Todd Monken, the Browns’ head coach, indicated on Monday that Green could be used in a limited, high-impact role. He suggested that the team might have a package in which Green slots into certain plays, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone scenarios or in wildcat-type looks. Green’s rare combination of size and speed makes him an appealing weapon in those situations. The 6-foot-6 quarterback ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds and flashed notable athleticism in the preseason finale, where he collected eight carries for 66 yards and helped cap a 98-yard drive against the New England Patriots. He also completed 5 of 7 passes for 27 yards in that appearance.
However, integrating Green into a game plan adds a layer of complexity due to the NFL’s emergency quarterback rule. If Cleveland designates Green as its inactive emergency passer for Week 1, he cannot enter the game for a specialized package. In that scenario, the Browns would need to activate Green for the game so he could contribute. This would potentially force Cleveland to make a tough roster decision about whether to keep three quarterbacks active or to designate Green strictly as a situational option. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot outlined the considerations the team is weighing, noting that the Browns could opt to designate Green as the No. 2 quarterback in Jacksonville to allow him to contribute in wildcat and other special situations, while Sanders remains the primary backup in the event of Watson’s needs or limitations.
The strategic tension here is clear: the Browns want to maximize Watson’s productivity while also exploring Green’s dynamic potential in game-specific packages. If Watson’s injury history or current status warrants more protection, activating Green as a second quarterback could be a prudent hedge. Yet, there is a counterbalance in the form of risk: relying on Green in a Week 1 matchup demanding precise execution could leave Cleveland vulnerable if Watson’s condition improves or if an in-game substitution becomes necessary.
Shedeur Sanders has been a central figure in the quarterback competition during the offseason. Sanders pushed Deshaun Watson throughout training camp and made the competition tight enough that head coach Monken chose Watson as the starter after Cleveland’s second preseason game. In the preseason, Sanders completed 15 of 22 passes for 153 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, showing both potential and areas for growth. In the most extended look of the summer, Sanders delivered a solid performance against the Bills, finishing 9 of 11 for 74 yards before an interception on a tipped ball in the red zone. His earlier 2025 rookie campaign featured seven starts, with a 56.6% completion rate, 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions as Cleveland went 3-4 in those games.
Monken has spoken positively about Sanders, noting that the quarterback has closed the gap on the competition. He described Sanders as a sponge who should continue to improve with more game experience. On August 24, Monken praised Sanders for closing the gap with Watson, underscoring the organization’s belief in the young signal-caller’s long-term potential. The Browns remain optimistic about Sanders’ trajectory, emphasizing the value of continuing development and opportunities to grow into a more prominent role should the team need him to step up.
The Week 1 game against Jacksonville will be telling in multiple respects. If Watson is healthy enough to start and the offense can execute at an acceptable level, Sanders may remain in a reserve role. If the offense struggles or if there are concerns about Watson’s health given his recent injury history and surgeries, the team could be compelled to adjust its approach, potentially elevating Sanders or utilizing Green in more specialized packages. The Browns will then host the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, with the home opener representing a chance to answer questions about quarterback depth and how the team intends to leverage its varied talents at the position.
Overall, the Browns are balancing two core objectives: preserving Watson’s reliability and long-term readiness while exploring creative ways to exploit Green’s upside in specific packages. Sanders’ development remains a priority, and the team has repeatedly indicated that he is progressing, with confidence that his growth trajectory will continue as he gains more experience and exposure to NFL-level playmaking. The dynamic surrounding the quarterback room underscores Cleveland’s broader strategy: maximize the present while laying the groundwork for sustainable quarterback depth in the years ahead. As Week 1 approaches, the team will finalize its active roster decisions and determine whether Green’s unique capabilities will become a defined component of the game plan or remain a potential red-zone or emergency-play option on the sidelines.
