A debate is brewing over the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback. While one NFL insider favors Deshaun Watson, an ESPN analyst is making a strong case for Shedeur Sanders. This challenges the presumed pecking order.

On Sunday, Garafolo claimed that Watson has the “pole position” to become the Browns’ starting quarterback in Week 1.

However, in an episode of Paw and Paulus, Chris Oldach disagreed. He stated he would rather send Sanders to see how he would fare and then make a decision.

“I’d much rather just let Shedeur have the necessary reps, see what you have,” Oldach said as reported according to an X post on Sunday.

He also addressed the 2027 draft class discussion related to Arch Manning and said that the Browns should first test the roster they’ve already built. 

“If you’re talking about having the 2027 QB class, be all that, don’t you need to figure out what’s on your roster?”

The Browns' quarterback situation has become a source of frustration.

In 2022, the Browns signed Watson for five years with a guaranteed contract worth $230 million. But injuries have seen Watson never even reach 10 appearances a season since then.

In the 19 games he’s played since 2021, Watson scored 17 touchdowns, for 3,365 yards against 12 interceptions. The 30-year-old player was limited by injuries in the past four years.

But more importantly, do Sanders' numbers merit that chance?

Shedeur Sanders Deserves a Chance to Prove His Worth

Watson fell out of favor with franchise owner Jimmy Haslam, who called the trade a “swing and a miss” in 2024. So why would Watson start in the upcoming season when Sanders is younger and was at a disadvantage last season? 

Even though he was named as a replacement, Shedeur Sanders is a Pro Bowler in his rookie NFL season.

The 24-year-old Colorado star ended the season with seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 1,400 passing yards. He also received a Rookie of the Week honor for his three-touchdown performance in Week 13. 

Sanders showed flashes of potential despite a lack of receiving talent and a reportedly strained relationship with head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Some analysts believe Sanders could thrive with an improved offensive strategy.

Chances are that Todd Monken, the new head coach, could unlock Sanders’ true potential.

Meanwhile, Watson is deeply unfavored within the Browns community and could prove to be a mentor in his remaining days with the Browns.

What are your thoughts? Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote