The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is a pressure cooker of faith, legacy, and raw potential. On one side, you have a veteran searching for redemption; on the other, a rookie phenom with a famous name and a new head coach who once tried to draft him. The recent news of Deshaun Watson‘s baptism in Israel and Todd Monken‘s candid admission about Shedeur Sanders isn’t just gossip—it’s a blueprint for the franchise’s most critical decision in years.
Table of Contents
- Watson’s Life-Changing Journey in Israel
- Monken and Sanders: A Past Connection Resurfaces
- The Cleveland Browns Quarterback Room in 2026
- What This Means for the Browns’ Future
- Sources
Watson’s Life-Changing Journey in Israel
In a move that has captivated both sports fans and the faithful, veteran Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been baptized in the Jordan River in Israel. This isn’t his first trip to the Holy Land for this purpose—he was previously baptized there in 2019—but his recent social media posts and public statements frame this latest experience as profoundly “life-changing” [[3]].
Watson, known for his devout Christian faith, shared photos from his pilgrimage, captioning them with reflections on his spiritual renewal. For a player whose career has been shadowed by controversy and a lengthy suspension, this public act of faith feels like more than a personal ritual. It reads as a statement of intent, a declaration that he is ready for a fresh start, both on and off the field [[7]].
This spiritual reset comes at a pivotal moment. With an $80 million cap hit looming, the Browns face immense pressure to decide Watson’s role for the 2026 season. Will he be the starter, a mentor, or an expensive insurance policy? His baptism may be a personal milestone, but in the context of the NFL, it’s impossible to separate from his professional future [[21]].
Monken and Sanders: A Past Connection Resurfaces
While Watson was seeking solace overseas, a fascinating revelation emerged back in Cleveland. New head coach Todd Monken, in a candid conversation with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, admitted, “We tried to draft you” [[11]]. This refers to Monken’s previous role with the Baltimore Ravens, who had serious interest in Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft before the Browns ultimately selected him in the fifth round [[13]].
This admission is a massive vote of confidence for the young Sanders. It signals that the new offensive architect in Cleveland sees something special in him—something he was willing to build around in Baltimore. For a rookie who spent his first season learning behind a veteran, this kind of endorsement from the head coach is invaluable.
It also creates a compelling narrative. The new coach has a clear, pre-existing belief in the rookie’s talent, while the veteran is publicly declaring a personal transformation. This sets up a classic NFL storyline: the seasoned pro versus the coach’s hand-picked prospect.
The Cleveland Browns Quarterback Room in 2026
The Browns’ 2026 offseason is dominated by one question: Who will be the starting Cleveland Browns quarterback in Week 1? The current QB room is a study in contrasts:
- Deshaun Watson: A three-time Pro Bowler with immense physical talent, but hampered by injuries and a massive contract. His future with the team is uncertain at best [[21]].
- Shedeur Sanders: A fifth-round pick with elite pedigree and a new head coach who believes in him. He showed flashes of progress in his rookie year, but needs a full offseason to develop [[25]].
- Potential 2026 Draft Pick: The Browns hold the No. 6 overall pick and are widely expected to select another quarterback, given the perceived weakness of their current options [[19]].
General Manager Andrew Berry has stated that the new coach will have a significant say in the final QB decision [[24]]. With Monken’s known interest in Sanders, the rookie is now firmly in the conversation for a legitimate shot at the starting job, especially if the team doesn’t land a blue-chip prospect in the draft.
What This Means for the Browns’ Future
The confluence of Watson’s spiritual journey and Monken’s past draft strategy creates a unique crossroads for the franchise. The Browns are at a point where they must choose between two paths:
- The Bridge Path: Keep Watson as a short-term starter/mentor while Sanders or a new rookie develops. This is a safe, but costly, approach that delays a true rebuild.
- The Full Rebuild Path: Move on from Watson, either via trade or release, and fully commit to a young quarterback under Monken’s new offensive system. This is risky but offers the clearest path to long-term success.
Watson’s baptism may symbolize his own readiness for a new chapter, but for the Browns, the real test of faith will be in their willingness to make a bold, definitive choice at the game’s most important position. The entire fanbase, from Dawg Pound loyalists to casual observers, will be watching closely to see if this spiritual and strategic drama translates into wins on the field. One thing is certain: the Cleveland Browns quarterback situation has never been more intriguing.
Summary
Deshaun Watson’s life-changing baptism in Israel and Todd Monken’s revealed past interest in drafting Shedeur Sanders have created a perfect storm in Cleveland. The Browns now face a monumental decision for their 2026 season, balancing a veteran’s quest for redemption against a new coach’s vision for the future. The outcome of this quarterback saga will define the franchise for years to come.
Sources
- [[3]] Threads post on Deshaun Watson’s baptism in Jerusalem, Israel.
- [[7]] Facebook post quoting Deshaun Watson on his readiness for the 2026 season post-baptism.
- [[11]] Facebook post detailing Todd Monken’s admission to Shedeur Sanders about draft interest.
- [[13]] Yahoo Sports article on the Ravens’ past interest in Shedeur Sanders.
- [[19]] Dawg Pound Daily article on the Browns’ 2026 draft position and QB plans.
- [[21]] Cleveland.com article on the Browns’ complicated Deshaun Watson plan for 2026.
- [[24]] ESPN article on Browns GM giving the new coach a say in the 2026 QB decision.
- [[25]] Bleacher Report article on Browns GM’s view of Shedeur Sanders’ progress.