The start of the Cleveland Browns 2026 quarterback competition has looked a lot like the 2025 QB competition. With no real certainty, no certainty of a quality starter, and a number of players competing for the starting job, HC Todd Monken has started things out very similarly to former HC Kevin Stefanski.
There are a couple of differences, besides the coaches and the seemingly upgraded offense this year. Monken’s version has helmet cams and a big, athletic quarterback, Taylen Green. The Browns current QB depth chart does include three from last year’s roster: Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson (on injured reserve all season last year), and Dillon Gabriel.
While many expect Gabriel to be the odd man out, Adam Schefter quickly reported that Cleveland is not planning to trade him:
Despite drafting QB Taylen Green today, the Browns say they have no plans to trade QB Dillon Gabriel. https://t.co/7FWsRwlTK0
Shortly after drafting Green, GM Andrew Berry told the media that the plan was to head into the spring and training camp with those four quarterbacks on the roster:
Full answer from Browns GM Andrew Berry on the state of the QB room. Didn't want to say anything definitively, but emphasized that the current plan is to roll with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green https://t.co/MUi545De55 pic.twitter.com/dFNj2xztmY
— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) April 25, 2026
Green and Gabriel are completely different when it comes to measurables:
Taylen Green was drafted in round 6 with pick 182 in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 1128 QB from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/yGTC3WwB5Y pic.twitter.com/UZcKIzmu7k
Dillon Gabriel is a QB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He does not qualify for a #RAS due to a lack of measurements.https://t.co/kwfjH5SUlL pic.twitter.com/KkvtsrDNEh
The wording of Schefter’s report leaves room for a trade to still happen, as “they have no plans to trade” last year’s third-round pick. Plans can change. Given the uncertainty, including the new offensive system, any outcome in the quarterback room would make sense. Green, as Monken was a part of drafting him, may have the best odds to stick on the roster in 2026.