The quarterback battle in Cleveland has been one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason. And, now that the Browns opened voluntary workouts, all eyes were on how reps would be distributed between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
Early updates from practice created speculations and strong reactions across the NFL world. Initial drills suggested one narrative, but later team sessions painted a different picture. The mixed signals have only added intrigue to what is shaping up to be a defining competition for the franchise.
Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders Browns QB Battle Sparks Mixed NFL Reactions
Early in the session, reports indicated that Watson was heavily involved with the first-team offense, sparking immediate buzz.
Browns insider Daniel Oyefusi noted that during initial team sequences, Watson was getting valuable early opportunities to re-establish himself.
“After a special teams period, Browns are back into another round of team drills. Deshaun Watson with the starting offense,” Oyefusi posted on X.
Further reinforcing that impression, insider Mary Kay Cabot added, “So far, Deshaun Watson has gone first in most of the early drills. Arm and agility look good.” Her update focused on the veteran quarterback’s physical condition, noting that he appears healthy after multiple injury setbacks and could still be a serious factor in the competition.
ESPN Cleveland posted a workout video of the QBs, with the caption: “Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders throwing to WRs at Browns voluntary minicamp.”
Deshaun Watson and Sheduer Sanders throwing to WRs at Browns voluntary minicamp pic.twitter.com/OP7SiyH8m3
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) April 21, 2026
However, the narrative shifted once full team drills began. And another Browns reporter of The Athletic, Zac Jackson, clarified the structure of practice, explaining, “First team drill: Shedeur Sanders first up at QB.”
He later provided important context: “This is not live work. The Browns are huddling and getting lined up, then the coaches blow the play dead shortly after the snap. Both sides are running players in and out.” And, this certainly helped explain why early conclusions may have been premature.
Cabot later confirmed the shift, noting, “Browns Shedeur Sanders up first in 11 on 11s,” signaling that Sanders received the most meaningful reps when it mattered most. This sequence of events led to a rollercoaster reaction from fans — initial concern over Watson’s involvement quickly turned into optimism once Sanders led the 11-on-11 sessions.
#Browns Shedeur Sanders up first in 11 on 11s pic.twitter.com/USuDPJHNtD
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 21, 2026
Adding a lighter tone to the debate, GUCCE shared a GIF of Jim Carrey saying, “Oh boy. Here we go,” perfectly capturing the anticipation and chaos around the Browns’ QB battle.
https://t.co/KOlgrU82mw pic.twitter.com/9jCvcRmbwn
— GUCCE (@gucceCU) April 21, 2026
Meanwhile, KardiacKid, a Browns commentator, chimed in with a James Franco wink GIF, a subtle, cheeky nod that fans are bracing for another unpredictable ride in Cleveland.
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The Browns’ approach to early minicamp reps indicates that the coaching staff intentionally rotated both QBs, as explained by the head coach, Todd Monken, while speaking to the reporters.
“It was set up in a way for us to get a look at all of them,” Monken said. “The plan was for Shedeur to have a few more reps, but to let Deshaun and Shedeur both have reps with the 1s. It’ll change each day. We have 3 days to get a great look at those guys.”
Monken earlier had emphasized that this is a genuine competition, even if the rep distribution isn’t equal. He recently explained the fluid nature of the rotation.
“Other than, yeah, someone is gonna have to start off first,” Monken said. “Someone is gonna go second. Someone is gonna go third. And then we’ll be willing to switch that. That’s easily on a daily basis; it’s what we see. Just like any position. That’s not set in stone.”
His comments underline that the coaching staff is still evaluating and adjusting in real time. Statistically, Sanders’ 2025 campaign showed both promise and inconsistency. According to the PFSN QB Impact Metrics, he posted a 56.9 QB Impact Score with an F grade, ranking fourth-worst in the league.
Despite those uneven numbers, Sanders appears to have an early edge after starting the final stretch of last season. Meanwhile, Watson’s situation adds urgency. Since arriving in Cleveland, injuries and suspensions have limited him to just 19 games.
As per “ESPN Cleveland” QB tracker from Day 1 of voluntary minicamp, it showed all three QBs getting work, with Shedeur Sanders completing 10 of 16 passes with 1 interception, while Deshaun Watson went 10 of 15 completions. Dillon Gabriel finished 3 of 6 with 2 interceptions, rounding out the early snapshot of the competition.
This competition is far from settled, and while Sanders may have the inside track for now, Watson’s early involvement and improved health suggest he won’t fade quietly.
