed 49 of 68 regular-season games due to shoulder injury, ACL tears, and suspension. He returned to practice in December 2024. Monken noted no rust: “The ball’s coming out great. He moved around great.”
During drills, Watson showed fluid movement and advised a tryout receiver. Sanders hit Isaiah Bond on consecutive plays. The defense recorded interceptions on Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel, including a pick of Sanders by D’Angelo Ross.
Sanders stressed accountability after a miscommunication on a deep ball. Monken praised the quarterbacks’ command: “I thought they were in command. I never felt they were lost.”
The Browns may draft a quarterback this week. Sanders completed 56.6% of passes in eight games last season. Watson’s Browns tenure has been less productive than his Texans years. The team will evaluate which quarterback’s skill set and command best suit Week 1.