Browns Face Uncomfortable Truth About Watson and Sanders
The Cleveland Browns may be heading toward a quarterback controversy that many fans thought was already over.
After months of speculation surrounding rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a growing number of reports suggest the Browns are quietly preparing for the possibility that Deshaun Watson could still enter the 2026 season as the team’s starting quarterback.
For Browns fans hoping the franchise had fully moved on from Watson, that possibility has become an increasingly uncomfortable reality.
Shedeur Sanders Created Hope in Cleveland
When the Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, excitement exploded across Cleveland.
Despite falling far lower than expected in the draft, Sanders quickly became one of the most talked-about players on the roster.
His popularity only grew after he took over late in the 2025 season following injuries to other quarterbacks.
During seven starts, Sanders showed flashes of promise, including:
Multiple 300-yard games
Strong mobility
Playmaking ability under pressure
Even though the Browns struggled overall, many fans believed the organization was finally preparing to turn the page.
The Watson Problem Never Really Went Away
But according to multiple analysts and insiders, the Browns may never have truly closed the door on Deshaun Watson.
The reason is simple:
Money.
Watson remains tied to one of the most controversial contracts in NFL history—a fully guaranteed $230 million deal that continues impacting the Browns’ salary cap and roster decisions.
Even Browns owner Jimmy Haslam previously admitted the trade and contract were a “big swing and miss.”
Still, with Watson healthy again and entering the final year of the contract, the organization may feel pressure to see if there is anything left to salvage.
Reports Suggest Browns Are Preparing Fans
The article from Heavy argues the Browns are subtly managing expectations by continuing to emphasize Watson’s involvement and leadership within the organization.
At the same time, Sanders himself has publicly praised Watson as an active and supportive teammate inside quarterback meetings.
Those comments have fueled speculation that the quarterback battle may be far more open than many expected.
Analysts Split on What Cleveland Should Do
NFL analysts remain sharply divided on the situation.
Some believe the Browns should completely move forward with Sanders and stop trying to justify the Watson trade.
ESPN analyst Kevin Clark argued the Browns should not even include Watson in the quarterback competition, calling the original trade “the worst trade in NFL history.”
Others believe Cleveland has no choice but to at least evaluate Watson one final time.
Former NFL defensive back Jason McCourty said if Watson proves he is the best quarterback during camp, the Browns should allow him to compete fairly for the job.
Why Fans Are Frustrated
Many Browns fans believed the 2025 season represented a transition toward a new era.
Instead, the possibility of Watson reclaiming the starting role has reopened frustration tied to:
The original trade
The guaranteed contract
Watson’s limited availability
Off-field controversy
The lack of playoff success
Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson has played only 19 games across five seasons due to injuries and suspensions.
For many fans, the idea of returning to Watson feels like revisiting a chapter they want closed.
Shedeur Sanders Still Has Questions Too
At the same time, the Browns also know Sanders is far from a finished product.
His rookie season included:
7 touchdowns
10 interceptions
The NFL’s lowest passer rating among qualified quarterbacks
While Sanders clearly showed upside, the Browns may still question whether he is fully ready to lead the franchise immediately.
That uncertainty is part of what makes the situation so complicated.
Training Camp Could Become Chaotic
The quarterback competition now has the potential to dominate Browns training camp this summer.
Every throw, every practice rep, and every preseason series will likely be analyzed heavily by fans and media.
The Browns currently appear positioned for a battle involving:
Deshaun Watson
Shedeur Sanders
Dillon Gabriel
with head coach Todd Monken expected to make the final decision.
The Bigger Fear for Cleveland
There may also be another concern driving the Browns internally.
If Watson sits in 2026, leaves after the season, and suddenly revives his career elsewhere, Cleveland risks looking even worse after already sacrificing:
Three first-round picks
Massive guaranteed money
Years of roster flexibility
That possibility may explain why the organization appears hesitant to fully close the book.
Add comment