The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition is one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 offseason. According to reports, Deshaun Watson emerged from voluntary minicamp with a lead in the race over Shedeur Sanders, despite not playing since October 2024 when he tore his Achilles and required a second surgery months later.
The Browns hired a new head coach, Todd Monken, who hopes to identify a starter soon. As of now, Watson is the clear-cut leader to become that starter.
Tony Grossi Explains Deshaun Watson’s Advantage Over Shedeur Sanders
Veteran Browns reporter Tony Grossi recently revealed on ESPN Cleveland why Watson has an edge over Sanders in the quarterback battle.
“I think it’s evident that Watson has an edge right now,” Grossi said. “I think because of experience. He’s in the best shape he’s ever been. He’s showing no effects of two Achilles tendon surgeries… We are talking about now, and that’s why I’m trying to put it in perspective.
“He’s [Watson] familiar with flipping a playbook and learning another one,” Grossi added. “It’s not hard for him, Flacco, and any veteran of the league to do that, as it is [for] a second-year player like Gabriel and Sanders.”
“I think it’s evident that Watson has an edge right now,” – @TonyGrossi on the Browns QB competition heading into OTAs. pic.twitter.com/P8s1erEUGy
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 18, 2026
Beyond his experience, the financial side of things supports giving Watson the first shot to start the season. The final year of his fully guaranteed, $230 million contract carries a $44.95 million cap hit in 2026, and the Browns absorb that cost whether he plays or not, which means getting any remaining value from arguably the worst trade in league history is basic asset management.
According to PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric, Cleveland had the sixth-ranked defense in the league last season, and even average production at the quarterback position can take them to the playoffs.
If Monken can get something out of Watson, the Browns will compete with a roster that added tackle Spencer Fano and receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston through the draft.
If Watson struggles, Sanders can step in with seven starts under his belt. And if both fail, the Browns hold 10 picks in the 2027 draft class, which is projected to be loaded at quarterback.
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Watson last started more than seven games in a season in Houston in 2020. In 16 games during that campaign, he threw for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
It’s unlikely the 30-year-old quarterback will ever return to those levels, but the upcoming season is his best chance to redeem himself. If he is even 60-70% of the version he was in Houston, Watson could potentially lead the Browns to a season in which they are a dangerous team.
