Deshaun Watson’s defiant message spells warning as Shedeur Sanders addresses relationship

The stakes for both Cleveland Browns quarterbacks couldn’t be higher.

Depending on how the offseason goes, either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson will likely be the Browns‘ QB1 for the foreseeable future.

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Whoever loses that QB battle will likely see their career as an NFL starter come to an end for the time being.

Sanders was a big-name college star who was projected to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft but suffered a dramatic slide to the fifth round.

Watson has appeared in just 19 games since signing his mammoth five-year, $230 million deal with Cleveland in 2022.

Watson tore his Achilles tendon in October 2024 and required another surgery after re-rupturing his Achilles, forcing him to miss the entirety of 2025.

However, he appears to have an edge in the QB battle as of now, something fans are not particularly happy about.

Watson has the experience under his belt, and despite not taking a snap since 2024, he is focused on one thing amid the competition’s noise.

“I can’t control what the fans and how they, you know, approach me or approach any other person that walks out there,” Watson said.

“At the end of the day, when I step in between the lines, I gotta lock in on the task at hand.

“And that’s just winning and being successful. So, my mentality is in between the lines – block out the good or the bad, whatever comes with it, and just go out there and execute and play at a high level and try my best to win the game for us.”

Shedeur Sanders gives mature outlook on QB battle

Sanders, on the other hand, has the momentum behind him.

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The former Colorado and Jackson State quarterback started seven games as a rookie, going 3-4 with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, controversially making the Pro Bowl after player withdrawals.

His 169 rushing yards and ability to keep plays alive gave Browns fans a different look at the position than they had grown accustomed to in recent years.

While the QB competition is likely to be one of the biggest storylines throughout the summer, Sanders remained even keeled when asked for his opinion on the ongoing battle.

“I don’t think I’m a judge. I’m not a judge,” Sanders said.

“That’s nothing I’m focused on, I’m focused on developing as a player, doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense and the scheme and playing with confidence.

“That’s all I’m really looking for and trying to improve every day.”

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Shedeur and Deshaun have had a relationship that began before they joined forces in Cleveland.

Sanders’ father is Buffs coach and NFL Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders, someone Watson was familiar with on a personal level.

“So, me and his family got a good relationship and, you know, we always just try to pull for each other,” Shedeur said of Watson.

“So, we both have the opportunity to go out there and put out the best product for the team and let [Todd] Monken and the organization choose who goes out there, and we’re going to support each other.”

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