The Cleveland Browns QB1 competition is not yet settled, and Shedeur Sanders is determined to make the most of it. 

After being the starter quarterback for the Browns in seven games during his rookie year, Sanders is hoping to prove that he can be the QB1 for the upcoming season. Browns’ insider, Spencer German, revealed the Browns’ stance on Sanders and Deshaun Watson ahead of the 2026 season.

“Based on what we’ve seen (at the OTAs), I can tell you I think Deshaun kind of started the spring and even the last couple of weeks, has kind of been the most consistent of the quarterbacks,” said German on the Sports4CLE show yesterday. 

German noted that the insiders have no idea what the QBs' performances look like on the day the media isn’t allowed at the OTAs. His judgement of Watson’s consistency is based only on the performances he saw when at the Browns’ OTAs.

“You’d expect that from a guy who’s an eight-year veteran in the league that he would probably be the most consistent of the quarterbacks and looks pretty good at this time of the year,” added German to the conversation.

German’s update on the QB situation in Cleveland comes as disappointing news for Sanders, who has been vying for the starting QB position. 

Sanders’ first season saw him finish with a 3-4. He recorded 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions and a completion rate at 56.6%. With Deshaun Watson making a comeback during his second year, Sanders has a lot to prove against the veteran.

Per J R DeGroote of heavy.com, Watson gives the Browns’ quarterback room something that no other QB can, i.e., extensive starting experience. His dual-threat skill set aligns with head coach Todd Monken’s strategy for the offense.

German concluded by saying that there’s still some hope for the 24-year-old based on his performance and Monken’s comments after Wednesday's OTAs.

Sanders Makes a Strong Statement at the Browns’ OTAs

DeGroote reported that Sanders delivered one of his strongest performances during the OTAs on Wednesday. During the media-open session, Sanders completed seven of 15 passes for three touchdowns.

Sanders got everyone’s attention with his biggest throw on a deep ball to rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond along the sideline, confirmed DeGroote. His performance was a telling sign that the QB1 battle was far from being over.

“Every day I lean one way or the other with quarterbacks,” said Monken on Wednesday. “We have two starting-level quarterbacks.”

Monken had previously said that he would like to have the QB depth chart ready before training camp in July. However, with Sanders catching up to the competition, the timeline feels uncertain. 

Who do you think will be the starting QB for the Browns?

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi