Deshaun Watson Browns report is bad news for Shedeur Sanders

Deshaun Watson Browns report is bad news for Shedeur Sanders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns are coming out of the 2026 NFL Draft with a quarterback competition that has four main players. Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green, however, are not likely to win this competition.

The real debate for the starting QB job in 2026 will be between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. As things currently stand, it's too early to call who the starter will be.

But, according to Tony Rizzo on ESPN Cleveland radio, the Browns might wind up going with Watson over Sanders thanks to recent practice reports indicating Watson has looked "phenomenal" during practices.

Browns QB competition leaning Watson over Sanders after 'phenomenal' practice

"I heard Deshaun took the majority of the reps on Wednesday when you guys were not allowed to watch practice, and he looked phenomenal," Rizzo said.

Cleveland's quarterback competition is one of the more interesting ones across the NFL. It's a four-headed race, with two clear frontrunners in Watson and Sanders.

Both have been to the Pro Bowl, but Sanders is heading into year two on a cheap rookie deal while Watson is counting for far too much money on the Browns' books.