Home / Sports / Sanders' Browns Future: A Defining 2026 Season?
Sanders' Browns Future: A Defining 2026 Season?
20 Aug
Summary
- Shedeur Sanders competes for Browns' QB job as Watson's contract ends.
- Sanders had a 3-4 record in his seven starts late last season.
- Cleveland holds two first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The 2026 season looms large for Shedeur Sanders and his potential role as the Cleveland Browns' long-term quarterback. Sanders is competing for the starting position against Deshaun Watson, whose fully guaranteed $230 million contract concludes after 2026. Watson has a 9-10 record in 19 starts since 2022.
Sanders received an extended opportunity late last season, going 3-4 in seven starts with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Despite a challenging initial audition, his offseason improvements keep him in contention for the starting role in Week 1.
ESPN predicts Watson may begin as the starter, with a potential later transition to Sanders. This scenario could provide Sanders a meaningful audition, but the Browns also possess two first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. If the team struggles, they might opt to draft a new quarterback to reset the position.
For Sanders to secure his future, he must demonstrate improved decision-making, reduce turnovers, and elevate the offense consistently. Simply outperforming Watson might not be enough to prevent the Browns from pursuing another quarterback. If Sanders leads the Browns to playoff contention, he could secure his position while simultaneously limiting the team's draft capital.
