The Cleveland Browns’ QB1 race between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson continues. Two former NFL stars just weighed in, and their verdict for Shedur Sanders is bleak.

“Is that a bad thing for Shedeur Sanders be behind a guy in a system that he's going to come up in as well? Because we both know it's no way in h*** the Cleveland Browns is paying Deshaun Watson after this season again. It's not happening,” former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry asked. 

This conversation on the 4th and South podcast happened over Deion Sanders’ insistence on meeting with Browns’ head coach Todd Monken over his son Shedeur’s future. The Hall of Famer, who was his coach at the Colorado Buffaloes, has voiced his dissatisfaction with Shedeur’s trajectory in the Browns. 

Sanders' rookie year was rocky: he was benched for ten weeks, then thrust into action. He gained 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie year and is vying for the starting QB role against Watson this year.  

“And we know it depends on what Deshaun does,” former NFL star Leonard Fournette replied.  

The podcast hosts believe that Sanders is fighting a losing battle. After being called a “swing and a miss” trade, the Browns have welcomed Watson for his final season with the franchise. 

The franchise has looked past his season-long absence and underwhelming performance. He is, after all, a veteran with three consecutive Pro Bowl nods and praiseworthy athleticism. 

“Deshaun’s athleticism shows up,” Monken told ESPN in May. “Obviously he's had that, but he's had injuries that have set him back. I wouldn't say it’s a surprise, but it’s exciting to see -- it's a weapon for him. It's one of his superpowers, his athleticism.”

The 4th and South podcast episode paints a grim picture of Sanders’ standing in the Browns. Their take, however, shouldn’t be a concern for Sanders, as other experts have contrasting views.

Insider’s Statement On Cleveland Browns’ QB1 Reassures Shedeur Sanders

Amidst reports suggesting that Deshaun Watson has taken the lead in the starting QB competition, there is some relief for Shedeur Sanders. 

“It’s actually pretty wide open,” NFL Network insider Cameron Wolfe said. “I know there were a lot of early conversations about this is Deshaun Watson’s job to lose, but from what I understand, Shedeur Sanders has had a really strong last few weeks of OTAs. I’ve talked to people with the Browns who have said that Shedeur’s really impressed them; he is progressing really well.”

Wolfe stated that the Browns’ race for the starting quarterback is a “wide-open” competition. Sanders went 3-4 as a starter in his rookie season and received a Pro Bowl invite. This statement is in line with Monken, who praised Sanders as well.

“I think Shedeur's come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts,” Monken said. “I think he's really, really come a long way.”

The Browns’ QB competition does not appear to reach an end yet, and who emerges at the top remains an unanswered question. What are your thoughts?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar