The Cleveland Browns face a massive choice at quarterback. NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolosays Deshaun Watson is in the pole position to start Week 1, despite missing the 2025 season with two Achilles injuries.Watson still has a $230M guaranteed contract, a move team owner Jimmy Haslam once called a “big swing.” Now, the team wants to see if he can finally play. However, many fans and analysts disagree as they prefer Shedeur Sanders.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) takes the field before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Dec. 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, joined the Browns and earned the starting role for the last seven games of the season after rookie Dillon Gabriel sustained a concussion.
On theUltimate Cleveland Sports Show, Chris Oldach argued that the team needs to stop speculating and “figure out what’s on your roster” by giving the younger Shedeur Sanders the necessary reps.“I’d much rather just let Shedeur get the necessary reps, see what you have,” he said.
“I’d much rather just let Shedeur have the necessary reps, see what you have,” – @TheOGPAW on the report that Deshaun Watson has the “pole position” to start week 1.
Do you agree? https://t.co/tH9BokWGTV pic.twitter.com/4dwnJrBgei
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 29, 2026
The 144th pick in the 2025 draft went 3-4 as a starter last year. While General Manager Andrew Berry says the job is open for competition, Watson’s experience gives him the edge. New coach Todd Monken must now decide if the veteran is truly healthy.
Analyst Paulus views starting the rookie as a “win-win.” He argues that playing Sanders allows the team to either find a franchise QB on a “fifth-round rookie contract” or, if he “falls flat on his face,” secure a top draft pick to reset entirely.
The Browns have only seen Watson play 19 games since 2022, and his performance has been inconsistent. If he struggles early, the pressure to start Sanders will grow. Training camp begins in July, and fans are watching closely to see if the rookie can capitalize on Watson’s uncertainty.
Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson compete on Browns’ roster
Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are both playing for the Cleveland Browns in 3 2026. Watson has a long history in the NFL. He has thrown for 17,904 yards and 123 touchdowns. His best year was 2020 when he led the league in passing yards.
However, Watson has struggled lately. He recorded only 3,365 yards and 19 touchdowns over 4 seasons with the Browns.
Sanders joined the team after a record-breaking college career. He threw for 14,353 yards and 134 touchdowns in 50 games. He also won the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
During his 2025 rookie season in the NFL, Sanders threw for 1,400 yards. He had 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He completed 56.6% of his passes.
Watson has 3 Pro Bowl selections from his time in Houston. Sanders earned 1 Pro Bowl selection in 2025. Both players are now competing to lead the Cleveland offense. Fans are watching their performance numbers closely this year.