BEREA, Ohio - The Cleveland Browns open training camp under the shadow of a recurring franchise issue.

What approach is Cleveland taking with the quarterback spot?

For the second consecutive season, the Browns will run an open competition for the top quarterback role throughout camp. New head coach Todd Monken will lead the process, focused on nine-year pro Deshaun Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. The pair divided first-team snaps during spring sessions. Their performances led Monken to note he has two quarterbacks ready to start, yet he delayed any decision on the starter until evaluating them in full pads and possibly during preseason contests this summer.

The Browns' quarterback situation involves more than just the starter. The group also features Dillon Gabriel, a 2025 third-round selection who started six games as a rookie, along with Taylen Green, a sixth-round choice from the April draft. The team dealt with a similar setup last year, beginning camp with four available passers before trading Kenny Pickett near the roster deadline.

Here is the status of each quarterback as camp begins Wednesday:

Deshaun Watson | Age: 30

Stat to know: Watson's 33.1 Total QBR since his Cleveland debut would place last among qualifying quarterbacks if he had sufficient starts to qualify.

Once a standout talent in the league, Watson's career now sits at a crossroads. After a suspension and multiple injuries, he has appeared in just 19 games since the Browns traded three first-round picks and signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal in March 2022. His most recent issue - a torn Achilles tendon that needed two operations - kept him out for the 2025 season. In his 19 games with the Browns (9-10 record), Watson has thrown only 19 touchdowns and has not returned to his earlier Pro Bowl level.

Watson is now healthy and eager to work with an offensive-minded coach experienced with mobile quarterbacks. Browns coaches noted his mechanics and athletic traits during the spring, but the key will be translating that into game action where consistency has been an issue lately.

"Deshaun's athleticism shows up," Monken said in May. "Obviously he's had that, but he's had injuries that have set him back. I wouldn't say it's a surprise, but it's exciting to see - it's a weapon for him. It's one of his superpowers, his athleticism."

Shedeur Sanders | Age: 24

Stat to know: Sanders posted an average time to throw of 3.24 seconds, the longest among 38 quarterbacks with at least six starts in 2025.

Sanders arrived in Cleveland last year under intense scrutiny despite his fifth-round draft position. His drop from a likely first-round projection to a Day 3 pick increased the focus on him, especially as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. He received no first-team reps in camp and began the 2025 season as the inactive emergency quarterback.

Sanders climbed the depth chart and entered in Week 11 against the Ravens, going 4-of-16 for 47 yards and an interception in his debut. He recovered the next week with a win in his first start versus the Las Vegas Raiders and held the top role for the final seven games. His stretch included a 3-4 record with victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.

Coaches praised Sanders' progress in the offseason program, especially his command of Monken's scheme and faster progression reads. Still, noncontact work differs from facing live rushes. Sanders must balance structure with his playmaking ability.

"I think he's being more decisive," Monken said in June. "Now, it's easy to say we're not in pads. It just feels like he's making quicker decisions. The ball's coming out of his hands, which he's going to have to do. Not that he doesn't have playmaking ability, because he does, but his ability to process quicker and get the ball out of his hands and eliminate lost yardage plays is going to be huge for us to be able to stack plays and score, which is ultimately the No. 1 thing here."

Dillon Gabriel | Age: 25

Stat to know: Gabriel averaged 5.7 air yards per attempt last season, the lowest among 38 quarterbacks with at least six starts.

The Browns drafted Gabriel on Day 2 last year, and the prior staff gave him first-team work in camp while naming him backup to Joe Flacco. He entered last year's camp as a roster lock due to his draft spot and spring positioning. This year his spot is less secure with Sanders and Watson ahead and Green added. Gabriel showed precision at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon but played conservatively in his six rookie starts. His accuracy and choices must stand out given his limited athletic traits.

"He may be forgotten externally, but he's not forgotten to us," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in February. "[He's] going to handle everything within his control ... Dillon's a guy that has a bright future in this league."

Taylen Green | Age: 23

Stat to know: Green produced 7,247 total yards over two seasons at Arkansas, second in the SEC since 2024 and behind only former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia.

The Browns added Green with their last pick of the 2026 draft. Berry highlighted the 6-foot-5, 227-pound quarterback's 4.36-second 40-yard dash time at the combine and noted his "rare physical gifts" while adding he needs polish. Those remarks point to a likely redshirt year for the rookie if he secures a roster spot. Monken has mentioned shortening Green's long release.

Monken and Berry may use Green's traits in specific packages, but he needs to show passing growth this summer to earn a roster spot and game-day activity. With limited reps while Sanders and Watson battle for the start, preseason games offer key chances for Green.

"I've been super impressed with his ability to really learn, process and take it to the field and then getting through his progressions, really impressive," Monken said in May.