The Cleveland Browns want Todd Monken to start this new era in the best possible way, though the new head coach-following Kevin Stefanski‘s departure-faces a situation similar to what they dealt with in 2025. There’s uncertainty at the quarterback position, with an open competition, and they must decide whether to pursue another QB in the NFL Draft to strengthen that room.
Within the organization, they shy away from the word “reconstruction,” though Monken agrees they need to add pieces and blend them as quickly as possible to build better team chemistry.
Will Deshaun Watson compete against Shedeur Sanders?
In the midst of NFL Combine week, the Browns must decide if they truly need to subject Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel to a real QB competition-even though many already seem to have forgotten about the latter.
Monken considers it an “open competition” and insists it’s not the coach who decides who plays, but the players themselves through their performance.
The feeling inside the franchise is that Dillon Gabriel cannot be overlooked overnight, though it’s not ruled out that they select another quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. In short, anything can happen with the Cleveland Browns.
Andrew Berry, for his part, made it clear they aren’t ruling out investing another Draft pick at the QB position, aware it’s the most decisive role in the NFL. Among mid-round options are names like Carson Beck and Drew Allar, while a Day 3 trade for a low-risk project-such as Anthony Richardson, who still has development upside-also can’t be dismissed.
In free agency, if the Browns don’t win the bidding for Malik Willis, they could lean toward experienced alternatives like Jacoby Brissett or Jameis Winston to bolster the training camp competition.
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