Another expert has rallied behind Shedeur Sanders amidst the debate over which quarterback should open in 2026. 

As the Cleveland Browns are stranded at a crossroads over who to trust in the QB1 position, Sanders or Deshaun Watson. Tim Hasselbeck of ESPN has opined that Watson does not stand a chance.

In an X post shared on Saturday, he listed off all Watson’s shortcomings, leaving Sanders to take over. 

“I really don’t think Watson has a shot. He’s been away from the game for so long. He has had two Achilles injuries,” Hasselbeck said. “I think his credibility in the locker room has been compromised because of his past. I do think there’s too many things with it. And so, I think Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a remarkable position.”

The Browns brought Watson on for five years. But he sustained major Achilles injuries and has not met the expectations set for him.  

In the four seasons that have passed, he has played in only 19 games. In that time, the 30-year-old scored 17 touchdowns for 3,365 passing yards against 12 interceptions. 

The Browns paid a huge price for having him on the team. Watson signed a guaranteed contract worth $230 million. With only one season left in his contract, Watson has to compete against a QB who is healthier than he is. 

While Watson struggled to even reach eight games across three seasons, Shedeur Sanders made his presence felt almost immediately. In just eight games, the rookie put up 1,400 yards and seven scores, eventually earning him a Pro Bowl nod.

Hasselbeck raised another important point: the Browns locker room dynamics.

Will the Newer, Younger Team Welcome Watson With Open Arms?

Sanders, the 2025 rookie, displayed his capabilities against the Browns’ tumultuous backdrop. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel was another rookie for the Browns whose seven scores were noticed by many.

Sanders has also gained dedicated fans who are not afraid of booing his supposed opponents.

Moreover, he has earned the praises of veteran guard Tytus Howard and new head coach Todd Moken.

Watson was viewed as the QB and a leader who would transform the franchise. But with such a prolonged absence, would they adapt to him again?

The Browns, of all teams, know how important locker room unity is. And so does Watson, who spoke about camaraderie in 2023.

In a November media session that year, Watson was rehabbing after a shoulder injury. He spoke about maintaining a bond with the team off the field.

“Yeah, it’s going to be very important to get back around here and be around the guys,” he told the reporters. 

With buzz already surrounding Alabama's Ty Simpson as a Pick no.6, there may be one too many young quarterbacks in the Browns' locker room.

“I’ve already had a lot of guys tell me wherever I’m rehabbing and training at, they’re going to come out there and spend some time with me, which is pretty dope," Watson had further said. "So, we’re going to have that bond. The connection is going to always be there.”

But the management was left scrambling for a reliable QB in the following seasons, and has yet to find one. For now, Sanders appears to have overshadowed Watson. But will he open in Week 1? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote