Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Faces Uphill Battle for Starting Job

Deshaun Watson emerges as favorite to be Cleveland's Week 1 starter despite injury history and off-field issues.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:50am

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is reportedly in the 'pole position' to be the team's starting quarterback in 2026, putting second-year QB Shedeur Sanders' path to the starting job in jeopardy. Watson, who has struggled with injuries and off-field controversies since joining the Browns in 2022, is expected to compete with Sanders for the starting role, but his significant financial contract and previous Pro Bowl pedigree give him an edge according to league insiders.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback situation has been in flux since Watson's arrival, and his potential return to the starting role could have major implications for the team's future plans at the position. Sanders, a promising young QB, had been viewed as the frontrunner to start, but Watson's standing within the organization appears to give him the upper hand despite his recent injury history and off-field issues.

The details

Watson is heading into the final year of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns, which the team's owner has called a 'big swing and miss.' When healthy, Watson has been largely disappointing, with a steep drop-off in production from his best years in Houston. He missed all of last season as he recovered from Achilles surgeries, but is expected to compete with Sanders for the starting job this year.

  • Watson joined the Browns in 2022 on a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
  • In 2023, Watson went 5-1 as a starter before injuries derailed the season.
  • In 2024, Watson's passer rating dipped to 79.0 and he managed just five touchdown passes in seven starts before a season-ending Achilles injury.
  • Watson missed all of the 2025 season as he recovered from a pair of Achilles surgeries.
  • Sanders started the final seven games for the Browns in 2025, going 3-4 as the starter.

The players

Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, who is heading into the final year of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract with the team. Watson has struggled with injuries and off-field issues since joining the Browns in 2022, but is reportedly the favorite to be the team's Week 1 starter in 2026.

Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns' second-year quarterback, who started the final seven games of the 2025 season, going 3-4 as the starter. Sanders is expected to compete with Watson for the starting job, but faces an uphill battle according to league insiders.

Jimmy Haslam

The owner of the Cleveland Browns, who has called Watson's contract a 'big swing and miss' for the team.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who has expressed interest in both Watson and Sanders as potential starting quarterbacks.

Mike Garafolo

An NFL Network reporter who believes Watson has the 'inside track' to be the Browns' starting quarterback in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“'Does Deshaun Watson have a chance to be the Browns' starter in 2026? Yes he does. And in my opinion, he's got a great shot. In fact, at this point, if Deshaun Watson is the starter Week 1 for the Cleveland Browns, this guy right here is not going to be surprised.'”

— Mike Garafolo, NFL Network Reporter

“'I think what you see is elite playmaking ability. That's in him. You've seen it. We've seen it. You saw it in college. You saw it on tape last year. Sure, there's a ways to go. But what rookie isn't, I mean, what first year player doesn't have a long way to go? So, I'm excited to get started with him and all of our quarterbacks and all of our players.'”

— Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns Head Coach

What’s next

The Browns will hold an open quarterback competition throughout the offseason, with Watson and Sanders expected to be the primary contenders for the starting job. The team's decision on who will be their Week 1 starter could have major implications for the franchise's future at the position.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains in flux, with the team's significant financial commitment to Deshaun Watson potentially giving him the edge over the promising young Shedeur Sanders. However, Watson's injury history and off-field issues make him a risky proposition, and Sanders' strong finish to the 2025 season has earned him a chance to compete for the starting role. The Browns' quarterback competition will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.