Pro Football Rumors
The Browns’ quarterback competition was not settled during spring practices. Training camp and, presumably, at least some of the preseason will be required before the team names Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders its 2026 starter.
Watson is seen by many as the leader at this point in the process. It appears as though that remains the case as Cleveland prepares for the start of training camp next month. However, Sanders has made a positive impression on Todd Monken and the rest of the Browns’ new coaching staff this spring.
“Deshaun Watson went into the spring as the clear favorite, and then Shedeur Sanders has bridged the gap at least somewhat,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said during a recent NFL Live appearance (video link). “I still believe Watson’s in a good position… But Sanders was decisive; I was told he’s got a presence about him that the coaching staff noticed that they might have underestimated a little bit.”
One year remains on Watson’s ill-fated extension, a fully guaranteed pact signed upon arrival in Cleveland. The former Texans Pro Bowler has made just 19 appearances with the Browns to date, missing time through suspension in 2022 and through injuries afterwards. Watson missed the entire 2025 campaign while recovering from two Achilles tears. A post-June 1 release next spring has long been anticipated in his case, although a second Browns contract has not been ruled out.
Sanders fell to the fifth round of last year’s draft. He found himself low on the team’s QB depth chart through training camp, but the trades sending away Kenny Pickett and then Joe Flacco cleared Cleveland’s logjam under center to a degree. After a brief starting spell from fellow 2025 draftee Dillon Gabriel, Sanders took over as the Browns’ QB1. The Colorado product made a total of seven starts to close out the campaign.
Using 2026 as an evaluation period for Sanders would help Cleveland prepare for a potential quarterback draft investment next year. The Browns have a pair of 2027 first-rounders thanks to the Myles Garrett trade, and the incoming class of passers is held in very high regard. Of course, putting Watson atop the depth chart would limit Sanders’ opportunities but a long starting stretch would inform any potential discussions on a new Cleveland deal.
Padded practices, along with the preseason, will be worth watching closely in the Browns’ case. Developments in the ongoing QB competition could see the pecking order change, especially if the momentum Sanders generated during the spring carries over.
