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Watson & Sanders: Browns' QB Gamble Renewed
31 Mar
Summary
- Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will compete for the Browns' starting quarterback job.
- Owner Jimmy Haslam expressed cautious optimism about Watson's current physical condition.
- Watson's contract is up after 2026, making this season crucial for his tenure.
The Cleveland Browns are initiating an open quarterback competition, with Deshaun Watson and second-year player Shedeur Sanders slated to battle for the starting role. This strategic move by the organization aims to foster optionality and leadership at the crucial quarterback position. Owner Jimmy Haslam recently spoke with Watson, describing him as being in great shape and physically lighter, while expressing cautious optimism about his abilities.
Watson's time in Cleveland has been marked by instability, including a 2021 season out, an 11-game suspension in 2022, and injuries throughout 2023. He also missed all of 2025 recovering from Achilles ruptures. With Watson entering the final year of his contract in 2026, this season represents a pivotal opportunity for him to potentially reshape the narrative of his tenure with the Browns, moving from a "swing and a miss" to a "home run."
