Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Travis Switzer just stalled the Deshaun Watson narrative. While insiders suggested Watson held the edge, Switzer claims the 2026 battle with Shedeur Sanders remains a pressing matter.

“I don’t know that we have somebody who’s ahead,” Switzer told Browns writer Zac Jackson.

Switzer’s admission is a stark contrast to multiple reports, most notably insider Mary Kay Cabot’s, indicating that Watson has taken the lead over Sanders. Over a month ago, on April 29, Cabot reported how the Browns are taking shape in the Berea minicamp.

“Deshaun Watson emerged from the Browns’ voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition — and has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1, sources tell cleveland.com,” she wrote.

The franchise has remained tight-lipped on one of its most pressing matters, especially given the stakes. However, if Switzer’s statement is true, it reignited Sanders’ hopes for winning the QB1 position against his veteran counterpart. 

The odds have stacked against the 24-year-old Sanders who did not get to play until Week 10 last year in his rookie season. He passed for 1,400 yards and threw seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He is now up against Watson, who has entered his final season of his five-year, $230 million contract.

The race between Watson and Sanders has been a constant headline this offseason, as both QBs are turning heads in the OTAs.

Travis Switzer Reveals What Progress The Quarterbacks Have Made So Far

On May 27, Zac Jackson shared an X post about the conversation he had with Cleveland Browns’ offense coordinator Travis Switzer. 

“We are making good progress. We are off to a good start. Stuff to clean up, but off to a good start,” he wrote.

Last week, a frustrated Todd Monken described his passers’ performance as “embarrassing” for throwing interceptions in the 7-on-7 plays. The Browns have four quarterbacks at present: Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and 2026 draft pick Taylen Green. 

Reports also suggest that the Browns will decrease their QB roster to just three names by trading Gabriel. While it is not yet confirmed, Jackson suggested it could be an imminent change.

With Week 1 approaching, both quarterbacks remain locked in a stalemate for the starting role. What are your thoughts?

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community! 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar