The Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders race is the most happening one in Cleveland at the moment. With head coach Todd Monken still not deciding on his starting quarterback, the curiosity has naturally amplified.

However, CBS Sports' NFL analyst Carter Bahns called this rivalry a huge blemish on an otherwise promising young Browns team.

"The quarterback situation is a stain on an otherwise suddenly promising young roster, and with all the momentum the Browns finally built this offseason, they cannot afford to have this position battle taint the vibes," said Bahns.

Bahns' July 3 assessment on CBS Sports highlights the factors affecting this QB battle clearly. Cleveland's quarterbacks are standing on two different spectrums. On one hand, there is the talented but somewhat inexperienced Shedeur Sanders.

On the other hand, there is veteran Deshaun Watson, who hasn't played since the 2024 season. According to Browns Nation, Watson is set to make $46 million this upcoming season. If Cleveland doesn't utilize him, it would literally be wasting $50 million.

Moreover, the Browns have reshuffled their team. GM Andrew Berry and HC Todd Monken have spent two straight offseasons rebuilding the roster with draft picks under age 25,

The likes of OT Spencer Fano, WR KC Concepcion, WR Denzel Boston, and RB Quinshon Judkins are all new additions to revitalize the squad. The defense core is elite too, comprising young prospects like TE Harold Fannin Jr. and DL Mason Graham.

So, despite Cleveland having a talented and fresh young roster, this starting quarterback situation overshadows everything else.

Meanwhile, NFL insider Brad Gagnon has already made his pick during this ongoing commotion.

NFL Insider picks Shedeur Sanders as Cleveland's QB1

NFL expert Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently did a bold breakdown of the upcoming 2026 NFL season. The NFL analyst spoke candidly about who he believes should lead the way in Cleveland.

"It's just going to be too hard for Watson to suddenly revive his career after so much time off the pedestal, and Sanders has the tools to become something awesome in this league," said Gagnon on July 10. "I'm not convinced he'll put it all together, but I believe he'll make it impossible this summer for the Browns to turn away from his high ceiling."

The analyst's take clearly shows that he feels Watson's inability to meet the team's requirements will be the main reason for Sanders getting a call. Though the improvements Sanders has made and shown in training cannot be overlooked.

Moreover, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot's recent comments about Watson's arm are also raising concern.

"Maybe he got the slightest bit of fatigue in his surgically repaired shoulder. It hasn't had this much work, I don't think, since before the surgery," said Cabot during the Orange and Brown Talk podcast on July 8.

Whatever the case may be, things do seem to have tilted in Sanders' favor. Will Deshaun be able to turn the tide?

Let us know through your comments.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit