New Browns HC Todd Monken explains the approach to evaluating Deshaun Watson ahead of the 2026 NFL season

New Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken still has faith in $230 million quarterback Deshaun Watson.

As the team begins a new chapter in the post-Kevin Stefanski era, there are questions about who will take over as the starting quarterback in 2026. Over the past few days, multiple reports indicate that rookie Shedor Sanders will compete with Deshaun Watson for the starting job.

On Wednesday, during an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Todd Monken said he’s not yet ready to write off the $230 million quarterback.

“I think any time you have a player that has shown a skill set at an elite level, you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get those skills out of them again,” Monken said. “And I think that’s the way you should look at every player. I said it, you guys heard me say it, and I’ll let it unfold.

“I think it would be quite unfair as in any classroom, you will obviously have some preconceived notions because we have prior clues. But I don’t decide who plays. The players decide who plays.”

Deshaun Watson was impressive during his tenure with the Houston Texans from 2017 to 2021. He recorded 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns before being traded to the Browns in 2022. However, since then, the quarterback’s performance has taken a huge hit.

Watson suffered several injuries which limited his playing time on the field. In three years, he made just 19 appearances. The quarterback missed the entire 2025 season after re-rupturing his right Achilles tendon.

Read also: Todd Monken reveals his true feelings on joining John Harbaugh at Giants before getting the Browns HC job

Read also: ‘He didn’t get it right’: NFL analyst gets real about Shedeur Sanders’ chances of becoming Browns QB1 after Todd Monken becomes HC

Todd Monken shares his thoughts on former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

The Browns already have Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson as part of their quarterback room. However, there is the potential to add more depth through this year’s draft.

On Wednesday, Todd Monken shared his thoughts on former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. He is considered the second-best quarterback in this year’s draft behind 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

“I loved Ty when he was coming out,” Monken said. “I really like Ty, and obviously he’s a really good football player. Excited for him because in this day and age, for him to stick around the entire time like he did at Alabama and then get a chance to be the starting quarterback is pretty cool.”

Todd Monken and the Browns have two first-round picks (No. 6 and No. 24) in this year’s draft. Will they use this to acquire Ty Simpson and bolster their quarterback depth chart?