Ex-exec can’t understand why Deshaun Watson would start for Browns in 2026

What in the world are the Cleveland Browns doing? That’s the question that many fans and pundits are asking. Their quarterback position, in particular, is a big mess. Despite having four quarterbacks listed on their roster, there’s no clear starter who’s capable of leading the team well.

The current consensus is that veteran Deshaun Watson and sophomore Shedeur Sanders are competing for the starter role. However, if you ask one former NFL executive, there should be no question: Watson should not even be considered as the Browns’ QB1. Mark Tannenbaum says that it’s baffling why Watson is even being considered as the potential starter for the team moving forward.

Mike Tannenbaum Doesn’t Understand Why Deshaun Watson Would Be The Starting Quarterback For The Browns:

“For me, I’m just hard pressed to understand, what’s the upside in Deshaun Watson being the Cleveland Brown quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/QHrkaBU1Zu

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) August 10, 2026

Much has been made about Watson’s off-field issues. Many felt that the suspension he accrued a few years ago due to his sexual misconduct was not enough, and that he shouldn’t be allowed to play in the league anymore. Even when you set aside his off-field issues, though, it was painfully clear in his few appearances that the Browns quarterback barely has anything left in the tank.

In 2024, Watson played in just seven games. He completed just 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards, throwing five touchdowns to three interceptions. Those seven games had been a recurring trend since Watson’s arrival, having played in just six games in each of the previous two seasons. Watson did not play for the Browns in the 2025 season due to a torn Achilles (which he reinjured midway through the year).

Watson’s supposed upside for the Browns is his veteran presence and his ability to win them games. After trading away Myles Garrett, though, winning isn’t exactly on the Browns’ menu for this season. That’s why many, including Tannenbaum, are advocating for Cleveland to trot out Sanders or another younger quarterback to give them experience.

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