The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition was one of the top topics of conversation throughout the offseason in 2025, and it was that way once again in 2026. Given the polarizing nature of both Deshaun Watson and the massive popularity of Shedeur Sanders, it is easy to see why this competition was so frequently discussed throughout training camp.
Ultimately, the Browns named Watson their Week 1 starter, and while it’s unclear how long a leash he will have, this decision has sparked a lot of conversation across the sports media landscape.
Breiden Fehoko Takes Issue With Discourse Surrounding the Browns’ QB Situation
Former NFL defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko reached out to eight people in the Browns organization, and all of them told him, “We support Deshaun Watson, Todd Monken is 100% behind him, and we’re excited for what this season brings, and we also support Shedeur Sanders.”
Neither Sanders nor Watson has lived up to fans’ hopes thus far, with Watson missing time due to injury and suspension and playing poorly when he has been on the field. Meanwhile, Sanders ranked No. 37 in PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metric (QBi) as a rookie in 2025, completing only 56.6% of his passes, for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight games.
While Watson has been named the starter, many fans wanted Sanders to start, leaving them very angry with the decision.
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“LeSean McCoy, what you did last night, Robert Griffin III, what you did last night, was very reckless,” Fehoko added. “You guys are picking on a fanbase that is very emotional right now… you know they are living on the edge, and you guys have added fuel to the fire.”
What LeSean McCoy and Robert Griffin III did on their platforms was very reckless. They targeted an emotional fanbase on edge over the QB competition decision and poured gasoline on the fire to cause a stir. It’s okay to have an opinion, but saying “little birdies telling me”… pic.twitter.com/WnmT5tL6pH
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) August 27, 2026
The lies he referred to included Griffin saying, “Sources tell me Deshaun Watson WAS NOT Todd Monken’s choice as the starter,” and McCoy saying, “I got a little birdie over there, he (Sanders) has the majority of the coaches over there” on his side.
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It’s unclear which statement is true because these sources are anonymous, but these are clearly opposing viewpoints. It’s possible that one person feels differently from the rest of the organization, but as Fehoko mentions, the Browns are all publicly backing the decision.
The decision to start Watson has already angered Browns fans, and now seeing former players claim to have sources is making them even angrier; they feel that, as fans, they are not getting a product the team even believes in.
The fanbase has had it rough in recent years, with only two winning seasons since 2008, and with Watson’s poor play, massive contract, and off-field history, fans are on edge as it is.
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Fehoko’s accusation that McCoy and Griffin lied leads many to believe they could be trying to generate clicks and views.
“Shady (McCoy), you can’t expect people to take you seriously with who you sit across from,” Fehoko added, indicating McCoy’s co-host Emmanuel Acho on “Speakeasy.”
“I understand you guys are trying to build a platform, hey, you do what you’ve got to do. But there comes a point where when you lie on people’s agendas, and you create a narrative, I’m here to tell the truth,” Fehoko concluded.
The true feelings of the Browns’ organization are impossible to know, but the fact of the matter is they have publicly backed the decision and are pushing forward to start the season.
The Browns’ quarterback situation is expected to be closely monitored throughout the season, and only time will tell how short the leash is on Watson’s job. If he plays poorly, Sanders will likely get an opportunity to play, and his leash could be fairly short as well if they decide they would like to get a look at sixth-round rookie quarterback Taylen Green later in the season.
