As the Cleveland Browns prepare to head into training camp, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the quarterback position. What once seemed like a straightforward path for veteran Deshaun Watson has evolved into a compelling summer battle with second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders.
While the competition has tightened, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler indicates that the “pulse around the league” still points to Watson as the frontrunner to secure the starting role for Week 1.
Appearing on ESPN Cleveland, Fowler provided key insight into how the team views the depth chart following offseason workouts.
According to Fowler, Watson entered the spring as the clear and undeniable favorite. When it comes to managing the offense, understanding the playbook’s intricacies, and executing the nuances of the position, the coaching staff initially gave the veteran a distinct upper hand.
However, the narrative shifted slightly during minicamp. Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick who started seven games for Cleveland late last season, has managed to turn what might have been a formality into a genuine competition.
Fowler noted that Sanders has noticeably “closed the gap” over the last few months. Team officials and coaches have taken note of the young quarterback’s enhanced decisiveness on the field, alongside a natural leadership presence that teammates are actively drawing toward.
Head coach Todd Monken had initially hoped to name a starting quarterback by the conclusion of organized team activities (OTAs), but Sanders’ impressive strides—paired with Watson’s need to find consistent rhythm after missing the 2025 season with an Achilles injury—forced the coaching staff to hold off on a final decision.
Despite Sanders making things interesting, Fowler reiterates that Watson remains in a very favorable position to win the job. The veteran’s experience and foundational command of the offense keep him ahead for the time being.
Looking forward, the Browns do not plan to rush the decision. Fowler reports that Monken intends to utilize the preseason extensively to gather as much data as possible.
Both Watson and Sanders are expected to see live game action in varied situations during the exhibition schedule, allowing the staff to evaluate how each quarterback handles real-game pressure before making the final call for the regular season.
Watson has not come remotely close to living up to expectations since arriving in Cleveland, but Sanders did not exactly light it up during his rookie campaign, either.
It should be an interesting training camp for the Browns.
