The Cleveland Browns quarterback battle is in its early stages as training camp continues and preseason games loom. But it's a good time to take the temperature here: Who's winning so far between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel?
It's a good question and it seems messy at the moment. But let's start with what head coach Todd Monken has said about the plan for the QBs. Per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe on Tuesday, he'll start one of the quarterbacks for the first preseason game, then the other for the second and then "most likely" the leader in the clubhouse for contest No. 3.
Let's break down how each quarterback is doing so far below:
A glimpse into our early breakdown of Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson QB battle over Browns
live practice footage: pic.twitter.com/kHOx4Vrnzs
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 4, 2026
Deshaun Watson
Donovan McMillon with the pick off Deshaun Watson in the end zone #Browns: pic.twitter.com/GeEBmvsTLu
— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) August 1, 2026
The interceptions have been a problem. Maybe you chalk up some of that to rust after he missed all of last season, but it's not looking great for Watson so far. There have been reports of some fans booing at camp.
Shedeur Sanders
DAY 6 OF BROWNS TRAINING CAMP IS IN THE BOOKS! Here’s how the QBs performed in team drills (7v7 and 11v11). Shedeur Sanders took all the 1st team reps. pic.twitter.com/dVcrWjVrrd
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 4, 2026
With the Browns changing up who's getting first-team reps every day, it was Sanders who appeared to take a good step forward on Tuesday with the team in pads for the first time.
Dillon Gabriel
If Dillon Gabriel continues to stack days, he will get more reps according to Todd Monken #Browns.
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 3, 2026
(Music to @LanceReisland’s ears) pic.twitter.com/l6PSG383il
Monken spoke well of Gabriel, noting that he's played well and earned more reps. But there's a long way to go here. If Gabriel can do a lot in limited time and both Sanders and Watson fall behind, there's an opportunity to be had.
Context continues to matter when evaluating the Browns' quarterbacks. Dillon Gabriel has been outstanding through the first four days of camp. His footwork, fundamentals and mechanics have all stood out. His feet consistently match his eyes, and he appears to have an excellent…
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) August 3, 2026
That sounds pretty encouraging.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Who's winning Browns QB battle so far in training camp?
