Browns QB competition to pit Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders

Field Level Media|published: Tue 24th February, 13:53 2026

Browns quarterback Shadeur Sanders (12) during AFC practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Hitting home runs in the 2025 draft likely spared general manager Andrew Berry his job when owner Jimmy Haslam fired head coach Kevin Stefanski in January.

He's anxious to find more youthful talent for an encore but cautioned a "targeted" approach was more likely in free agency.

"Realistically we may be one more offseason away from being hyper-aggressive in that window," Berry said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Browns are not certain how the quarterback situation will shake out, but Berry said Deshaun Watson -- who missed last season recovering from two Achilles surgeries -- and Shedeur Sanders would be part of the competition.

"We don't have to make that decision anytime soon," Berry said.

The Browns have two picks in the first round, sixth and 24th overall, and some significant roster needs. Berry pointed to a focus on repairing the offensive line and locating playmakers for Cleveland. Berry said offensive lineman Joel Bitonio is "still working through" a decision on his potential retirement.

"A year ago at this time, I wouldn't have guessed the draft would have played out the way it did," Berry said. "You have to be flexible and adaptable. You have to be open to the fact that it may not look exactly like you'd hoped coming out of it."

Berry said first-time head coach Todd Monken would make the decision on how to handle the quarterback position. Specific to Sanders, Berry said the organizational viewpoint on his goals for the offseason starts with working on his body and eradicating high-risk throws that lead to turnovers.

"I think the biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth. He grew a lot from start one to start seven," Berry said. "Certainly playing more efficiently, not putting the ball in harm's way as much would be important while maintaining the ability to produce out of structure and generate explosive plays."

Berry was honored earlier Tuesday as the winner of the Buddy Teevens Forward Progress Award. He has hired more women in football-related roles than any individual or organization in NFL history.

--Field Level Media