Top NFL insider shuts down idea that Browns' Shedeur Sanders will start in 2026

Rapoport believes Deshaun Watson will be the Browns' starting QB in 2026 if healthy.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:18am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game or quarterback competition, with sharp planes of muted earth tones overlapping to create a sense of motion and uncertainty.A cubist interpretation of the Browns' quarterback competition captures the fragmented and uncertain nature of the team's plans for 2026.Cleveland Today

Despite speculation that Shedeur Sanders could be the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback in 2026, top NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes the team will instead go with Deshaun Watson as the starter if he is healthy. Rapoport cited Watson's past success when healthy as the reason he thinks the Browns will stick with the veteran over the younger Sanders.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback situation has been a major question mark heading into the 2026 season, with Sanders, Watson, and Dillon Gabriel all potentially in the mix. Rapoport's comments provide some clarity on the team's thinking and suggest they are still committed to Watson as their long-term answer at the position if he can stay healthy.

The details

Rapoport acknowledged that his comments were 'guesses, not reports,' but he believes the Browns will stick with Watson as their starter in 2026 if he is healthy. Rapoport cited Watson's past success when healthy, including leading comebacks, as the reason he thinks the veteran gives the Browns the best chance to win.

  • The Browns' quarterback situation for the 2026 season is currently wide open.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

A young quarterback prospect who has been linked to the Browns' starting job in 2026.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran quarterback who the Browns traded for in 2022 and who Rapoport believes will be the team's starter in 2026 if healthy.

Dillon Gabriel

Another quarterback prospect who is in the mix for the Browns' starting job in 2026.

Ian Rapoport

A top NFL insider who provided his prediction on the Browns' quarterback situation for 2026.

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What they’re saying

“If I had to guess, these are guesses, not reports. My guess is Deshaun Watson. The money is paid already; you had to pay him years ago, and that is paid. Here's why, when he is healthy, he's been for sure good enough to be a starter. There are games when he broke his shoulder, he led his team back on a comeback, and this guy is starting to play well. If healthy, I think he gives them the best chance to win.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Browns will continue to evaluate their quarterback options throughout the offseason and training camp, with Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel all potentially in the mix to be the team's starter in 2026.

The takeaway

Despite speculation that Shedeur Sanders could be the Browns' starting quarterback in 2026, top NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes the team will instead stick with Deshaun Watson as the starter if he is healthy, citing Watson's past success when on the field.