The Cleveland Browns know that they cannot afford to enter the 2026 season with doubts at quarterback. Shedeur Sanders is a favorite to be the starter this year, since he was the one who provided some stability. But new developments in the offseason will decide his future.

Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot had an interesting update for the Browns' QB1 battle:

"I don't know if they will go into minicamp in June knowing who that guy is," she reported. "But certainly, they will want to come out of minicamp knowing."

New head coach Todd Monken has already signaled that reps will not be split evenly. Early priority goes to whoever holds QB1 status at the end of 2025, and that is Sanders. He finished the season with 1,400 yards, a completion rate of 56.6%, and seven scores.

But Cleveland's prodigal son is very likely to return.

Team owner Jimmy Haslam said that Watson could be the "home run" they envisioned when he was signed for $230 million. Watson has not played any games since he tore his Achilles tendon in 2024 and injured it again in 2025. He was, anyway, not much of a hopeful option, because of his disappointing performance in the two seasons he was able to play.

He has now been medically cleared for practice. He is the only competition to Shedeur Sanders, and veterans are the usual choice for QB1 in such situations. Cleveland is still counting on Watson's 4,823-yard potential, which he showed in his last season with the Houston Texans.

Deshaun Watson's return comes at a crucial time for Shedeur Sanders, who needs to prove yet again that he belongs in this league. But with the veteran back in play, things will take a new turn.

Former Browns QB Backs Watson, but Will He Be Able to Take Up the Charge?

Brady Quinn, who started a few games as the Browns' quarterback, backed Watson for the job, especially for the beginning of the season.

"If he's healthy and he's able to, then you gotta play him. Go with the guy with the most experience and see if there's anything left to salvage because of the commitment you made." Quinn said on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

Watson will turn 31 this year. Sanders, on the other hand, is 24 and presents a better option as a steady option for Cleveland. But Deshaun Watson is obviously the better quarterback when compared to Sanders, especially in terms of skill. But who is to say he will remain with the Browns beyond his existing contract?

This season might be the final litmus test for Deshaun Watson. When Cleveland has a productive QB in Shedeur Sanders, they might not hesitate to lock him as QB1 if Watson fails for yet another time.

Do you think Shedeur Sanders has a chance? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Afreen Kabir