Cleveland Browns Set to Keep Four Quarterbacks for 2026 Season The Cleveland Browns are preparing to maintain a four-quarterback depth chart for the 2026 NFL regular season, according to ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi. This decision, which includes retaining Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green, marks a rare move in the league, as Oyefusi noted it is uncommon for teams to keep four active quarterbacks on their final roster. The Browns’ approach reflects a strategic effort to build long-term depth while managing the challenges of their current quarterback situation. Watson and Sanders were considered locks to make the final roster before the offseason began. Watson’s retention is largely due to the financial implications of releasing him, as he carries significant dead money on his contract. Sanders, meanwhile, has shown promise as a rookie, starting seven games and demonstrating potential for growth. The decision to keep both players aligns with the Browns’ focus on developing younger talent while managing the risks associated with veteran quarterbacks. Gabriel and Green, however, presented more uncertainty. Gabriel, a southpaw, had a strong performance in a 37-13 victory over the New England Patriots, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. His preseason action was limited to a single game, where he finished 5-of-7 for 27 yards and added 66 rushing yards on eight carries. Green, who was selected with a sixth-round pick, had minimal preseason exposure but showed flashes of ability. The Browns’ decision to retain both Gabriel and Green has raised questions about their rationale, especially since neither has seriously challenged Sanders for the backup role.#cleveland_browns #dillon_gabriel #shedeur_sanders #deshaun_watson #daniel_oyefusi
2026 Cleveland Browns: Projecting Final 53-Man Roster The Cleveland Browns are set to open their 2026 NFL regular season with a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13 at 1 p.m. ET. Before the season begins, the team must finalize its 53-man roster by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday following a final preseason game against the New England Patriots. The roster decisions will shape the team’s depth and competitive edge, with key positions facing tough choices. The quarterback competition remains central to the Browns’ planning. Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green are all in the mix, though keeping four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster is highly unusual. Watson’s struggles, including a contentious reception from fans during a preseason game, and his injury history may lead to his release. Green’s rookie season is being treated as a redshirt year, while Gabriel is likely to remain as a backup. The Browns may opt to retain two or three quarterbacks, depending on their needs. At running back, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson are expected to secure starting roles, but Raheim Sanders and Ahmani Marshall are competing for the third spot. Sanders has shown strong performance and pass-protection skills, giving him an edge. Michael Burton, the team’s top fullback prior to injuries, is still in contention despite missing significant time during training camp. The tight end position faces uncertainty, with Joe Royer, a fifth-round pick, sidelined for personal reasons and possibly placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. Harold Fannin Jr., a 2025 rookie, remains the top pass-catcher at the position, but there is no clear backup. The Browns may need to address this depth issue through trades or free agency.#cleveland_browns #dillon_gabriel #shedeur_sanders #deshaun_watson #taylen_green
Observations from Day 1 of voluntary veteran minicamp The Cleveland Browns began their voluntary veteran minicamp on April 21, 2026, marking the first opportunity for the team’s new coaching staff under head coach Todd Monken to work with players during the offseason program. The three-day event, running through April 23, focused on evaluating the quarterback competition and refining team dynamics. Monken expressed satisfaction with the initial session, highlighting the players’ adaptability and the progress made despite the condensed timeline. The minicamp’s first day featured structured drills designed to assess the quarterbacks’ readiness. All three quarterbacks—Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel—participated in team periods, rotating through individual and group drills. Monken explained that the practice plan aimed to balance reps among the quarterbacks while giving Sanders a slight edge due to his early reps in the first 11-on-11 period. The drills included a mix of handoffs to running backs and live plays, with the coaching staff emphasizing the importance of evaluating each quarterback’s ability to lead and execute under pressure. In the first 11-on-11 period, Sanders started with handoffs to running backs Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders. The second team period incorporated more live action, with Sanders connecting with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on the opening play. Watson followed, demonstrating his ability to move the ball with a handoff to Sampson and later completing passes to Fannin, Jack Stoll, Tylan Wallace, and Malachi Corley. Gabriel, who took over in the 7-on-7 drills, connected with Caden Prieskorn on consecutive passes before a pass was intercepted.#cleveland_browns #todd_monken #dillon_gabriel #shedeur_sanders #deshaun_watson
Shedeur Sanders says Todd Monken brings 'new vibe' to Browns Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' second-year quarterback, described the coaching staff under first-year head coach Todd Monken as bringing a "new vibe" and "new energy" to the team during the first practice of the Browns' three-day voluntary veteran minicamp. Sanders, who wore the No. 2 jersey for the first time since his college days, emphasized the positive impact of Monken's leadership and the overall coaching staff, which he said fosters both personal connection and daily competition. "Coach Monken's great and all the other coaches on the staff are extremely great," Sanders said. "They're going to understand and embrace you just as a person, and then they push you each and every day in the meeting room, on the field, in the weight room. It's a new vibe, a new energy." Sanders, the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, entered the 2025 season as the fourth quarterback in Cleveland's competition under former head coach Kevin Stefanski. However, he quickly rose to prominence, starting the final seven games of the season and earning the No. 2 jersey for the 2025 campaign. During that stretch, Sanders compiled a 3-4 record as a starter, leading the Browns to victories against division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals in the final two games of the season. Despite the team's overall 5-12 record, Sanders' performances in those critical matchups highlighted his potential as a leader. This season, Sanders finds himself in a quarterback competition with Deshaun Watson, who missed the 2025 season due to rehabilitation from a 2024 Achilles tear, and Dillon Gabriel, the 2025 third-round pick who started six games as a rookie.#cleveland_browns #todd_monken #dillon_gabriel #shedeur_sanders #deshaun_watson
