While Deshaun Watson is gearing up for the 2026 season and preparing to make a comeback, fans are still divided over who deserves the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback position.

On X, ESPN Cleveland shared a clip of Watson training on the field.

“Browns QB Deshaun Watson training for the 2026 season. Who do you think will win the Browns QB battle between Watson and Shedeur?” the post read.

Browns fans quickly jumped to call out Watson and debate over him and the 24-year-old Shedeur Sanders. One fan’s scathing reply claimed that they would never be a Browns fan if Watson were present.

“I will never support the team with this guy on the field,” they wrote. 

This comment was followed by another one that reasoned why Browns fans have harboured such animosity towards Watson.

“I don’t care about how he runs. I need him to throw the ball downfield and make good decisions with it. If he can make some play with his feet and not find himself on IR, I’ll be happy. Still going with SS though. DW doesn’t really seem to care. IMO,” one replied to the post.

Watson was traded to the Browns from the Houston Texans with a guaranteed five-year contract for $230 millions. But after he sustained two Achilles injuries, Watson appeared in only 19 games in four years. But given his contract’s nature, the Browns are obligated to play him every cent. 

And this is not the first time Watson, labelled as a “hit-and-a-miss” trade by franchise owner Jimmy Haslam, is accused of not caring or trying hard because of his financial advantage. Which is why another fan claimed that Sanders deserves to start in the next season.

“This just confirms what I have been saying, after 2 Achilles tendon surgeries, he is not anything close to what he was. Sanders is actually faster and more athletic now. Given Sanders was a rookie last year, I think with the rate of his maturity he will outright win QB1,” one reacted.

Another reply mirrored the sentiments. 

“He not a better passer than sanders not even half fr now he a better athlete way better but if u looking for a qb passer it's sanders but if u looking for a athlete it's him I want SS,” the fan wrote trying to build Sanders’ case.

After he debuted mid-way in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders displayed some standout performances. In Week 14, he threw three touchdowns. And although he remained inconsistent, Sanders improved his completion rate from 25 per cent to 73.9 per cent. 

Sanders ended his rocky 2025 debut with seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards after being benched as the QB4.

And his stats haven’t impressed all. One fan questioned why Sanders is even contesting for the QB 1 place, pointing towards his performance. 

“You know what’s funny. It’s the fact that if any other qb threw for 7 tds and 10 picks they would immediately become an afterthought. But the only reason sanders is even being considered is because he has a cult,” one commented, calling out Sanders’ fans and the 10 interceptions in the eight games he played. 

Do The Browns Have Any Other Options?

While fans continue to pick sides, the management and head coach Todd Monken have yet to decide on this matter. Apart from the existing quarterback roster, the Browns were also rumored to pick a new one in the 2026 Draft.

But since their cap ceiling doesn’t permit roping in Fernando Mendoza or trading Malik Willis, all QBs, Watson, Sanders, and even Dillion Gabriel, are gunning for the position. 

What are your thoughts on the matter? Comment on them and follow the Cleveland Browns Community for more.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das