Browns Legend Makes Bold Deshaun Watson Claim That Clouds Shedeur Sanders’ Future
Despite missing NFL action for several months, Deshaun Watson is slowly becoming the favorite to start for the Browns in week one.
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#4 Deshaun Watson, #2 Shedeur Sanders and Joe Thomas inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)
When Stephen A. Smith presented a case for Deshaun Watson to start for the Cleveland Browns in 2026, many refused to take him seriously. But it would seem the words of the veteran critic may indeed become a reality.
Watson remained without any action for a better part of eighteen months due to multiple Achilles injuries. It looked like his time in Cleveland was coming to an end. The owners publicly branded him their worst investment ever.
Remarkably, like a phoenix reborn from its ashes, Watson is slowly gaining momentum. According to reports from Mary Kay Cabot, new Browns head coach Todd Monken is impressed by Watson’s leadership skills and his presence during the OTAs, which legendary left tackle Joe Thomas has noticed.
[Deshaun Watson] looks pretty healthy coming off that Achilles tear that he had, and I think the experience that he has playing football. The arm looks like it’s still there. The legs look like they’ve come back. I think Deshaun right now just gives that offense a little bit more versatility to be able to open things up and be more dynamic, and I think he’ll probably be the guy.
Joe Thomas said while appearing on the Rich Eisen Show
The Browns agreed to a historic five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal after trading for Watson from the Houston Texans in 2022. This deal raised a lot of eyebrows, and for good reason. Cleveland signed him when the multiple allegation charges were piling up one by one.
Fans naturally weren’t thrilled by the move. The only way Watson could have won over the fans was by going on a winning streak. In 2023, he posted a 5-1 start before shattering a bone in his throwing shoulder. The following year, he suffered the first of the two Achilles injuries. However, the decline was clearly visible. Before hurting himself, the Browns were 1-6 and close to an early exit from playoff qualification.
Tragedy struck Watson when he ruptured the Achilles tendon in his other leg while on vacation. He missed the entire season. In the meantime, rookie Shedeur Sanders gained prominence among the Browns fans, and they want to see him start in future games. Stephen A. believes otherwise.
I think it’s best for the organization and the city to give Deshaun Watson every last chance imaginable to justify that bag that he got. This is the last chance.
Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take
Watson’s contract ends after the 2026 season. This is likely his last shot at advertising to the world that he can still play quarterback at the NFL level.
Both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have an equal chance of starting for the Browns in week one
Sanders waited a long time to start for the Browns. Eventually, he played seven games, winning three. He barely completed 56% of his passes and threw more interceptions than touchdowns.
On paper, Sanders shouldn’t be starting soon after an abysmal debut campaign. However, the reason behind his misery wasn’t his own doing. Rather, he hardly ever received first-team opportunities before being thrust into the real world.
Sanders is bound to improve after completing a full training camp with the starting players. That’s why NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe views the Browns quarterback situation as an open affair.
It’s actually pretty wide open. I know there were a lot of early conversations about this is Deshaun Watson’s job to lose, but from what I understand, Shedeur Sanders has had a really strong last few weeks of OTAs. I’ve talked to people with the Browns who have said that Shedeur’s really impressed them, he is progressing really well.
Wolfe said (H/T Yahoo Sports)
It is Watson’s job to lose. He’s the veteran among the two, and even though he hasn’t played since 2024, Watson can still secure the job and fight to prolong his career.
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Ishan Misra
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