BEREA, Ohio — Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Monday which quarterback will start Saturday's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, providing the clearest signal yet of Cleveland's plans at the position.
The Browns entered training camp without a settled starter after offseason turnover. Deshaun Watson continues his recovery from injury, while rookie Shedeur Sanders and veteran additions have competed for repetitions throughout camp.
Stefanski said the coaching staff intended to give multiple quarterbacks meaningful snaps across the preseason schedule. General manager Andrew Berry has repeatedly stressed that the club would evaluate the position through live game action before naming a Week 1 starter.
The announcement carries outsized significance for a franchise seeking stability at quarterback after years of instability. Sanders, selected in the 2025 draft, has drawn intense attention from Browns supporters eager to see the rookie tested against an NFL defense.
Cleveland opens its preseason slate against Chicago before continuing evaluations later in August. The Browns begin their regular season the following month, leaving Stefanski limited time to resolve the competition.