Deshaun Watson (left) and Shedeur Sanders (right). Image credits: via Imago
Deshaun Watson (left) and Shedeur Sanders (right). Image credits: via Imago
May 9, 2026, 10:33 PM CUT
ESPN Analyst Drops Bad News for Shedeur Sanders Amidst Deshaun Watson Rumors
On Wednesday, ESPN NFL analyst Jake Trotter appeared on Tony Grossi's podcast to discuss the Browns’ quarterback situation.
According to Jake Trotter, the recent buzz around Deshaun Watson potentially starting in Week 1 suggests the Browns may not fully believe Shedeur Sanders is ready to take over yet.
Speaking on ESPN Cleveland this Wednesday, Trotter said, “We’re hearing all this Deshaun Watson is gonna start buzz, right? Whether you agree with it or not, it’s coming from somewhere. You would not be thinking about starting Deshaun Watson if you thought Shedeur Sanders had a chance to be the guy.”
Trotter further added that he didn’t understand why the Browns are going through “the pomp and circumstance and distraction” of making Sanders their main QB guy and still not clearly stating it.
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: The Cleveland Browns offense huddles during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104087
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: The Cleveland Browns offense huddles during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104087
The pressure on Sanders started building when the Browns added another QB, Taylen Green, during the 2026 Draft. Then, Watson made a comeback from his injury and performed well at the Browns' voluntary minicamp in April, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic.
Browns' expert Tony Grossi wrote on TheLandOnDemand.com that the Browns could treat Deshaun Watson as a short-term bridge quarterback for the 2026 season rather than a long-term answer.
He added that the team could move on from Watson after the year, regardless of whether Sanders or Gabriel wins the QB1 position.
"Consider Watson a one-year bridge quarterback to 2027," Grossi wrote. "He will not be back after 2026." He also wrote that if neither young quarterback could prove themselves, Cleveland could instead turn its attention to the 2027 NFL Draft.
Sanders Faces Another Setback With Browns Insider’s Latest Remarks
Browns expert Tony Grossi shared an update on his short-term future. Grossi believes that Dillon Gabriel is more suited for the backup QB role behind Watson.
During Grossi's podcast on ESPN Cleveland, he said, “Gabriel is the guy who’ll keep quiet. He’ll just study, he’ll stay up on the game plan."
He added, "He’ll support the starter in any way he can. He’ll run the scout team, and if needed, he’ll play... That’s what you want out of a backup quarterback. Shedeur, his shadow is just so huge.”
Grossi suggested that Sanders' high public profile may have been a factor in teams' draft decisions.
What are your thoughts on the Browns' QB1 decision? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Naomi Grace
Edited by
Rudra Dubey