The Browns have had a busy offseason with roster changes and rookie additions, but their biggest decision remains unresolved. As Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson compete for the starting quarterback job, an NFL analyst has backed the former for the QB1 spot.

Moe Moton of the Bleacher Report included the Browns in his analysis of the five worst offenses in the NFL ahead of their training camp. Moton opined that Sanders should start over Watson even if the QB1 battle continues through the preseason. 

“Owner Jimmy Haslam already said the team ‘took a big swing and miss’ on the trade for Watson. Cleveland needs to see what Sanders can do in a full season as the starter before the 2027 Draft,” wrote Moton on June 30.

Moton's take on Sanders in the Bleacher Report article sheds light on the fact that if Sanders performs well, the Browns won’t have to pick a quarterback during the 2027 NFL Draft. If he struggles, they can go for a quarterback pick next year. 

Zac Jackson of The Athletic shared on June 12 that although Watson looked healthy and confident returning to camp for the 2026 season, he lacked consistency and accuracy.

On the other hand, Sanders made progress compared to the April OTAs by becoming a more confident and accurate passer.

"I think he's had an excellent spring," Browns' general manager Andrew Berry told 92.3 "The Fan" in June. "I think he did a phenomenal job this offseason."

During the spring, Sanders focused on moving through his progressions faster and tightening his footwork while learning Monken's system.

"He's done a great job of defining his footwork, playing with a base, learning the offense, working his butt off to really master his craft," quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian said, as reported by ESPN.

FOX Sports Eric Williams, too, pointed out reasons why Sanders should get the chance to be the QB1.

Sanders is due to earn just over $1 million in Year 2 of his rookie contract, making him a budget-friendly option for the Browns to develop. And with nine picks in next year's draft, Cleveland could still move for a quarterback if Sanders or Watson fails to seize the job.

As the chances of Shedeur increase, Watson is not willing to leave his ground.

Browns insider reports Watson is determined to win the QB1 spot

Browns insider, Mary Kay Cabot, reported on July 1 that Watson is putting in all efforts to bag the QB1 job.

The quarterback returned to the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, earlier this week to train with his physical therapist, Billy Voltaire, and his coach, Quincy Avery. 

“Despite the Browns being in the midst of their seven-week summer break, Watson opted to spend one of his off weeks here working on some of the things he learned during spring ball and training with some of his teammates,” wrote Cabot via cleveland.com.

Cabot added that after this week, Watson is set to host a few of his offensive teammates, including Sanders, for a passing camp in South Florida in mid-July. The veteran quarterback is “determined as ever” to win the starting job, concluded Cabot. 

What do you think of Shedeur Sanders' chances to be the QB1 in the Browns camp? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar