The Cleveland Browns will have a major question to answer about the quarterback position once again this offseason. This is a tradition unlike any other for this Cleveland franchise. They started three different quarterbacks a season ago with Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. In 2026, Sanders could be the leader to be the job, but there have been rumblings about Deshaun Watson potentially being the starting quarterback.
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Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) watches a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
He has not played at all for the Browns during the 2025 NFL season. Watson has not lived up to his contract during his time with Cleveland. There are fans who want Shedeur to be the starter next season. Many fans won’t be happy about Deshaun potentially being the starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
ESPN Cleveland Radio Analyst Questions Cleveland Browns Quarterback Shedeur Sanders
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Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) passes against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Jake Trotter was on ESPN Cleveland Radio on Monday morning talking about the Browns quarterback room for the 2026 NFL season. The future quarterback for this franchise is probably not on the roster at the moment and probably still in college. Trotter said about Sanders potentially not being the starting quarterback in 2026, “What does that say about Shedeur if Deshaun Watson is your week 1 starter?” Is this more about Shedeur not playing well last season or is this more about owner Jimmy Haslam wanting the team to start Watson if he is healthy?
This is more about Haslam wanting to get his own way. Sanders did not play well, but it would be malpractice to not make him the starter for the 2026 NFL season. Starting Watson in 2026 means that they are going to be already giving up on Shedeur and Haslam wants Deshaun to play anyways.
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