The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 season with plenty of questions surrounding their quarterback position. Many expected rookie Shedeur Sanders to emerge as the future under center, but Deshaun Watson surprised observers by winning the starting job. His subsequent resurgence has made that decision look increasingly justified, even as Cleveland's long-term plans remain uncertain.

Watson's improved performances have given the Browns reasons to stick with him, but his position as QB1 beyond this season is far from guaranteed. With the 2027 campaign already entering the conversation, Browns reporter Tony Rizzo was asked whether Cleveland should retain Watson or hand the starting role to Sanders.

One of Rizzo's co-hosts backed Watson, but Rizzo immediately disagreed. His argument centered on the financial implications of keeping an expensive veteran quarterback if the Browns ultimately viewed him as a temporary solution.

"You mean they would pay a guy 20 million, 25 million dollars a year to do what you could get a guy in a rookie contract to do, be a bridge? Does that make sense? No. No, no it doesn't."

Rizzo also argued that Watson would not accept a dramatically reduced salary, making a costly bridge arrangement difficult to justify. He questioned committing significant money to a quarterback who might only hold the position temporarily, especially when Sanders remains on a rookie contract.

Shedeur Sanders Faces a Crowded Browns Quarterback Room

Cleveland's quarterback room became more crowded when the Browns activated Dillon Gabriel from injured reserve this week. Gabriel's return added another option behind Watson and complicated Sanders' path toward meaningful playing time.

For Sanders, the coming months could prove crucial. He must continue developing and prepare for any opportunity that comes his way, while Gabriel's return adds another layer of competition. How Cleveland distributes its quarterback reps during the remainder of the season could offer clues about Sanders' place in the franchise's future.

Written by

Joseph Nithin