The Cleveland Browns head into the 2026 season with one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the league. Veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders represent two very different timelines for a franchise still searching for long-term stability under center.
While the upside of Sanders is undeniable, the immediate reality is far more complicated. As the Browns weigh short-term competitiveness against future development, former NFL linebacker-turned-analyst Emmanuel Acho offered his assessment of where things stand today.
Why Emmanuel Acho Believes Deshaun Watson Should Be the Browns’ Day 1 Starter
Acho addressed the situation during a recent appearance on the “Speakeasy” podcast. While acknowledging the buzz surrounding Sanders, he made it clear that the Browns’ decision should be rooted in present-day performance rather than projection.
“I agree with [Ian] Rapoport that Deshaun Watson will be the starter. I don’t agree with Rapoport’s logic to get him there. Deshaun Watson has played some bad games. Let’s call it what it is. I know Deshaun personally. We’ve had some great conversations. He’s been nothing but great to me. But he’s had some bad games.
“Should he be the starter? Yes, because he’s played at a higher level than Cleveland Browns quarterbacks have in the last two years. That’s why he should be the starter. He’s probably better today than a second-year Shedeur Sanders that has 7 touchdowns, 10 interceptions. Will he be better than Shedeur in a year, two years? I don’t know. But today, right now, Deshaun Watson is better.”
Acho’s comments reflect a broader sentiment around the league. Watson’s recent play — if you can call it that — has been inconsistent, but Cleveland’s quarterback room has not exactly set a high bar in recent seasons.
Sanders finished his rookie season with an F grade via PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metrics in a limited sample size of 8 games (7 starts). From a purely comparative standpoint, the veteran still offers more stability and experience than a developing second-year player adjusting to NFL speed.
That distinction matters for a Browns team that, while not viewed as a true contender, still has enough talent to remain competitive week to week, thanks in large part to its defense. Starting Sanders immediately could accelerate his development, but it also risks exposing him before he is ready.
Why Shedeur Sanders Represents the Browns’ Future, Not Their Present
The appeal of Sanders is the long-term upside. His arm talent, poise, and ability to extend plays make him an intriguing option for a franchise seeking a reset at the position. However, Acho emphasized that potential should not outweigh present-day reality.
“Deshaun Watson’s going to be more conducive to the Browns’ success, and the Browns are still probably a year or so away from winning anything substantial anyway. So, yes, Deshawn will be and should be the Day 1 starter in Cleveland. Doesn’t mean he’ll be the week 10 starter in Cleveland, but he’s probably better than Shedeur is today.”
That final point may be the most important one. The Browns are not locked into Watson for the entire season if performance dips or Sanders progresses quickly. Instead, the situation sets up as a bridge scenario, where Watson opens the year while Sanders continues to develop behind the scenes.
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For Cleveland, this approach balances both timelines. It allows the team to remain competitive early while preserving Sanders’ growth trajectory. If the second-year pro proves ready sooner than expected, the transition can happen organically.
Acho’s take sums up the current state of the Browns’ quarterback room. Sanders might be the future, but Watson is still the guy right now.
