Browns begin 2026 training camp under new coach, quarterback competition intensifies
Cleveland starts its 2026 camp on July 28 with first-year head coach Todd Monken, while the quarterback position remains undecided between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders after the trade of Myles Garrett.
Cleveland will hold its 2026 training camp from July 28 to Aug. 25 at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, marking the first camp for new head coach Todd Monken. Monken, who previously served as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator and was Cleveland’s offensive coordinator in 2019, inherits a roster that has lost two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
The quarterback battle remains open as Monken has not named a starter. Deshaun Watson, entering the final year of his $230 million contract, is healthy after two Achilles surgeries that kept him out for the 2025 season. He brings nine years of experience but has seen limited action since 2022. Shedeur Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick who started seven games as a rookie, has impressed coaches with his grasp of the offense and could contend for the starting role.
On defense, the Browns added two-time Pro Bowler defensive end Jared Verse after trading Garrett, and they will be led by first-time defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who succeeded Jim Schwartz. Rutenberg says the defensive scheme will stay largely the same while incorporating his own adjustments.
Monken believes the offensive line is largely set, with left tackle Spencer Fano and newcomers right tackle Tytus Howard, left guard Zion Johnson and interior lineman Elgton Jenkins forming the core. The team will evaluate interior linemen for the final starter spot, with Luke Wypler, rookie Parker Brailsford, Teven Jenkins and KT Leveston in the mix.
The wide receiver group, which ranked last in 2025 for yards and touchdowns, was bolstered by first-round pick KC Concepcion and second-round pick Denzel Boston. Both are expected to contribute alongside veteran Jerry Jeudy, who is looking to rebound from a difficult 2025 season.
Cleveland’s preseason schedule includes a game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15 and joint practices with the Buffalo Bills before the Aug. 22 preseason matchup. The Browns will also finalize a 53-man roster, with projections that include three quarterbacks—Watson, Sanders and rookie Taylen Green—among other positional depth charts.