Shedeur Sanders is no longer the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, as Deshaun Watson has taken the lead in the competition. This decision raises concerns about the timing and implications for the team's performance.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback competition may already be tilting, and not in the direction many expected. According to Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, Deshaun Watson has taken the lead over Shedeur Sanders and now has the inside track to be named QB1. It is a huge decision, considering that the quarterback is the most important position in the NFL.
āI think they should declare him QB1 asap and let the 1st team offense start to cook. Thereās no time to waste,ā Cabot said via X. And if thatās truly the direction Cleveland is heading, it raises a major question: Are the Browns making a mistake before the season even begins?
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Head coach Todd Monken has indicated the team hopes to identify a starter by the end of minicamp (June 9ā11). That gives Sanders roughly six weeks to close the gap. But the tone around the situation already suggests the decision may be leaning heavily toward Watson. And thatās where the concern begins.
On paper, the logic is simple: Watson is a three-time Pro Bowler with experience. Sanders is still proving himself. But this isnāt just about resumes, itās about trajectory.
Sanders represents:
Watson represents:
If the goal is long-term success, leaning too quickly on the veteran could limit what Sanders brings to the table.
Shedeur Sanders has lost his position as QB1 to Deshaun Watson, who is now favored to start.
The decision to switch quarterbacks could impact team chemistry and performance as the season approaches.
Deshaun Watson is currently leading the quarterback competition for the Cleveland Browns.
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Thereās no question Sanders has work to do. Reports suggest heāll need to ādazzleā the coaching staff to overtake Watson before training camp. But that framing matters. Because when a young quarterback has to clearly outperform a veteran just to get a fair shot, it often signals the competition isnāt entirely even.
Going with Watson might feel like the safer choice. But āsafeā doesnāt always mean better, especially in Cleveland. The Browns need:
If Sanders provides even a glimpse of that potential, the team should be careful not to overlook it in favor of familiarity.
Quarterback decisions define franchises. And timing matters just as much as talent. If Cleveland makes this call too early, or without fully exploring Sandersā ceiling, it could be a move they regret.
Deshaun Watson may be leading the race today. But naming him QB1 now could close the door too soon on what Shedeur Sanders might become. And for a team still searching for its identity, thatās a risk the Browns might not be able to afford.