If Deshaun Watson reclaims the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job and returns to the form he showed earlier in his career, Shedeur Sanders could face a big challenge in overtaking him on the depth chart. However, that scenario remains speculative considering Watson’s injury history, and many, such as former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel, have already backed Sanders to become the Browns’ QB1 in 2026.
Chase Daniel Explains Why Shedeur Sanders Has the Inside Track to Win Browns’ QB Job
The Browns opened Tuesday’s practice with Watson taking all of the first-team reps, but he struggled early. Watson threw interceptions on consecutive plays, with Denzel Ward grabbing the first and Damarri Mathis securing the second.
Head coach Todd Monken defended the first turnover afterward, saying Ward simply made an outstanding play and that he still would have attempted the same throw.
Watson wrapped up the session, completing 12 of 22 passes with 2 interceptions, as The Athletic’s Zac Jackson characterized the performance as inconsistent, noting a prolonged series of misses, picks, and floaters.
Meanwhile, Sanders delivered a far cleaner outing and completed 16 of his 19 pass attempts without committing a turnover. His performance fueled conversations about whether he should ultimately become Cleveland’s starting quarterback.
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The Browns’ QB competition is not only about training camp performances but also about the organization’s long-term future, and Daniel believes Sanders has the edge.
“I think Shedeur Sanders has done a really good job from everything I’ve been hearing of really growing from year one to year two,” Daniel said. “With this offense, it’s really spread out. They use 11 personnel, which is one back, one tight end, and three receivers. There are similar things to what Shedeur did in Colorado. I never judge rookie quarterbacks because quarterback play is so difficult.”
Sanders threw for 1,400 yards last season while adding 7 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He ranked No. 37 in PFN’s QB Impact rankings, with his pocket processing standing out as his biggest weakness.
In some snaps last season, Sanders hesitated to attack passing windows over linebackers, holding onto the ball too long and allowing sacks. Daniel acknowledged those mistakes but still believes Sanders has the upper hand over Watson in the battle for QB1.
“I do think if you can really just play within that scheme, they’re going to scheme some stuff up and not make stupid mistakes,” Daniel added. “He has to play a lot faster.
“I think that’s really where the biggest jump from first to second year quarterbacks is, is processing speed. It’s going to be a fascinating thing, but I think Shedeur sort of has the inside track on the job. I like Shedeur in this battle.”
Sanders also showed his leadership after practice by remaining on the field to work with fellow quarterback Taylen Green. His willingness to mentor a teammate also reflected the leadership qualities expected of a potential QB1.
