Cleveland Browns face pivotal 2026 quarterback decision with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson
The Browns' two first-round picks in the 2027 draft create significant pressure on Shedeur Sanders to prove his sustainability against Deshaun Watson.
The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2026 season with a critical decision looming over their quarterback position. The team is evaluating Shedeur Sanders against veteran Deshaun Watson, whose fully guaranteed $230 million contract expires after the 2026 campaign. Head coach Todd Monken is expected to make the final determination for the Week 1 starter following preseason performances.
Watson, acquired from the Houston Texans in 2022, has appeared in only 19 games since joining Cleveland. He has thrown 19 touchdown passes, and the Browns have recorded a 9-10 record in his starts. Watson started the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, while Sanders is expected to start the next game against the Buffalo Bills.
Sanders received his first extended opportunity late last season, starting Cleveland’s final seven games. The former fifth-round pick posted a 3-4 record with seven touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, and an 18.9 QBR. While those statistics did not definitively establish him as the franchise’s long-term answer, his offseason improvement has kept him in the competition.
The Browns hold two first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft, a position that creates substantial pressure on Sanders. If the team finishes near the bottom of the standings, they could possess enough capital to pursue a premier quarterback in the upcoming draft. This draft capital adds a layer of complexity to the current competition, as the outcome of the 2026 season will directly influence the team’s future strategy.
ESPN analyst Dan Graziano predicts that Watson will open the 2026 season as the starter before Cleveland eventually turns to Sanders. Graziano further predicts that neither Watson nor Sanders will be the starter in 2027, suggesting the Browns may use an early pick to reset the position. This projection highlights the uncertainty surrounding the team’s long-term plans.
For Sanders to alter this trajectory, he must demonstrate that his flashes of performance are sustainable over an extended stretch. He needs to improve his decision-making, reduce turnovers, and show he can elevate an offense consistently. Simply outperforming Watson may not be sufficient to prevent Cleveland from drafting a new quarterback, making the 2026 season a decisive audition for the young player.
