Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders/Images via Imago
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders/Images via Imago
Jan 17, 2026, 1:24 PM CUT
Latest Rumors for Shedeur Sanders & Deshaun Watson's Future as Browns Plan for 2026 Draft
Shedeur Sanders' 2026 QB1 chances just got a big update, according to the latest rumors.
According to a Tuesday report by Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Sanders will have to fight to retain his position, while Watson may remain stuck on the roster but show up on the field alongside the Browns’ Day 2 or 3 draft pick.
“Early signs point to Sanders getting to compete for the job, Watson being stuck on the roster and another quarterback addition in the middle rounds of the draft.”
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Sep 7, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson 4 during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20250907_jhp_bk4_0465
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Sep 7, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson 4 during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20250907_jhp_bk4_0465
This seems in line with Andrew Berry's assessment of the situation. "We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified."
And there's a reason for that. First off, if Cleveland hadn't given Deshaun Watson his mega-money guaranteed contract, they would have gone into the market for a strong QB. However, getting rid of him will take a massive hit to the cap. At the same time, Watson hasn't taken the field for the team during their 5-12 season.
Towards the end of the 2025 season, Watson returned to practice even though he stood no chance on the active players' roster. However, in the three years he's been in Cleveland, Watson has only managed 3365 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel had 937 yards and 7 touchdowns. Shedeur Sanders did slightly better, with 1400 yards and 7 touchdowns.
However, Shedeur Sanders had his opinion on the quarterback dilemma.
Shedeur Sanders Thinks He's Ready For The Starter Job
In a media availability session, he said, “I know the teams we go against definitely respect me and the passing game, for sure. I can’t be accountable for somebody else’s decisions.”
But he has his own set of problems. Shedeur Sanders, in Week 17 against the Steelers, revealed his habit of forcing throws, which has become a major setback. The Steelers caught his 2nd and 5, making it Sanders’ second interception in the game. He was called out by Tony Romo, and Dion Sanders was visibly frustrated with his son.
The Browns' front office faces a complex decision with significant financial and on-field implications. The upcoming draft will reveal whether they are committed to building around their current roster or ready to pivot to a new era.
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar