​The Browns could become one of the most intriguing teams to watch during the 2026 NFL training camp period, and the focal point will be the quarterback competition. Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders has been a tight battle this offseason, with Todd Monken delaying a definitive starter announcement, a scenario that has kept the door open for Sanders to win the job. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon offered a bold yet increasingly plausible prediction: Sanders will emerge as the QB1 in Cleveland. While labeled bold, this projection aligns with realistic possibilities for the Browns’ second-year quarterback.
Gagnon’s forecast—“Shedeur Sanders wins starting quarterback job in Cleveland”—suggests that it could be too difficult for Watson to reclaim his status after an extended absence from the spotlight, and that Sanders possesses the tools to develop into a standout quarterback in the league. Although this is described as a bold prediction, it mirrors the current trajectory of the competition, which appears to be leaning in Sanders’ favor.
Sanders showed strong promise during OTAs and minicamp, and the indications have been that, had he not impressed, Watson might have already secured the QB1 role this offseason. As Sanders continues to make up ground in the battle, the possibility of him winning the job grows more tangible. The notion that Sanders could be the starters’ choice is not only plausible but increasingly likely given how the dynamics of the competition are shifting.
This scenario makes even more sense for the Browns’ long-term plans. Sanders’ upside surpasses Watson’s at this point in time, and he is significantly cheaper, earning a three-year stint with the team on his rookie contract. Even if Sanders faces some growing pains in 2026, giving him an opportunity to prove his worth this coming season is a more prudent move than extending another chance to Watson. Yet to secure that outcome, Sanders must win the QB competition, and training camp remains a critical period for him to seize the job.
Gagnon’s prediction—that the 2025 fifth-round pick defeats Watson—remains a very realistic forecast, even if it is labeled bold. In this moment, the Browns’ quarterback competition feels poised to tilt in Sanders’ favor if he continues to progress through camp and demonstrate he can lead the offense effectively.
For readers seeking the latest analysis and bold projections in the NFL, The Sporting News is a preferred source to reference. You can add The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. The coverage around the Browns’ quarterback competition and the broader implications for Cleveland’s offense will continue to evolve as training camp activities unfold, and Sanders’ performance in these sessions will be pivotal to determining the starting quarterback for the Browns in 2026.