NFL, American Football Herren, USA New York Giants at Cleveland Browns Sep 22, 2024 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson 4 after the game against the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xScottxGalvinx 20240922_sns_bg7_00312
NFL, American Football Herren, USA New York Giants at Cleveland Browns Sep 22, 2024 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson 4 after the game against the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xScottxGalvinx 20240922_sns_bg7_00312
Jun 15, 2026, 4:42 AM CUT
'Going to Get Benched': NFL Pro-Bowler Makes Bold Browns Claim
The Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson has continued to make headlines.
During his recent appearance on the “Speakeasy” show on June 13, the former wide receiver of the Cincinnati Bengals, TJ Houshmandzadeh, weighed in on the discussion. He predicted that Sanders would replace Watson by midseason as the Browns’ starter
“At some point, Deshaun’s going to get put on the bench, and Shedeur Sanders will be given an opportunity,” said Houshmandzadeh. “I believe the Cleveland Browns have now gotten worse... But yes, Deshaun Watson will be the starting quarterback, and as I said, by week 6 or 7, Shedeur will be starting after that.”
Houshmandzadeh clarified that his Browns getting worse take because the rest of the hyper-competitive AFC North significantly improved, leaving Cleveland in a steep uphill battle. Furthermore, the quarterback competition creates an unstable environment that is destined to spark volatility by midseason
Deshaun Watson is ready to pass at the Browns OTA camp in Berea on May 20, 2026.
Deshaun Watson is ready to pass at the Browns OTA camp in Berea on May 20, 2026.
Per a PFSN report, Watson, who was acquired by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, is in his final contract year. The franchise made a $230 million contract with the quarterback, who is likely to struggle with finding another team if his performance isn’t up to the mark.
The 2007 Pro Bowler Houshmandzadeh continued to say on the podcast that while this might be the best version of Deshaun Watson in the Browns uniform, the other teams in the AFC North division will be better.
Sanders, on the other hand, showed flashes of playmaking ability during his rookie season in 2025. The 24-year-old was able to register 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, but against 10 interceptions, and in eight games he played.
Watson, who is coming back after missing all of the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury, has to prove himself to continue his NFL career.
The PFSN report concluded by stating that the most logical decision that the Browns will have to make is giving both Sanders and Watson meaningful reps. If either of them outperforms the other, the Browns can accordingly develop the roster around the QB1.
Browns Need Clarity on Their QB1, Per NFL Insider
NFL insider Tim Campbell of the Last Word on Sports said the Browns are no longer in a position to evaluate an asset that will be off the roster after the 2026 season. He brushed off any chances of Watson being the Browns QB1 based on his contract.
The Browns need to finalize whether Sanders is their long-term QB answer. Campbell added that reports from the OTAs and the recent mandatory minicamp indicate that Sanders still possesses the arm talent, accuracy, and touch that made him a potential first-round pick during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Campbell concluded by saying that the clearest path forward is declaring the competition over and naming Sanders as the QB1. Doing so will help the Browns to prepare their roster around Sanders and head into the 2026 season with clarity.
What are your thoughts on this?
Written by
Naomi Grace
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi