The Cleveland Browns have one of the most intriguing quarterback rooms in the NFL at the moment, making for an interesting position battle that will last all summer. While NFL training camp is still a few months away, it appears the Browns have an early leader in the quarterback competition.
during an appearance on sports center This weekend, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Deshaun Watson has "hit it out" with Browns head coach Todd Monken and some around the league believe he could win the starting job.
"He's already been a factor on the practice field. I'm told he's worked with Todd Monken, who has an offensive concept, some elements that Watson has run in the past and has gotten the best of them...Talking to people around the league, he believes Watson can ultimately earn this job."
Jeremy Fowler on Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns QB competition
Watson, who turns 31 in September, last played in the regular season on Oct. 20, 2024. He has recovered from two Achilles tears and it appears his NFL career is in danger of being over by 2025.
This set the stage for Shadure Sanders, who was viewed as the early favorite to be named the Browns' starting quarterback in 2026. Although he did not play well in his rookie season, posting an 18.9 ESPN QBR with a 7-10 TD-INT line, there was optimism he would improve with a revamped supporting cast in Cleveland.
However, Fowler's reporting supports what Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot has said in recent weeks. In late April, she wrote for Cleveland.com that Watson had the "inside track" to winning the contest.
Regardless of who is named the Browns' starting quarterback for Week 1, we'll likely see both Watson and Sanders on the field in 2026. Given how both of them have performed in Cleveland, there's also a real possibility that Dillon Gabriel will get some opportunities this fall.
