​According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, Deshaun Watson showed inconsistency during OTAs while competing with Shedeur Sanders for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job, making his Week-to-week status far from guaranteed ahead of training camp. The veteran, who missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from an Achilles injury, has limited appearances since arriving in Cleveland due to suspensions and injuries, logging just 19 games. Since his Browns debut, Watson has posted a 33.1 Total QBR, the lowest mark among qualified passers, with 3,365 passing yards and 19 touchdowns to go with 12 interceptions as a Clemson product in Cleveland.
Looking ahead, the Browns will decide between Watson and Sanders for the starting role next season. Watson has expressed a strong desire to start, emphasizing that every locker-room member should aim to be a starter in the NFL and that proving himself on Sundays remains his main objective as he works to return to form. “That’s why we show up each and every day, to be able to go out there and perform on Sundays or whatever that day is,” he said. “So yeah, it’s definitely the main focus of why I work hard to come back.” The Browns restructured Watson’s contract in March, signaling that 2026 will likely be his final year with the team and freeing nearly $36 million in cap space. His 2026 cap hit was projected to be $80.7 million, the largest in the league, though the final guaranteed year sits at $44.9 million.
Sanders, a rookie, finished his first season with 1,400 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 169 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, posting a 3-4 record as a starter. Among Browns fans, there is a strong preference for Sanders to start, given concerns about Watson’s performance since the trade and past off-field issues. As for Browns coverage and fan discussion, Brown’s Roundtable offers a community and message board for ongoing conversation. If you’re looking to engage with fellow Browns fans, consider joining the community for free by selecting the “Join” option at the top of the page.