The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 season with one of the NFL’s most intriguing quarterback competitions, as uncertainty surrounds who will ultimately claim the starting job. With Deshaun Watson returning from injury, there are still questions about who will be starting at quarterback in Week 1 this season for the Browns. Regardless of who starts week one (and when it is announced), which of Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or Watson will start the most games this season?
Gabriel likely sits third
on the depth chart, considering Sanders overtook him during the 2025 season. It seems to be a two-man competition between Watson and Sanders. Watson has had a history of injuries throughout both his collegiate and professional career, so even if he gets the starting job for Week 1, there are no guarantees that he stays healthy for the entirety of the season.
Sanders has the best chance of playing the most games in 2026 for several reasons. The team likely wants to continue evaluating and developing him, even if it doesn’t view him as its long-term starting quarterback. It would make sense for the team to continue developing him, as he could eventually become a reliable backup or a valuable trade asset.
Let me know what you think in the comments – Who starts more games in 2026: Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or Deshaun Watson?
