If Deshaun Watson starting for the Cleveland Browns in 2026 is still a question mark, there is no reason to continue down the path of entertaining a quarterback competition.
Cleveland is no longer in a position to evaluate an asset that will not be on the roster after this season; they need clarity and development. Starting the process now is the only way to find out, once and for all, whether Shedeur Sanders, who was recently praised by teammates, is the long-term answer or if the team needs to pivot again in 2027.
Deshaun Watson Starting, Getting QB1 Reps Makes Zero Sense for Browns
Offseason Competition Has Already Spoken
Let’s call it what it is: the fact that this is still even a discussion in mid-June is the problem. Watson starting for Cleveland this season should be something that is clearly recognizable this early in the process. Reports from OTAs and minicamp have shown Sanders still showing the arm talent, accuracy and touch that made him a potential first round pick for most analysts prior to the 2025 draft.
Any idea that the organization should play Watson, who finally opened up to reporters, based on his contract is just moronic. It’s a sunk cost that will always be viewed as a failure for owner Jimmy Haslam. There is no amount of rehab that Watson can do this season that would make him the face of the franchise.
Cleveland doesn’t know for sure what they have in Sanders, and if he plays well enough to keep them lower in the draft order next offseason, the ability to spend capital on a high-profile replacement may not even exist.
Shedeur Sanders Needs Every Rep
Sanders had some question marks coming out of Colorado, so is far from a finished product. He’s a second-year quarterback that showed flashes late in 2025, but he still has plenty of growing to do and a new system to learn while doing it. The best way for Cleveland to properly evaluate his development is by having him run the entire offense as the clear starter through the rest of the offseason program, training camp and preseason.
Young quarterbacks develop through repetition. Todd Monken’s scheme rewards timing, rhythm and comfort. Sanders can’t build any of that if he’s still competing for practice snaps against a player who isn’t part of the long-term plan.
It’s time to give Sanders the opportunity to run the full playbook in every drill from the position of QB1. Allowing the offense to revolve around him now would allow everyone to be familiar and comfortable with him by the time the regular season starts.
The supporting cast of weapons, a strong offensive line and a potentially elite ground game should be enough to weather the storm to start the year. The infrastructure is built for a young quarterback to succeed. The only thing missing is the green light to treat Sanders like the starter and let the offense naturally and organically grow around him.
Deshaun Watson Will Remain on the Team Even if He Doesn’t Play
The Browns aren’t in a position where they need cut or trade Watson. His contract is guaranteed through 2026, and the cap math, unfortunately, is what it is. He can absolutely serve as a high-paid veteran backup and emergency option. There’s no downside in relegating a former public relations nightmare and obvious future cut to being the backup.
However, there is no upside in continuing to treat him as a viable starting option for 2026. That mindset wastes precious offseason time and keeps the franchise from gathering pertinent information on Sanders. The clearest path forward is to declare the competition over. Name Sanders the starter for all remaining preparation work, and go into the 2026 season with a clear and obvious goal.
Anything less is just wasted time.
The Last Word on Deshaun Watson Starting
Watson starting for the Browns at this point in his career and contract presents no long-term benefit for a team that is positioning itself to be not only viable, but potentially a dominant roster within three seasons.
For the Browns, getting every available piece of information on Sanders, is vital. This will allow the organization to make a clear decision on his future with the franchise or possibly drafting his replacement. The possibility of building around him is too important to waste reps on Watson.
Even if you go away from the Sanders project in 2027, the potential increase alone on the return for the former 5th round pick is a better allocation of timed resources than wasting them on a player that will be off of the roster just as quickly as Watson’s contract will allow.
Name Sanders QB1 now, and hope he can help push for an AFC North title even with average play. Stop entertaining any idea of Watson starting in 2026, and keep the focus laser sharp on building a juggernaut for years to come.
Main Photo Courtesy of Lisa Scalfaro – Imagn Images
