Shedeur Sanders concluded a challenging 2025 rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, finishing with a 3-5 record across eight appearances, 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
With a 56.6% completion rate and an 18.9 total QBR, Sanders’ performance faced scrutiny as the team navigated a crowded quarterback room following his fifth-round selection.
However, he had already defied the odds just by earning the starting role late in the year after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel was sidelined. But now, heading into 2026, the competition in Cleveland’s quarterback room has grown considerably more complicated.
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
And in this vacuum, Coach Prime’s son just got bad news about his QB1 role.
Deshaun Watson in ‘pole position’ while Shedeur Sanders waits his turn
Watson is expected to be part of an open competition for the Browns’ starting quarterback job, with Shedeur Sanders currently positioned as his primary challenger. Still, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo believes Watson has the inside track to start.
On “Good Morning Football,” Garafolosaid, “Does Deshaun Watson have a chance to be the Browns’ starter in 2026? Yes he does. And in my opinion, he’s got a great shot.”
NFL Network’s @MikeGarafolo believes QB Deshaun Watson is in the “pole position” to be the Browns week 1 starter.
Who do you think should start for the Browns week 1? pic.twitter.com/C1KSPJmmt2
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 28, 2026
He missed the entire 2025 season after serious injuries to his right Achilles. He first injured the tendon in Oct. 2024 and underwent surgery. During rehab in Jan. 2025, he tore it again, which required a second surgery. The back-to-back setback kept him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for the full season.
However, heading into 2026, the competition in Cleveland’s quarterback room has grown considerably more complicated with the 30-year-old set to return. The Browns are entering ahigh-stakes competition for the starting job between Sanders, Gabriel, and veteran Watson.
The financial reality of Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract, which Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has acknowledged was a massive risk, looms over the decision. New head coach Todd Monken has officially labeled the job “to be determined,” leavingSanders as a primary challenger who must outperform his veterans in camp to reclaim the starting role he briefly held.