Photo by Erik Drost (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Browns keeping all 4 QB’s could pay off sooner rather than later as NFL injuries start

Cleveland has chosen to maintain an unusually deep four-man quarterback group heading into the opening slate of the 2026 campaign. Head coach Todd Monken officially selected veteran Deshaun Watson to start under center against the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving rookie Shedeur Sanders on the sideline despite Sanders turning in stronger preseason showings.

Watson's sizable $128 million contract ensures his roster security even if the franchise eventually turns over starting duties to Sanders. The setup has generated outside speculation regarding whether rival franchises facing quarterback ailments, such as Atlanta, might attempt to negotiate an exchange for Sanders.

Meanwhile, the remaining spots in the room feature Dillon Gabriel and first-year passer Taylen Green. Cleveland evaluated Gabriel's trajectory amidst trade chatter prior to Week 1, while coaching personnel also weighed using Green as a dynamic rushing option for short-yardage downs.

The logjam offers Cleveland an uncommon level of insurance across its depth chart, particularly as physical setbacks across the league begin reshuffling rosters right out of the gate.