Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson were locked in an intense quarterback battle during the NFL offseason to earn the starting job with the Cleveland Browns. Watson was making a return to competitive football after missing the 2025 season due to an Achilles tendon injury. On the other hand, Sanders, having played eight games in the 2025 season, was all set to go.
The former Colorado QB had the edge in the initial exchanges during training camp, but it was Watson who finished camp stronger. Todd Monken, after assessing the duo’s performances, gave Watson the nod for the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears.
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Watson impressed by completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, while Sanders could only throw for 79 yards, including one interception. But things completely changed in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, whereas Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards.
Monken, despite Sanders’ fightback, decided to go with Watson’s experience over Sanders’ youth and potential. But Robert Griffin III has provided another twist to this fascinating tale. The former NFL QB has revealed that sources have told him that Monken wasn’t the one who made this decision. According to Griffin, it was Watson’s $230 million contract that drove the decision.
Griffin, in a post on X, wrote, “Sources tell me Deshaun Watson WAS NOT Todd Monken’s choice as the starter and many in the building thought Shedeur Sanders was the right move for the team on and off the field after Watson attacked the fans.”
“Browns want Deshaun to play for his pay. The fans deserve better,” he added.
Watson has won the job, but it’s not the end of the road for Sanders by any stretch of the imagination. If Watson fails to perform, Sanders could have the opportunity to lead the Browns.
