Browns QB Deshaun Watson Will Get At Least 6 Weeks to Prove His Mettle in Cleveland, Feels Chad Johnson

With Joe Flacco gone and Dillon Gabriel not viewed as a starting-caliber quarterback, many considered Shedeur Sanders the clear favorite to lead the Cleveland Browns in the new season until Deshaun Watson entered the picture. Watson missed the last season after rupturing his Achilles tendon. His recent performances during OTAs and minicamp has impressed the Browns’ coaching staff.

This could spell Sanders’ bid to become the starter. Watson’s experience at this level makes him the better candidate to bag the QB1 job.

In a recent segment of the Nightcap podcast, former NFL WR Chad Johnson said that Watson deserves at least six games to prove himself.

Whether you’re a Cleveland Browns fan or not, Deshaun Watson is a starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns… He has six weeks. I guarantee you, listen to me now. I’m telling you I’m calling it right now, Uncle Joe. He has six weeks to ensure the team plays above or better than whatever the expectations are for that team and that quarterback. If he’s not, Shedeur Sanders will fall in line as the backup and be the starter for the remainder of the season. 

Chad Johnson said

Watson peaked during the 2020 season, leading the league in passing yards (4823) and yards per throw (8.9). From there on, he fell off the football map. He’s made just 19 regular-season appearances since that year, posting a 9-10 record.

"Deshaun Watson is the starting QB for the Cleveland Browns," – @ochocinco breaks down what he's hearing about the Browns QB battle.

Ocho says that Watson will get 6 weeks of the season to prove he's the starter, and if not, Shedeur will take over.

(via @NightcapShow_) pic.twitter.com/YEc7XIHDyX

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 21, 2026

The Houston Texans drafted Watson in 2017. In his first three seasons, he won 25 games. Ahead of the 2022 season, the Texans traded Watson to the Browns in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Browns’ third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024. He also signed a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract extension. The Browns’ owners later declared it the worst piece of business they have ever been a part of.

NFL insider gives his verdict on Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders

The Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round. He fell behind Flacco and Gabriel in the pecking order. Waiting for the right moment paid dividends for the former University of Colorado signal caller. One by one, both Flacco and Gabriel lost their place on the team, leaving Sanders to showcase his mettle.

Sanders excited the fans with his game, but couldn’t save the sinking Browns’ ship. He went 3-4, completed below 57% of passes, conceded 10 interceptions, and threw 7 touchdowns.

The Browns fired Kevin Stefanski and hired former Ravens OC Todd Monken as head coach. Monken praised Sanders’ tenacity and professionalism. That said, Watson has slowly gained his trust. Currently, there’s no clear winner in the QB1 battle.

NFL insider Andrew Siciliano believes both Watson and Sanders have an equal chance to start a lot of games in 2026.

I’m gonna say because one guy is younger and there’s certainly an eye on the future, I think they both do start games this year. I will say Shedeur Sanders will start more games this coming season. It is a difficult schedule to start the year; the Browns have five games this year against teams that made the playoffs a year ago.

Andrew Siciliano said on the Rich Eisen Show

Fortunately for the Browns, they have been given the easiest schedule. If last year is any indication, they should be able to improve their win record.

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