Browns name Deshaun Watson starter, leaving Shedeur Sanders' NFL role in limbo
Cleveland’s decision to retain Watson despite preseason struggles has intensified scrutiny on Sanders, with league insiders questioning his viability as a starter and his fit as a backup.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has officially designated Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, concluding the internal competition with Shedeur Sanders. The decision was finalised on Monday, even though Watson delivered a lacklustre performance in the recent preseason game against the Bills, completing only five of 12 passes for 35 yards and one interception. Monken cited Watson’s competitive nature and work ethic as the primary factors, suggesting that the veteran’s recent struggles and well-publicised postgame comments did not sway the coaching staff’s long-term assessment.
While Sanders produced some positive results in the preseason, including a 9-for-11 passing performance against the Bills, the broader league reaction has been one of scepticism regarding his ceiling. According to CBS Sports, multiple NFL front-office officials and coaches do not currently view the 24-year-old as a starting-calibre quarterback. One source noted that Sanders’ inability to secure the starting role over Watson, who has not played in an NFL regular-season game since his Achilles injury in 2024, is indicative of the doubts surrounding his readiness.
Technical concerns remain a focal point for league personnel. Sources identified sub-elite arm strength, a tendency to hold the ball for extended periods, and slow processing speed as persistent weaknesses in Sanders’ game. These observations align with his 2024 season statistics, where his passing rating of 68.1 ranked last in the league among quarterbacks with more than 22 pass attempts, despite him starting the final eight games of that campaign.
The uncertainty extends to Sanders’ potential role as a backup. His high-profile status and polarising nature have created hesitation among other teams, with several front-office officials indicating they would not be interested in trading for him. The concern centres on the management challenges of a "celebrity" figure who is not the primary starter, a dynamic that some believe could disrupt team dynamics.
Internally, some voices within the league have suggested that 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel may be a more suitable backup for Cleveland. Gabriel’s work ethic and ability to function on short notice are cited as advantages over Sanders, who has faced criticism regarding his preparation at various points. However, the Browns have indicated they are moving forward with Sanders in the backup capacity for the immediate future.
The broader context of the Browns’ quarterback room remains in flux. The universal expectation among league insiders is that the franchise’s long-term future at the position lies with a college player not currently on the roster. For now, the decision rests on Monken’s assessment that Watson offers the best chance to win, leaving it to be seen how poorly Watson would need to perform for Sanders to regain the starting role during the season.
