Shedeur Sanders (Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter Monday, confirming what the organization had privately signaled for months. Shedeur Sanders, who earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie, opens 2026 as the backup.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the decision “truly came down to the end,” with the Browns ultimately leaning toward Watson’s experience. It sounds like a setback. Depending on how the next few weeks unfold in Cleveland, it might turn out to be the smartest thing that happened to his career.
He threw seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions across seven starts as a rookie. Watson has one of the lowest projected win totals in the NFL surrounding him, and analysts have noted the Browns will likely look to draft a new quarterback in 2027.
“He’s done a great job of defining his footwork, playing with a base, learning the offense, working his butt off to really master his craft,” Bajakian said. “He’s been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication to wanting to be an NFL quarterback,” Haslam said. Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Browns emphasized to Sanders that they were playing “the long game” with his development, and that he understood the decision and took it in stride.
Browns quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian was direct about Sanders’ development this offseason. That kind of language from a position coach is rarely empty. Sanders spent the winter in Berea when most players his age head home. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam noticed. The quiet reality is that Sanders needed this extra time. That kind of number tells you a young quarterback is still figuring out NFL speed. Sitting behind Watson for a few weeks, watching film rather than absorbing hits, could sharpen the processing ability his coaches have already seen improving in practice. And the window will not stay closed long. That’s not a long leash for Watson. Sanders’ upside, even on a conservative projection, is greater than Watson’s both short and long term. The Browns know this. The coaching staff knows this. That tells you something about where his head is at.