The Cleveland Browns quarterback drama has taken an unpredictable turn as owner Jimmy Haslam adopted a new attitude towards the player he once called a “swing and a miss” trade. Now, Browns expert DarylRuiter claims he knows the reason why. 

On Monday, he spoke with Anthony Lima and Ken Carmen of 92.3 The Fan and stated that Watson is backed by the Browns to win the QB1 position. Ruiter, who is blunt with his takes, shared that the Browns are tipping scales against Shedeur Sanders. 

“They are softening the ground for him to win that competition a 100%,” he said. “There’s no question about that, and that’s smart on their part to lay that groundwork now, Ken, because there is a real possibility that he’s your starter Week 1. I mean, that’s not hyperbole. That’s not trying to stir up any drama or anything like that.”

This development follows up on the recent comments head coach Todd Monken made about Watson. In the annual NFL meeting, Monken revealed that he is not going to judge Watson based on his previous performances with the Browns. 

“I don't know what they were asking him to do. I just know what I've seen over the years. I've seen a really good football player,” he told reporter Daniel Oyefusi. 

If Watson is receiving newfound support from the franchise, then it is his last opportunity to make a mark in his final season with the Browns. The franchise had signed him in 2022 with a $230 million, five-year guaranteed contract.

But unlike his stellar performances for the Houston Texans, Watson played in only 19 games in the last three years. He was just recently cleared from his Achilles injuries that had limited further participation. 

The Browns have not received the expected payback from Watson and could be reaching for that in 2026. Even if it affects Shedeur Sanders' playtime.

Will Sanders' Rookie Season Turn Into an Impressive 2026?

Ruiter also addressed the ongoing competition between Sanders and Watson, overseen by head coach Todd Monken.

Like him, many others believe that the 30-year-old could beat Sanders at starting for the team. 

“No, it’s a real possibility,” Ruiter added. “It’s Deshaun vs. Shedeur Sanders as of right now, subject to change, whether they make a move in the coming weeks or, God forbid, they draft a quarterback early in this upcoming draft.”

If true, then Sanders will have to wait for his turn from the sidelines once again. After a rough draft slide, the 24-year-old was benched in favor of fellow 2025 pick Dillon Gabriel. Sanders started his first game in Week 11 and started the remainder of the season. 

Sanders scored seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards against 10 interceptions. He has been training in the off-season and surely hopes for more chances this year.

Despite these reports, Sanders may still have an opportunity.

Monken has shared his excitement over working with Sanders with the Browns, since the Baltimore Ravens couldn't draft him when Monken was their offense coordinator.

Currently, both QBs have a 50/50 chance of winning the starting position. But if Watson wins, it would make up for an interesting comeback story. What are your thoughts?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote