Most NFL analysts expect quarterback Deshaun Watson to be the Cleveland Browns’ Week 1 starter. But before that, one NFL expert says the veteran should focus on just one thing as training camp opens July 23.

“He [Deshaun Watson] needs to get some proper rest over the break because I thought his arm seemed to tail off a little. Maybe he got the slightest bit of fatigue in his surgically repaired shoulder,” Mary Kay Cabot said on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast.

Watson injured his right shoulder against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10 of 2023, a setback that ended his season after six games. He underwent successful surgery for a displaced fracture and has been rehabbing since.

After that, Watson played just seven games in 2024 before an Achilles injury ended his season, and he missed all of 2025.

Coming back from multiple injuries, especially a major one in his throwing shoulder, Watson will need time and careful workload management before taking on a heavy training schedule.

“It hasn't had this much work, I don't think, since before the surgery. So, he needs to first of all get a little bit of rest in there. And then second of all, I do know that he's going to be bringing a number of guys down to South Florida for a passing camp and for a little passing retreat,” Mary Kay Cabot said on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast.

Watson does need every bit of rest he can get. Cleveland could make a final decision on the Week 1 starter after camp wraps up in Berea. As head coach Todd Monken had said, he will use camp to determine who will lead the team this season.

The Browns have Watson competing with Shedeur Sanders for the job. By experience, Watson has the edge. By contract, entering the final year of the $230 million deal, Watson again appears to hold the advantage.

However, Cabot believes Sanders has one trait that could tip the scales in his favor.

Shedeur Sanders' distinct advantage in the QB battle

Shedeur Sanders started seven games for Cleveland last season and finished with a 3-4 record, the most wins any Browns quarterback recorded in 2025.

Heading into this season, Cabot expects Sanders to get another shot at the starting job again, noting that he possesses a distinct advantage over Watson.

“Shedeur has the edge in a couple of things, but the No. 1 of those things is his accuracy. I mean, when he has time to throw, he can fit it into a tight window and put it right on the money,” Cabot said on the same podcast.

Cabot also noted that Sanders took the most first-team reps during mandatory minicamp, which is a sign he’s leading the competition for now.

However, what can’t be ignored is the young QB’s struggle to maintain a strong pocket presence. In critical moments, he frequently turns the ball over or gets sacked.

Last season, he threw seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions and was sacked 23 times.

That said, who do you want to see start Week 1? Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shubhi Rathore

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore