The Browns are yet to settle the debate about whether their QB1 will be between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with many known entities already giving their take. Now, NFL analyst Kristopher Knox weighed in with his predictions.

With Watson reportedly close to being the QB1, Knox doesn’t have high expectations from Cleveland and predicts the same 5-12 for the 2026 season, too, just like in 2025. 

“With Watson emerging as the early front-runner, it’s fair to wonder if the Browns will be trying to win in 2026 or if they’re setting the table for the 2027 QB,” said Kristopher Knox of the Bleacher Report as per an X post.

Bryce Lazenby of The Sporting News reported that Knox’s concern is legitimate. Although considered a leading favorite, Watson hasn’t hit the field since 2024. His performances with the Browns haven’t been great, with just 19 touchdowns for the franchise since 2022.

The news of Watson potentially becoming the Browns’ QB1 in 2026 first broke in April by Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns’ insider journalist. Cabot reported that Watson had an edge over Sanders at the voluntary minicamp and had the inside track to become the starting QB. 

Knox’s report concluded by stating that Watson needs to live up to his 2018-20 Pro Bowl honors and outperform this season, or it’s going to be tough for fans to place confidence in him now in his last year of contract.

On the other hand, he added that Shedeur Sanders could show some hope if he had a better team around him. 

As the prediction settled in, various fans made their voices heard about how next year could go, and what they were thinking of in terms of the bigger picture.

Browns Fans’ Mixed Reactions to Predictions About the Browns' 2026 Season 

Fans of the Browns took to X to share their reactions under “The Dawgs - A Cleveland Browns Podcast” post.

“Special teams cost us at least two games last year. With improved special teams alone, we’ll improve on last year’s record,” commented one fan. “Factor in new coaching, improved o-line, infusion of new offensive talent and strength of schedule, even a blind man can see more wins this year.”

While some considered the new changes to the team, some expressed their continued frustration over the last few seasons.

“I’ve stopped caring who the QB is. I just want to watch wins now. Don’t tell me about the 2027 Draft,” said a frustrated fan.

There were also those who could see how it could be strategic not to have the best 2026 season.

“I can be patient with another losing season if they are moving forward and trying something new… if they put Watson out there, they better be winning,” added another fan.

Meanwhile, the reactions naturally leaned towards whether last year's rookie Shedeur Sanders could be given the green signal soon.

“Need Shedeur to start- brings energy and players play hard around him. Watson has his time and money. End the Watson book and start a new novel with Shedeur,” wrote a fan.

One fan ended on an optimistic note for the 2026 season.

“The Browns have the third-easiest schedule in the NFL. We won five games with three quarterbacks last year. Our offense is going to be better this year. 12-5 2026 GO BROWNS!” the comment read.

As the 2026 season unfolds, it’ll be interesting to see if these predictions come true, to what extent, and how the team fares ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote