Former Browns Legend Doubts Deshaun Watson's Future, Backs Shedeur Sanders

Hanford Dixon believes Shedeur Sanders should be the Browns' starting QB over Deshaun Watson.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones, conveying the uncertainty and shifting dynamics of the Browns' quarterback situation.A former Browns legend's doubts about Deshaun Watson's future open the door for a new era of quarterback play in Cleveland.Cleveland Today

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation remains uncertain. While Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are expected to battle for the starting job, former Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon believes Sanders should be the clear starter. Dixon criticized Watson's lack of production for the team and said the job is 'Shedeur's to lose' at this point.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback decision will have major implications for the team's 2026 season and beyond. Watson was acquired in a controversial trade, while Sanders is a highly touted prospect. Dixon's comments suggest the team may be leaning towards the younger Sanders over the veteran Watson, which would represent a significant shift in the team's plans.

The details

According to reports, the Browns are giving Sanders an opportunity to win the starting job outright in training camp and preseason. However, Watson's history of injuries and lack of on-field success in Cleveland have led Dixon to believe Sanders should be the clear QB1. 'Deshaun hasn't done a damn thing for this football team,' Dixon said. 'Let's just face it, gotta tell Shedeur that he is the starting quarterback now... Right now it's got to be Shedeur's job to lose.'

  • The NFL Draft is approaching in the coming weeks.

The players

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' current starting quarterback, who was acquired in a controversial trade but has struggled with injuries and lack of production in Cleveland.

Shedeur Sanders

A highly touted quarterback prospect who is expected to compete with Watson for the Browns' starting job.

Hanford Dixon

A former Browns cornerback and legendary player who is now doubting Watson's future in Cleveland.

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What they’re saying

“'Deshaun hasn't done a damn thing for this football team. Let's just face it, gotta tell Shedeur that he is the starting quarterback now... Right now it's got to be Shedeur's job to lose.'”

— Hanford Dixon, Former Browns Cornerback

What’s next

The Browns will make their final decision on the starting quarterback job during training camp and preseason, with the expectation that either Watson or Sanders will emerge as the clear starter.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains fluid, with a former team legend doubting Deshaun Watson's future and believing Shedeur Sanders should be the starter. This suggests the team may be leaning towards the younger, more promising Sanders over the veteran Watson, a significant shift in their plans.