The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the OTAs so they can finally address their quarterback situation. However, ESPN expert Tony Rizzo made his opinions clear about the competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. 

The longtime radio host returned to ESPN Cleveland on Monday. Rizzo wasted no time in addressing the QB1 situation at Cleveland. He discussed how Shedeur Sanders was treated like an 'intern' by the Browns last year.

“My guy (Shedeur) is like an intern,” Rizzo said. “You know what, it’s the coach’s job to go with the guy he thinks gives him the best chance to win.”

Rizzo further added that he’s aware that Watson has an advantage over Sanders because he’s a decade-long veteran in the NFL and a three-time Pro Bowler.

However, he also felt that the Browns treated Sanders like an 'intern' by giving him his starter QB position only after QB Joe Flacco was traded and QB Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. 

After getting drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was in the starting lineup in the middle of the season. The latter half of the season saw him playing eight games, out of which he started seven games.

Sanders recorded 1,400 yards, seven passing touchdowns and had a completion rate at 56.6%. He has a long way to prove the value he brings to the team, despite his strong numbers during his collegiate football career. 

In spite of Todd Monken not naming the starter QB yet, NFL analyst Daryl Ruiter says that Monken will most likely announce the new QB1 before the training camp begins in July.

All Eyes on Monken to Find the Browns’ Starting Quarterback

Tony Rizzo also brought up the Browns’ new HC, Todd Monken, who will be entering his first season with the Browns this year. He said that he has faith in Monken for not playing favorites but choosing the guy who gives the best winning chance.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated also voiced his opinions on the competition. He addressed Monken’s ability to make do with whichever quarterback he deems fit for the role.

“There’s going to be a lot of noise around the Browns quarterback situation, but I do believe head coach Todd Monken is going to be fair about it,” Breer said. “And the cool thing about it is, if you look at the new Browns coach’s history, he has enough schematic clubs in his bag to make it work for whoever he picks.”

There is indeed a lot of noise in the Browns quarterback situation. Many NFL experts and insiders have shared their preferred choice for the Browns' QB1. 

Who is your choice between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders for the QB1 for the 2026 season?

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Rishab Nandi