The Cleveland Browns’ drawn-out competition for the starting quarterback position might’ve reached a new turning point, but not on a good note for four-year player Deshaun Watson.

The latest report suggesting Watson’s name at the top of the depth chart has left fans deeply unhappy with a shout for a QB1 role from Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot.

On 29 April, Browns reporter Cabot made an X post, rallying behind Watson after reports suggested that he outshone Shedeur Sanders. 

“With my breaking news here that Deshaun Watson has taken the lead over Shedeur Sanders in the #Browns QB competition and has the inside track to win it, I think they should declare him QB1 asap and let the 1st team offense start to cook.”

Cabot’s post followed up on her report detailing how the voluntary minicamp at Berea panned out. 

On Cleveland.com, Cabot wrote that, according to sources, Watson “has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1” and “Sanders has about six weeks to close the gap and try to overtake the former three-time Pro Bowler.”

Watson, 30, would be returning to the field for the first time since he hurt his Achilles tendon in a no-contact play in October 2024.

He sat out the 2025 season entirely after re-rupturing and undergoing surgery in January last year. 

Now, he’s been cleared to play in what could be his last season with the Browns. Watson, who began his career with the Houston Texans on a stunning note, was traded to the Browns in 2022 for five years. 

In his absence, the Browns have had eight QBs (including Joe Flacco and Gabriel Dillon) play for them, with Sanders, the 2025 pick, ending the season as the starter with 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns.

But the latest report suggests otherwise and has upset fans, who did not expect this turnout.

Fans Don’t Want Deshaun Watson As The QB1

Under Cabot’s X post, fans expressed their disapproval of the reported development.

“Deshaun has set the browns back 10 years and now you’re telling me it it’ll be 10 more…,” one fan asked. 

Another comment mirrored this sentiment and disagreed with Watson’s plausible extension with the Browns.

“Watson will probably play his a** off since he's in a contract year. lol. Then the Browns will stupidly sign him to another albatross of a deal,” the comment read.

Some fans even took issue with Cabot backing a player who is yet to truly perform for the franchise.

“Watson blows. Stop cheerleading for this clown,” the user said.

A couple of comments even questioned the motive and credibility behind Cabot’s reportage.

“How much does Jimmy (Haslam) give you to post this and play this game? We, Browns fans, don’t want to see Watson out there again. As a reporter, you know that…..right?” another fan said. 

Watson went from throwing 33 TDs (a career-high) in 2020 for the Texans to seven in 2022 for the Browns. His performance did not improve in the following seasons. One fan highlighted this.

“This insider information doesn’t seem like it’s coming from the inside. None of this reporting has been accurate since Sanders was drafted. Deshaun hasn’t been good at anything since he left Houston. I doubt that has changed,” another fan replied pointedly.  

The Browns are preparing for the 2026 season with a four-QB roster now that they’ve drafted Taylen Green. While the standing of these QBs is not set in stone, the reactions to the first development haven't sat well with fans. 

So, what will the Browns do? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote