While the Cleveland Browns are yet to name their QB1, many expect Deshaun Watson to beat out Shedeur Sanders. However, one analyst believes the franchise's new leadership could signal the beginning of the end for the veteran.

Stadium Rant writer Steven believes the notion that Deshaun Watson completely outplayed Shedeur Sanders during minicamp and OTAs is false. If that were the case, Todd Monken would have already named Watson the Browns' starting quarterback.

“If Watson had clearly outplayed Sanders in OTAs and minicamp, this competition would already be over. It is not over because Sanders would not let it be. Monken says he wants to see both passers in game-like settings, with pads, a real pass rush, and preseason snaps,” wrote Steven on July 13.

The Browns have completely revamped their coaching staff, and with Todd Monken as head coach and Travis Switzer as offensive coordinator, Deshaun Watson's future could hinge purely on merit, since he didn't play at all last season.

“That is fair. It also favors the guy [Sanders] who played seven real NFL games last season over the guy who has barely played in two years,” wrote Stadium Rant NFL insider Steven.

During the OTAs and minicamps, Watson statistically outperformed Sanders, completing 90 of 133 passes for 13 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, compared to Sanders' 79 of 113 for 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

While Watson has certainly impressed early, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot believes Sanders has narrowed the gap somewhat as well.

The training camps will decide who earns the QB1 role, but the numbers alone won't determine who becomes the starting quarterback.

NFL analyst says Deshaun Watson's popularity has put him on the back foot

Yes, the numbers support Watson's case for the QB1 role. But what also drags him down is the fact that he isn't nearly as popular as Shedeur Sanders. Last season, Sanders even surpassing elites like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in jersey sales.

According to a May 30 Sports Illustrated report, the QB cracked the top five in NFL jersey sales during his rookie season, something Watson has never achieved. For better or worse, fans love Sanders and have a strong emotional connection to him.

That's why Stadium Rant NFL insider Steven believes Watson won't be the Browns' QB1.

“Sanders is the quarterback the fanbase has invested in emotionally. He is the quarterback whose jersey sells. More importantly, he is the only quarterback on this roster with a realistic chance of being the answer in 2027 and beyond,” added Stadium Rant's Steven.

Deshaun Watson is already unpopular among fans due to the seasons he has missed, and naming him QB1 might not sit well with the fanbase.

That said, with the cards seemingly stacked against Watson, how do you think the Browns' QB race will conclude?

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit