The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle has plenty of attention around it, but the competition may not be as even as it looks. Shedeur Sanders has another chance to make his case, while Deshaun Watson carries the weight of experience and a major investment from the franchise.
This difference has one former NFL star questioning whether Sanders can truly control his own fate.
Chad Johnson Sees Deshaun Watson Holding the Edge Over Shedeur Sanders
Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson believes the Browns’ quarterback decision could come down to more than preseason production. Appearing on “Nightcap,” Johnson acknowledged Sanders’ effort against the Chicago Bears before pointing to the business factors surrounding Cleveland’s veteran quarterback.
“Shedeur made some good throws. He had an interception; the ball got away from him,” Johnson said. “I’m excited. I like the QB battle they have going on.”
Sanders completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards after taking over in the third quarter. He showed pocket movement and made several impressive throws, but a costly interception became the defining mistake of his outing.
Watson, meanwhile, finished 11 of 15 for 126 yards while playing the entire first half against Chicago’s starting defense. This clean passing performance gives the veteran a useful advantage as Cleveland evaluates both quarterbacks.
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Johnson believes the numbers are only part of the equation. The Browns made a massive financial commitment to Watson by signing him to an unprecedented five-year, $230 million contract that was 100% fully guaranteed.
Even after restructuring his deal in March 2026, Watson represents a monumental financial hurdle, carrying a restructured $44.9 million cap hit for the season and leaving a projected $86.2 million in total dead money split between the 2027 and 2028 caps. So it is a factor that could influence how the organization views the competition.
“But from the business side of things, I know who’s going to be the starter,” Johnson said. “I’m sure those who’ve been around the game long enough understand as well.”
He then made his position even clearer.
“As much as we want to see Shedeur play. You know what it comes down to. It’s Deshaun Watson’s job to lose.”
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This does not mean Johnson dismissed Sanders’ ability, who ranked second-worst in the league on PFN’s NFL QB Impact Metric for 2025. He specifically praised the former Colorado star’s arm talent and liked what he saw from him in the pocket. The problem, in Johnson’s view, is whether those flashes will be enough to overcome the circumstances surrounding Watson.
Cleveland has continued to keep the competition moving, with head coach Todd Monken calling the race “pretty balanced.” Sanders will start the Browns’ second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and is scheduled to handle the first half.
This gives the second-year quarterback another important opportunity, especially after his interception against Chicago. His next outing could carry even more weight as the Browns evaluate both quarterbacks. Sanders needs to make plays while avoiding costly mistakes that could strengthen Watson’s case.
Johnson’s argument ultimately centers on the difference between winning a competition on the field and winning the organization’s decision. Sanders can continue making plays, but Johnson believes Watson remains in control of the race until the veteran gives Cleveland a reason to make a change.
