The Cleveland Browns have a crowded quarterback room heading into the preseason, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders fighting for the QB1 spot. Head coach Todd Monken has stressed progress across the group while leaving the starting decision open.
This approach has not convinced everyone around the team, with one Browns analyst questioning whether Watson can still provide enough value to justify the preference.
Ken Carman Questions Browns’ Faith in Deshaun Watson
Browns analyst Ken Carman pushed back on the optimism surrounding Watson during an appearance on “The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima.”
Carman questioned whether Watson remains capable of delivering at the level Cleveland expects, especially with rookie Sanders competing for the same opportunity.
“I don’t think (Deshaun) really is capable,” Carman said. “Does anybody else think he is? How many times are we gonna be fooled?”
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He also suggested that Monken’s positive comments could simply show the coach’s responsibility to work with Watson rather than a firm belief that the quarterback has returned to his best form.
“Maybe Todd Monken really does feel that way. You’re a coach, coach him up,” Carman added. “I don’t think anybody believes that.”
He then delivered his strongest assessment of Watson’s current situation and said, “Sometimes it’s just gone, and I think it’s gone for him.”
“I don’t think (Deshaun) really is capable. Does anybody else think he is? How many times are we gonna be fooled? Maybe Todd Monken really does feel that way…you’re a coach, coach him up. I don’t think anybody believes that. Sometimes it’s just gone and I think it’s gone for… https://t.co/ppvv2KWBQe pic.twitter.com/UbUjnJPs3N
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 12, 2026
Monken’s assessment paints a different picture. Speaking about the quarterback room with the media during training camp, he praised the progress of each player while acknowledging Watson’s experience.
“Deshaun has obviously played a lot of football in a number of systems. So, early on, he was certainly gonna be ahead,” Monken said. “He hasn’t played a lot of football in the last few years. And so he is certainly capable of improving in a lot of aspects of his game, not only operation, but I think he’s healthy for the first time, but then his playmaking ability, his ability to work through progressions.”
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Sanders, who ranked second-worst in the league last season in the PFN NFL QB Impact Rankings, also received a positive assessment from the Browns coach, although not as strong as Watson’s.
“Shedeur, from the moment I got here until now, in terms of his drops, in terms of working through his progressions, in terms of checking the ball down, eliminating sacks, protecting the football, and I’m just talking about that part of it and throwing it,” Monken said.
“Then in the huddle, the command of the huddle, in and out of it, eliminating anxiety at the line of scrimmage for himself, really has improved, and I’m excited to see him play,” the Browns HC added.
“I think all the QBs have done a great job. Starting with Taylen, doesn’t get a ton of reps, super smart, think he’s got a bright future. Dillon has handled it great. Shedeur, from the moment I got here until now, in terms of his drops, working through his progressions,… pic.twitter.com/gBOGoaToos
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 11, 2026
This progress matters because Cleveland has not officially handed the job to Watson. The team’s first unofficial depth chart listed Watson or Sanders at QB1, while Dillon Gabriel followed them, and Taylen Green remained further down the depth chart.
Watson has received most of the first-team work recently, but Sanders continues to compete for opportunities. Gabriel has also complicated the picture after performing well enough in camp to earn additional second-team repetitions.
The first preseason game could therefore provide an important evaluation point. Cleveland will travel to Chicago to face the Bears on August 15, giving Monken live-game snaps to assess the quarterbacks.
For Carman, however, the central issue remains whether Watson’s past reputation should outweigh what Sanders can offer.
The Browns have kept the competition open, but the growing contrast between Monken’s assessment and Carman’s criticism ensures the quarterback battle will remain under scrutiny.
