NFL Analyst Urges Browns to Cut Ties with Deshaun Watson

Analysts argue Shedeur Sanders or Marcus Mariota should be Cleveland's QB1 in 2026 over Deshaun Watson

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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NFL analysts Nick Pedone and Daryl Ruiter strongly criticized the Cleveland Browns' plan to give Deshaun Watson an opportunity to start in 2026, arguing it would be met with boos from home fans. The analysts urged the Browns to instead consider second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders or veteran Marcus Mariota as the team's QB1, citing Watson's poor performance and the financial benefits of releasing him after June 1.

Why it matters

The Browns are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025, and their quarterback situation remains unclear heading into 2026. The analysts' comments highlight the growing doubts around Watson's ability to be a successful starting QB for the team, as well as the potential financial incentives for the Browns to move on from him.

The details

Pedone and Ruiter argued that Watson, who has played in only 19 games for the Browns over the past four seasons, has not lived up to expectations and would face significant backlash from the home fans if he were named the starting QB. They instead advocated for the team to give second-year player Shedeur Sanders or veteran Marcus Mariota a chance to lead the offense, citing Sanders' promising rookie campaign and the potential financial benefits of releasing Watson after June 1.

  • In the 2025 NFL season, the Browns started veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback before turning to Shedeur Sanders.
  • Deshaun Watson has been on the Browns' roster for four seasons but has played in only 19 games, none of which were in 2025.

The players

Deshaun Watson

A three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who has been on the Browns' roster for four seasons but has struggled to find success, playing in only 19 games during that time.

Shedeur Sanders

A rookie quarterback who started games for the Browns in 2025 and showed promise, leading the analysts to advocate for him to be the team's QB1 in 2026.

Marcus Mariota

A veteran quarterback who has been on the Browns' roster but has not seen much playing time, with the analysts suggesting he could be a better option than Deshaun Watson as the team's QB1 in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Dude, I'm Sorry. Daryl, I can't do it. I can't live through a training camp. They seriously tried selling me on Deshaun Watson. Like the Instagram videos, I get guys, he's doing running back drills. That's not the guy that could be the week 1 starter, he can't.”

— Nick Pedone, Analyst (92.3 The Fan)

“They won't be able to introduce the starting offense in the home stadium. The home fans will boo. You can't do that to Browns fans. You can't put Deshaun Watson back on the football field.”

— Nick Pedone, Analyst (92.3 The Fan)

“I can't do it. Going into a season from a financial standpoint it benefits you to post-June 1 release him, why would they do that?”

— Nick Pedone, Analyst (92.3 The Fan)

What’s next

The Browns will need to make a decision on Deshaun Watson's future with the team in the coming months, as releasing him after June 1 could provide financial benefits.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains uncertain, and the analysts' strong criticism of the team's potential plans to start Deshaun Watson highlights the growing doubts around his ability to be a successful QB1 for the team. The analysts' advocacy for Shedeur Sanders or Marcus Mariota suggests the Browns may be better off moving in a different direction at the position.