Deshaun Watson was officially named the Cleveland Browns’ Week 1 starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders, setting off a fresh wave of debate around the decision.
The announcement quickly reached Deion Sanders, who offered a blunt response. Soon, Browns fans joined the growing conversation.
The Browns Fans React to Deion Sanders’ Response on Shedeur Sanders’ QB2 Role
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Coach Prime kept his answer brief but made it clear he believes Shedeur has earned a stronger opportunity in Cleveland.
“And we all know what’s transpiring with Shedeur although he’s playing extremely well,” he said.
Although Sanders did not directly criticize the Browns, his words carried enough weight to raise more questions about the quarterback competition. Naturally, Browns fans wasted little time reacting to the comment on social media.
One fan argued that Prime’s words could make the situation even more complicated, saying, “Prime is not making it any easier at all…”
Another fan focused on the coaching decisions behind the scenes. “This right here lets me know Shedeur is Monken’s guy and this was an ownership decision. No way Coach Prime says that if it’s the coach’s call.”
This right here lets me know Shedeur is Monken’s guy and this was an ownership decision. No way Coach Prime says that if it’s the coaches call https://t.co/8oeUFU2aRk
— drew (@blackmoneymuse) August 27, 2026
Head coach Todd Monken’s choice to start Watson instead of Sanders has become one of the NFL’s biggest talking points.
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In his rookie season, Sanders’ 63.0 PFN QB Impact grade ranked 37th among 38 qualifying quarterbacks in 2025, well below the 75.0 benchmark for an average starter.
Watson already has a difficult relationship with Browns fans, and that tension surfaced during Cleveland’s second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills last weekend. After the crowd booed him, the quarterback faced another uncomfortable moment in an already complicated situation.
However, Watson only added more fuel afterward when he blasted the franchise’s fans during his postgame news conference. He eventually apologized, but the damage highlighted how messy Cleveland’s quarterback situation has become.
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Now, fans and analysts have questioned whether Watson’s massive, fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract influenced the decision.
If that theory holds weight, Deion Sanders’ latest comments explain why Browns fans are wondering whether the coaches truly made the final call.
However, not every Browns fan welcomed Coach Prime’s latest comments. Some supporters believe Coach Prime’s public remarks only add pressure to an already tense situation.
One fan argued, “I’m sorry, but he ain’t gone make it no easier with all the talking; the reason this all happened was him saying in an interview that certain teams couldn’t draft Shedeur.”
Another fan delivered an even harsher verdict: “This is the worst family I have ever seen.”
I’m sorry but he ain’t gone make it no easier with all the talking, the reason this all happened was him saying in an interview that certain teams couldn’t draft shedeur
— Vante Miles (@VanteMiles) August 27, 2026
The young quarterback endured one of the biggest slides in NFL Draft history before the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That fall continues to shape the conversation around his place in Cleveland.
More fans also reacted to Coach Prime’s take.
Another fan added, “This is the only guy that thought Shedeur was a starter. Maybe everyone else knows the truth.”
This is the only guy that thought Shadeur was a starter. Maybe everyone else knows the truth
— BradJohnson (@BradJohnso75678) August 27, 2026
However, a few fans also supported Coach Prime’s take. “Didn’t Archie Manning do the same? Just a dad looking out for his son,” one fan wrote.
Didn’t Archie Manning do the same? Just a dad looking out for his son.
— Shedeur X (@ShedeurX) August 27, 2026
Talking about the current situation, Monken named Watson the starter Monday after reviewing the offseason, training camp, joint practices, and two preseason games.
Watson completed 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards without a touchdown and threw 1 interception. Sanders went 15 of 22 for 153 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Against the Buffalo Bills, however, he looked sharper, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Now, Sanders’ future in Cleveland remains difficult to predict, with Coach Prime, fans, and analysts all adding different voices to the debate.
