The Cleveland Browns officially opened training camp on July 28, 2026, in Berea, Ohio, with a highly anticipated quarterback competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders.
First-year head coach Todd Monken faces a critical roster decision as both quarterbacks vie for the starting role ahead of the regular season.
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Watson's Return from Injury
Watson is back on the field after missing the entire 2025 season due to twice tearing his right Achilles tendon within four months.
Since being acquired by the Browns in 2022 via a trade involving three first-round picks and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract extension, Watson has started only 19 games.
Sanders' Rookie Success
Sanders enters camp following a rookie campaign where he posted a 3-4 record in seven starts and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he moved ahead of Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart during the regular season.
Team Bonding in Miami
Both quarterbacks recently organized a team passing session in Miami to build chemistry before camp.
Speaking at a free youth football camp in Brooklyn, Ohio, Sanders emphasized the mutual respect in the quarterback room.
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"We're both trying to be the best version of ourselves we could be," Sanders said. "So we're not going to let anything get in between that."
Sanders noted that the off-site workouts helped strengthen relationships among teammates.
"It was truly amazing. And we felt a different type of bond just outside of the facility," he said.
Media Scrutiny
The competition has drawn sharp criticism from sports commentators.
Senior NFL writer Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports criticized reports regarding Watson's potential starting role, stating, "Hey, Deshaun Watson's gonna be on the roster next year, and he's a viable candidate to start."
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The winner of the training camp battle is scheduled to start the Browns' regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.
