The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson continues to heat up as both stars battle daily for the starting role. However, former NFL player Breiden Fehoko recently offered a surprising perspective on Cleveland’s QB race that has quickly sparked widespread discussion.
Shedeur Sanders’ Battle With Deshaun Watson Gets Unexpected Twist from Breiden Fehoko
The Browns’ coaching staff is yet to settle on a definitive starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Although Watson initially appeared to have the advantage because of his experience, the organization stopped short of naming a starter following minicamp.
Head coach Todd Monken confirmed that both Watson and Sanders are rotating first-team reps throughout training camp. He explained that the preseason games will ultimately determine the winner.
Through four training camp practices, Sanders has reportedly completed 70.3% of his passes while throwing four touchdowns against one interception. Meanwhile, Watson owns a 64.4% completion rate with three touchdowns and six interceptions.
Despite the focus remaining on Sanders and Watson, Fehoko stirred conversation with a post on X, claiming the quarterback performing at the highest level in practice is neither of the two frontrunners. His comment appeared to hint that Cleveland’s other quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, has been the most impressive passer.
“Don’t shoot the messenger. Word in the Cleveland Browns locker room is the best quarterback isn’t Deshaun or Shedeur right now,” Fehoko wrote.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Gabriel has generally been viewed as the outsider in the quarterback competition. However, after his post sparked significant discussion, Fehoko attempted to defuse the controversy by clarifying that he was simply passing along what he had heard rather than promoting a personal agenda.
“I’m just the middle man. I mean no harm,” Fehoko wrote in response to a fan.
Gabriel is currently splitting second- and third-team reps with rookie Taylen Green. Even while working with the reserve units, he has reportedly been highly accurate. He already earned praise from head coach Todd Monken for his professionalism, preparation, and consistent approach throughout training camp.
Meanwhile, Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has fallen well short of expectations. The veteran quarterback is continuing his comeback after missing significant time with a torn right Achilles tendon suffered during the 2024 season.
On the other hand, Sanders’ path has been dramatically different. After unexpectedly sliding in the NFL Draft, he entered Cleveland buried behind veteran Joe Flacco and Gabriel on the quarterback depth chart.
Sanders’ opportunity eventually arrived after Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals and Gabriel suffered a concussion. Sanders stepped into the starting lineup for the final seven games of his rookie season, finishing with a 3-4 record while throwing seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The Browns are not expected to make a final decision until at least after their second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 22. However, for now, despite Fehoko’s eye-catching endorsement of Gabriel, all indications suggest the Browns remain focused on deciding between Watson and Sanders for their starting quarterback.
