ESPN research highlights Browns’ quarterback QBR concerns
Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel were identified in ESPN research as having some of the lowest qualifying QBR figures across consecutive seasons.
ESPN research has highlighted a significant statistical concern for the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback group, with three of the club’s reported options for 2026 linked to the lowest qualifying QBR figures across consecutive seasons.
Deshaun Watson recorded a QBR of 21 in 2024, which ESPN reported was the league’s lowest among quarterbacks with at least five starts. The research also identified Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as recording QBRs of 18.9 and 31.4 respectively in the subsequent season.
The source material does not establish the season represented by Sanders’ and Gabriel’s figures with the same clarity as Watson’s 2024 statistic. The figures should therefore be read as reported ESPN comparisons rather than as directly equivalent results from one season.
The statistics come as Cleveland prepares for 2026 with a new coaching staff and an overhauled roster. The Browns have selected Watson as their starting quarterback over Sanders, despite Watson’s return from a torn Achilles tendon.
Watson struggled in a pre-season game, completing five of 12 passes for 35 yards and throwing one interception. The reported QBR figures place added focus on the club’s management of its quarterback options as it prepares for the season.
