The NFL Scouting Combine is coming to a close, and there have been a number of great performances recorded. There have also been some interesting reports coming out of the combine.
Of the teams at the combine, the Cleveland Browns have some of the most questions at quarterback. Will fan favorite Shedeur Sanders get the starting nod? Will they draft someone?
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According to reports, neither of those slots will be QB1 in week one. It is expected that Deshaun Watson will get that nod to start the 2026 Browns season.
Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks on in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This is and isn’t a bit of a shock. The Browns can’t move on from Watson due to his massive, fully guaranteed contract.
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He isn’t exactly what they expected to get when they traded for him, either. Watson has played only 19 games, dealt with multiple injuries, and has not looked like he did in Houston.
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He is still owed an absurd $131M is guarantees. He wasn’t going anywhere once the new year started.
Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Browns’ head coach has maintained there will be an “open competition” at quarterback. However, it sounds like Watson has the lead–maybe due to more than his on-field abilities.
In his four seasons with the Browns, Watson has a 9-10 record, throwing 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and sacked 57 times. Browns fans likely won’t enjoy hearing this news, but it’s looking like the reality of their situation.
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