The Cleveland Browns entered training camp with one of the biggest quarterback questions in the NFL.
Deshaun Watson is back after missing the entire 2025 season with a torn Achilles, looking to reclaim the starting job after an injury-filled stint in Cleveland. Since signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract in 2022, Watson has started just 19 games for the Browns, throwing 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
But he is no longer the only quarterback firmly in the conversation. Shedeur Sanders made seven starts as a rookie last season and showed enough promise to remain in the mix heading into his second year. He completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and opened training camp by reportedly completing 16 of his 19 passes without a turnover.
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Now, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler has shared the latest on where the competition stands.
“Deshaun Watson was the favorite in the spring. Sources have continued to tell me that Shedeur Sanders did close the gap somewhat by his decisiveness and his presence,” Fowler stated on Good Morning Football. “People are drawn to him. It's just, he's got a personality that brings people in a little bit. So Deshaun Watson's gonna have to overcome that.
"They're gonna mix and match different looks for them, put them in first-team scenarios. I wouldn't be surprised if Todd Monken wants to play this through some preseason game action, get both players some reps, some starts, seeing who truly wins this job.”
Watson entered the offseason as the favorite to lead Cleveland's offense, but Sanders has continued to make his case during camp.
His performance over the opening practices has only added to the competition as the Browns work through one of the league's most closely watched position battles.
Head coach Todd Monken has yet to name a starter and appears willing to let the competition continue into the preseason. That would give both quarterbacks opportunities with the first-team offense before Cleveland makes a decision ahead of the regular season.
