It doesn't sound like the Cleveland Browns will just hand Shedeur Sanders the starting quarterback job this offseason.
Sanders had an inconsistent rookie year in Cleveland, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. A decent portion of the fan base blamed Kevin Stefanski and his coaching staff for the Colorado product's struggles. That won't be an excuse this year now that Todd Monken is at the helm.
However, Monken has already made it known that Sanders won't be guaranteed the Week 1 job.
“That is to be determined,” Monken said. “I am excited to coach all of the quarterbacks in the room this year.”
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JW Johnson, a partner of the Haslam Sports Group, provided an update on the Browns' quarterback room during an appearance on the "BIGPLAY Cleveland Show." He made it clear that a competition will be held this offseason.
Additionally, Johnson confirmed that Deshaun Watson will be given the chance to earn the starting job. The three-time Pro Bowler has been sidelined since October 2024 due to a torn Achilles.
"Nobody is getting handed the keys to the car today," Johnson said. "They're going to come in and compete. Deshaun is coming off a major injury. He's done well and has battled back. It's nice to see him back. ... Shedeur and Dillon had ups and downs during their rookie years. Now with a new head coach, let's see how they come in, compete and understand the offense. I think it's open competition and we are excited about it."
Browns fans are strongly against Deshaun Watson starting.
Although there's no guarantee Watson will even start for the Browns, fans are making their stance on the polarizing quarterback clear.
"Shedeur is QB1. In a fair competition he will take the job. It's his job to lose and he ain't losing it. Now y'all will get to see why he was a projected top 5 pick," one fan said.
"Starting Watson in any capacity is fan repellent," a Browns fan commented. "NONE of us want to see him in our colors ever again. It’s just an epic failure all around. Just move on please. PLEASE. We have been through enough. We want no part of that washed up bum."
"Haslam will never fill his new stadium w/Watson on the roster. Time for them to own the immense mistake and move on," another fan declared.
We can't wait to see how the quarterback competition for the Browns plays out.