The Cleveland Browns have not yet named a starting quarterback for the upcoming season, leaving Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson in a heated battle that could spill over into the offseason in unexpected ways. As training camp approaches, concerns are mounting about how the unresolved competition might affect team chemistry, particularly among the skill-position players who work closely with the quarterbacks.
NFL insider Albert Breer highlighted one significant risk during a recent appearance on 92.3 The Fan. He pointed out that if the two quarterbacks organize separate offseason workout sessions, it could force receivers, running backs, and tight ends to pick sides, creating unnecessary drama within the locker room.
“If you have two quarterbacks with competing camps and the receivers, running backs, and tight ends have to pick which to go to, you have bigger problems than scheduling,” Breer said. “You have drama over that. That’s probably not great.”
Breer suggested that in such situations, the veteran or presumed starter would typically take the lead in organizing group sessions and invite others to participate, helping to maintain unity.
Fortunately, there have been no public signs so far of Watson and Sanders creating rival camps or pressuring teammates to align with one over the other. Watson has been more active and visible during the break, returning to the facility to train and throwing with players like tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and wide receivers KC Concepcion and Luke Floriea. Sanders, meanwhile, has shared videos of his own workouts, though they have not prominently featured current Browns pass-catchers.
Sanders himself addressed the issue before the team broke for the summer, firmly rejecting any notion of division. He emphasized a team-first approach when asked about potential separate sessions.
“If one of us chooses to do something, we’re all going to do it together as a team. It’s not no individual thing,” Sanders said.
He added that the quarterbacks stay in communication and understand the importance of avoiding any splits that could leave skill players in an awkward position.
Watson recently captured attention with a workout video that underscored his competitive drive. Without Sanders present, he focused on building momentum heading into camp.
“Another day in the books. Great work. Got my dawgs Luke and KC out here. Got a couple of young guys that are in college. Just wanna get that work in with us,” Watson said. “You know, we just keep stacking for real. Every day counts. Every rep counts. Whatever we can do to stay ahead of everybody.”
He wrapped up the message with a more intense tone:
“Keep stepping on everybody necks man,” he added. “That’s the mentality we gotta have this year. You feel me. So we good. We’re in a good space. Work always come first. That’s mandatory.”
Head coach Todd Monken has kept the competition open after minicamp, noting that both quarterbacks have shown enough promise to warrant continued evaluation once pads come on. The final decisions will come through padded practices, live drills, and preseason games rather than voluntary summer sessions.
Rookies are scheduled to report to training camp on July 23, with veterans following on July 28. As the Browns prepare for the season, avoiding any early fractures in the quarterback room will be key to building a cohesive offense. The coming weeks in camp should provide clarity on who will lead the team under center.
