‘Sources = Deion [Sanders],’ ‘This Would Be a Bizarre Twist’ — Browns Fans Divided on Ex-NFL Star’s Deshaun Watson Vs. Shedeur Sanders Rumor

The Cleveland Browns’ decision to name Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders ahead of the 2026 season has sparked plenty of debate, with former NFL star Robert Griffin III among those questioning the move.

Griffin also spilled a major insider claim about why the Browns ultimately chose Watson, triggering reactions throughout the Cleveland community.

Fans React to RGIII’s Claims About Shedeur Sanders Vs. Deshaun Watson Competition

Watson completed just 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception in Saturday’s preseason game against Buffalo, but head coach Todd Monken ultimately named him the team’s Week 1 starter.

The decision has raised eyebrows across the league. Watson is 9-10 as Cleveland’s starter since joining the team from Houston in 2022, having missed significant time with injuries ending his 2023 and 2024 campaigns, followed by a re-torn Achilles that cost him all of 2025.

However, Sanders hasn’t played well either. Accoridng to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, he ranked as the second-worst quarterback in the league last season with an impact score of 63.0

Meanwhile, Griffin shared on social media Wednesday that Watson was not Monken’s preferred choice for the starting job. Griffin claimed several people inside the organization believed Sanders was the better option for the team both on and off the field, especially following Watson’s public friction with home fans.

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Griffin also suggested that Cleveland wants Watson to play due to his massive deal, pointing to his fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.

However, many in the football community were quick to push back on Griffin’s claim.

“Sources = Deion (Sanders),” one fan said.

Sources = Deion. https://t.co/ZU4m1SeD9W

— Tom Moore (@Tom_RedRight88) August 26, 2026

“This is 100% false #DawgPound,” a Browns fan said.

“Isnt’t that something Bob. 2014 Colt McCoy beats the Cowboys on MNF in Dallas.  6 days later, you’re back under orders from the owner and are sacked 5x in a loss at Minn.  Sources said you weren’t the coach’s choice,” one added.

“I can tell you that’s not it at all,” another person said.

Choosing Watson over Sanders remained controversial given their preseason workloads. Sanders played the entire first half against Buffalo, connecting on 9 of 11 pass attempts for 74 yards while managing the offense efficiently.

His steady play gave supporters of Griffin’s report more reason to believe there was a genuine quarterback debate behind closed doors.

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“This would be a bizarre twist. Punish Deshaun by making him take some hits behind a weak offensive line? But I completely disagree that Monken has been short or brushed off questions about Deshaun. He’s defended him and voiced support three times in pressers since Saturday,” Cleveland 19 News’ Zach Keenan wrote.

This would be a bizarre twist. Punish Deshaun by making him take some hits behind a weak offensive line?

But I completely disagree that Monken has been short or brushed off questions about Deshaun. He’s defended him and voiced support three times in pressers since Saturday. https://t.co/5zh6pDFOyY

— Zach Keenan (@ZachKeenanTV) August 26, 2026

“Nailed it again @RGIII & Mrs.Griffin, Very Well Said & I 100% agree. MOST of Cleveland Media makes this so hard to do & break down what u guys just said.  The hate for Shedeur is real. U guys broke it down PERFECTLY Real Recognize Real,” a fan said.

“We have a Jeff Fisher – Vince Young situation in Cleveland?” ESPN 97.5 Houston’s host Jeremy Branham wrote.

The tension between Watson and Cleveland’s fan base has only added fuel to the controversy. Browns supporters booed him during the second preseason game, and Watson addressed the hostile reception afterward, saying he gets more love on the road than at home.

Watson later clarified those remarks during his first press conference after being named starter, apologizing and stating that emotions got the best of him.