A Hall of Fame receiver just poured cold water on Shedeur Sanders' starting hopes in Cleveland. Cris Carter believes the Browns aren't done with Deshaun Watson. He made a bold prediction about the team's quarterback situation.

“Deshaun Watson… they’re going to keep him around and restructure his contract again because it’s still too much guaranteed money just to cut him,” Carter said. “Is he better than Shedeur Sanders? I think, yeah… I think he's going to get a great opportunity.”

Deshaun Watson was signed to a 4-year, guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022. Back-to-back Achilles tendon injuries in 2024 and 2025 have not made the Browns cash in on the signing.

The Browns recently converted his $46 million salary into a signing bonus and freed up about $36 million in cap space. That allowed them to bring in a few more free agents. Despite this, there remains room for the Browns to make a few more adjustments, keep Deshaun for this year while making cap room.

As for playing Deshaun Watson, he has played in only 19 games over the course of 4 years with the Browns. He has posted a Total QBR of 33.1, 3,365 passing yards, and 19 touchdowns.

However, Watson's time with the team has been filled with injuries. With a better O-line coming in for the 2026 season, he could get clean chances in the pocket to bring back his performance from his Texans days.

This would certainly mean that Watson is not going anywhere and has a good shot to start the season for the Browns.

What this means for Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders, while showing flashes of potential in his rookie season, has yet to nail down a starting spot for the Browns.

He played a total of 7 games, posting 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns. The Browns had a 3-4 record when Sanders started. He was also given Pro Bowl Honors in the 2025 season.

However, if the Browns are serious about further restructuring Watson’s contract, they may be forced to play him as he is in the final year of his contract.

Head coach Todd Monken will have his hands full deciding whether to play the veteran Watson or invest in a long-term prospect like Shedeur Sanders.

This upcoming season will be crucial for Sanders as he hopes to cement his place on the Browns roster.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar