Cleveland Browns General Manager Andrew Berry confirmed that Pro Bowl quarterback Shedeur Sanders will have to compete with Deshaun Watson in 2026 for the team's starting role
23:15 ET, 24 Feb 2026Updated 23:16 ET, 24 Feb 2026
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders takes a photo before the NFL Pro Bowlgame
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders earned QB after 12 weeks as a rookie but will have to re-earn the job next season
NFL rookie Pro Bowl Shedeur Sanders grinded through a chaotic rookie season that began with a draft snub, followed by 12 long weeks on the bench before eventually becoming a starter for the Cleveland Browns.
Now the Browns QB may have to repeat the process all over again with the possible return of three-year starter Deshaun Watson, after the franchise finally admitted the truth on their trade for the quarterback.
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Watson was disgraced as he was given an 11 game suspension and fined a record $5 million in 2022 for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy following allegations of sexual misconduct by two dozen women. Watson has always denied the claims.
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At the NFL Combine, Browns general manager Andrew Berry confirmed that just because Sanders earned the starting job last year, 2026 will see him battle Watson for the starting job.
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Instead of focusing on depth chart promises, the Browns remain locked in on the 319 prospects that could be taken with their sixth overall pick. "We don't have to make that decision anytime soon," Berry said.
"I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different."
Sanders clawed his way from off the depth chart completely to fourth string and all the way up to starter in 2025. He opened training camp buried behind veterans, including Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was selected ahead of Sanders in the third round.
Coach Prime's son received no first-team reps early, missed out on scouting team reps to Bailey Zappe, and did not see the field until Week 11 against Baltimore after Gabriel suffered a concussion.
One week later, Sanders earned his first start against the Las Vegas Raiders and delivered a 24–10 win with only one full week of preparation. By the season’s end, he started seven games and finished 3-4 with wins in the final two weeks.
Shedeur Sanders watches a drill during the Cleveland Browns OTA
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Shedeur Sanders will battle for QB1 after waiting 12 weeks to become a starter
Berry said the Browns want to see "continued growth" from Sanders and for him to play consistently without putting the football in danger, while "maintaining the ability to produce out of structure and generate explosive plays."
Watson had 123 career touchdown passes and a 98.8 passer rating across 73 games as Cleveland's starter. Over three seasons with the Browns, he went 9-10 as a starter with 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions, battling injuries and inconsistency.
Both quarterbacks enter a new era under head coach Todd Monken, who replaced Kevin Stefanski after a January overhaul that changed the entire staff.
Shedeur Sanders throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers
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Shedeur Sanders will battle with a returning Deshaun Watson
Monken previously revealed he attempted to draft Sanders as two-time MVP Lamar Jackson's backup during his time asBaltimore's offensive coordinator. The new Browns head coach will call plays himself in 2026, as the team keeps its quarterback future open.
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Consensus mock draft data suggests that the Browns are expected to select Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, giving the future starter an immediate blideside boost.
Green Bay Packers tackle Rasheed Walker has been identified by insiders as the team's top free agent target.