Todd Monken Says Browns Can’t Keep All Four Quarterbacks

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Todd Monken Says Browns Can’t Keep All Four Quarterbacks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Aug 28, 2026 9:31 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns used Friday’s preseason game against New England to get a closer look at two young arms, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders held out of action entirely.

Dillon Gabriel got the start in their place, and the third-round pick from a year ago made the most of his time under center, going 12-of-15 for 186 yards and throwing all three of his touchdowns before halftime. Taylen Green took over from there, and while the sixth-round rookie’s numbers were modest, five completions on seven attempts for 27 yards, he was the game’s leading rusher, picking up 66 yards on eight carries.

Green had gone several days in camp without practice reps before Friday, making his showing stand out even more. The performances left Cleveland with a decision to make.

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson take part in a drill on the first day of minicamp USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Browns went through camp last year with four healthy quarterbacks on the roster, Sanders, Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett among them, before eventually trading Pickett to the Raiders ahead of final cuts. This year’s group appears to be trending toward the same outcome.

Browns reporter Tony Grossi asked Todd Monken on Friday how the two performances might factor into the quarterback room going forward, and the coach didn’t shy away from what’s coming.

“Dillon was very poised within himself, and then Taylen was going to have some splash plays, get him on the perimeter, use his athleticism, and keep working to refine his passing. It was fun to watch him play,” Monken said. “But just like every position, we’re going to have to cut it down. We can’t keep everybody.”

Watson and Sanders appear safe for now, barring something unexpected, which leaves Gabriel and Green as the two names in question.

If the Browns believe Watson and Sanders give it what it needs at the position this season, Gabriel could be the one on the outside looking in, with Green’s camp performance enough to lock down a spot as the third quarterback still developing behind the scenes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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