After Deshaun Watson was spotted for the first time last December, after his injury, the quarterback debate in Cleveland is really heating up. Even after the arrival of rookie Shedeur Sanders, the Browns appear to hint that veteran Watson still holds the inside track as QB1.

On the May 25 episode of the Locked On Browns podcast, the NFL insider Spencer German discussed Cleveland's urgency to find stability under center before the franchise reaches another crossroads in the coming years.

"The Browns have been easing fans into the idea of Deshaun Watson starting for much of the offseason," the analyst stated. "I think soft launch is a good, maybe appropriate term for it, just to prepare for the possibility that he's going to start."

Over the last several days, support for Deshaun Watson has increasingly surfaced in public discussions. One of the Cleveland Browns co-owners also spoke on local radio, urging fans to back Watson should he win the quarterback competition.

Entering the final year of his fully guaranteed contract and finally healthy, Deshaun Watson now has a chance to reset under new coach Todd Monken. Even after four disappointing seasons in Cleveland, both sides are reportedly approaching the future with an open mind.

However, as per the analyst, the Browns are keeping the door open for competition.

"Shedeur Sanders is going to have a chance to prove himself," he said. "Sounds like Todd Monken's pretty impressed just overall with Shedeur Sanders."

Meanwhile, Sanders enters the NFL carrying major expectations after a productive last season in his college career. His accuracy, mobility, and poise made him one of the most talked-about rookie quarterbacks entering the draft. However, advancing to the NFL remains a challenge, especially in a crowded QB room.

The Browns prefer a veteran quarterback capable of managing high-pressure situations early in the season.

Todd Monken's Browns QB Decision May Not Carry as Much Weight as Expected

As the Browns quarterback battle continues, veteran columnist Terry Pluto believes the starter announcement may not be as significant as many fans expect.

"If you're wrong with one, you can just flip to the other," he said on his Terry's Talkin' podcast.

Pluto suggested that regardless of whether Monken chooses Watson or Sanders, the real focus should remain on the overall offensive system and long-term stability of the franchise.

At the moment, the emphasis is on taking command on Sept. 13 and delivering victories against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following week, as reported by Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.

Monken and the Browns see Watson as a viable option due to his experience across various systems and his success as a Pro Bowl quarterback.

What are your views on the Browns' inclination towards Watson over Sanders? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar