Shedeur Sanders’ confidence – no matter how overly-zealous some have argued it to be – could ultimately win him the Cleveland Browns’ QB1 role. At least that’s what NFL insider Cameron Wolfe thinks. Sanders is a confident quarterbackGettyNew Browns head coach Todd Monken has yet to make a formal decision over who will be his starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, though it is expected to be either Sanders or $230 million Deshaun Watson. Dillon Gabriel is also on the roster, though it appears that he is trailing far behind in the pecking order, having been dealt a double-blow as his No. 8 jersey was handed straight to Jared Verse following the Browns’ blockbuster trade of Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. While varying reports have surfaced over recent weeks that indicate that veteran QB Watson holds a slight edge over his younger, though more high-profile, teammate, the race to be named QB1 is far from over. “It’s actually pretty wide open, I know there were a lot of early conversations about this is Deshaun Watson’s job to lose,” Wolfe said.“But from what I understand, Shedeur Sanders has had a really strong last few weeks of OTAs. “I’ve talked to people with the Browns who have said that Shedeur’s really impressed them, he is progressing really well.”“A little bit deeper into that, what does that mean?,” Wolfe continued. “The biggest thing is they’ve seen him grow as he progresses down the field as a quarterback.“Sometimes he holds onto the ball too long. Talking to people there who really have an impact on this decision, they have seen him grow in his processing. “And I also have heard there’s something about him – ‘aura’ is a good word is what I was told there. So, look, do not count out Shedeur Sanders in this race. …“Todd Monken said early on in the off-season that he would love to have a decision before training camp. It sounds like that may be pushed back, and I think that’s because of Shedeur Sanders’ work there.”Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns are battling to be named QB1GettyDillon Gabriel seems to be out of contentionGettyMonken warming to SandersWhile Watson sat out the 2025 season as he continued his path to recovery after a torn Achilles, Sanders had a trepid to start to his rookie campaign when he suffered an all-time slide down to the fifth round – 144th overall pick – in the NFL Draft.He then had to fight his way up the depth chart starting as the fourth-string. But Sanders’ hard work in practice – and patience – eventually paid off when he got the opportunity to take to the field for the very first time in his career in Week 11, albeit at the cost of a concussion to Gabriel. Despite a shaky start on debut, although an argument could be made that he was not afforded the best preparation due to reports stating he hadn’t ever trained with the first-team offense prior to that game, the young signal caller eventually grew into the role. Sanders would see out the remainder of the season as the starter, in which he passed for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns, seeing him earn a Pro Bowl replacement nod, much to the dismay of many around the NFL. Now in Year 2, the 23-year-old is not letting up at OTAs as he seeks to keep his starting spot over an established veteran in Watson. Monken has taken a particular liking to Sanders of lateGettyHis work on the field has not gone unnoticed by his head coach.“Shedeur’s really come on. I thought he had a really good day today,” Monken said on Wednesday. “I think some of that was some of the decision-making. I think speed up moving through his progressions. I think the more reps you get, the more comfortable you get in progressing. … “He’s still a young developmental player that I think has come a long way. And I think he’s got a huge upside.”Only time will tell on whether it is enough for Sanders to be named Monken’s starter for Week 1. Stay up to date on all things NFL across our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET.