A new quarterback debate is heating up in Cleveland. NFL insider Cameron Wolfe has sparked discussion by predicting a future QB competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and top prospect Shedeur Sanders for the 2026 season.

On Saturday, NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe weighed in on the “open competition” between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson for the starting quarterback position in the 2026 season.

“Both players are very different, but they're also playmakers," Wolfe said in an X post. "And there's a lot of excitement in Cleveland about a head coach that will allow them to do exactly what they do. Creating plays out of the scheme."

Wolfe was referring to the media session where head coach Todd Monken announced that they have yet to pick a starter. 

“Sure, I think it's an open competition. I mean, I don't know why it wouldn't be an open competition," Monken said. "I don't mean that saying it harshly, but I don't think there's enough on film over the last couple of years, one way or the other, to say, boy, we have our starter at quarterback yet.”

According to Wolfe, the head coach believes that Shedeur Sanders has the ability to create plays where nothing is there.

Sanders has also reportedly been training with his private QB coach to put his foot down and let it rip, which could help him win this quarterback competition.

Wolfe then revealed that the Browns will likely use their first-round picks on the wide receiver position and left tackle, and choose to go for a quarterback next year.

The Browns Need to Fix Other Areas in Offense

Monken recently pointed out the poor performances from the starters in the past few years. They went 4-12 in 2024 and ended with a 5-13 record in 2025.

Now, with their two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, these could be utilized to pick a quarterback. But the targets could be a problem as well.

No Browns' receiver managed 1,000 receiving yards last season, with Harold Fannin Jr.'s 731 yards being the most in the season.

Their wide receivers were also responsible for the offense ranking near-last in 2025.

Jerry Jeudy scored two touchdowns out of 50 receptions for 602 yards. Whereas Isiah Bond made no touchdowns from his 18 receptions for 338 yards.

That is why the Browns are predicted to make important choices in the 2026 draft.

That is exactly why Carnell Tate has emerged as a projected first-round pick for the Cleveland Browns.

With 121 receptions, 1,872 yards, and 14 touchdowns at Ohio State, he brings proven production to a team looking to reload its offense, making him a natural fit at No. 6.

Meanwhile, other projections have them choosing a quarterback such as Ty Simpson instead.

The Browns are expected to add more players and are under immense pressure to fix their offense.

Do you think drafting a receiver is the right move, or should the Browns focus solely on a new quarterback? Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote