The Cleveland Browns are currently grappling with one of the NFL's most scrutinized quarterback competitions between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson, acquired in 2022 for three first-round picks and other draft compensation, signed a fully guaranteed contract but has only played 19 games in four seasons due to injuries, including a twice-torn Achilles tendon, and a lengthy suspension. He is currently earning $46 million, positioning him as a top-10 paid quarterback, even if he were to serve as a backup.
Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft, offers a more cost-effective option and better fits the team's long-term timeline. He started seven games in his rookie season, during which the team posted a 3-4 record, an improvement over their 2-8 record without him. However, his individual performance was less stellar, completing just 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with an abysmal 18.9 QBR.
Concerns about Sanders's readiness for the NFL are notable, with one executive quoted saying there's a "huge gap between him and competent quarterback play," and another noting he's "inaccurate at all three levels." Despite these criticisms and a ranking of 35th among quarterbacks, Sanders has shown flashes of potential during preseason and training camp. He is reportedly dedicated, being the first one in and last one out of the facility, and has received most of the QB1 reps during recent training camp sessions, even outperforming Watson on occasion, such as going 21/25 while Watson was 5/11 on one particular day.
Training camp practices have seen Watson and Sanders alternating days with the first-team offense. Watson's preseason opener performance against the Bears was described as underwhelming despite his box score stats, with observers noting he seemed unsure and moved like someone recovering from a significant injury. Sanders, conversely, displayed both exciting flashes and inconsistencies, including an explosive completion and a badly thrown interception. The team aims to name a starting quarterback before their Week 1 opener in Jacksonville on September 13th.
