‘Remarkable’ Shedeur Sanders handed boost in Browns QB battle as Deshaun Watson told he has ‘no shot’

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback race is heading in one direction.

Cleveland currently have three hurlers on their roster: Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel.

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Many in the industry believe that the race will come down to Sanders and Watson, with Gabriel quickly becoming more of an afterthought.

Watson missed the entirety of the 2025 season, recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered the year before.

He has played 19 games for the franchise, posting an 80.7 passer rating with 3,365 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.

Shedeur showed glimpses of his potential, after stepping in for the final seven games of the 2025 season for Gabriel, who was out with a concussion.

Sanders threw for 1,400 yards and seven-touchdowns, controversially making the Pro Bowl after player withdrawals.

Deshaun Watson doesn’t ‘shot’ at Browns No. 1 QB role

It’s clear that the Browns have seen something with Shedeur, who initially suffered a stunning draft slide, and ESPN’s Tim Hasselbeck has laid out the upcoming QB battle.

“I really don’t think Watson has a shot,” Hasselbeck said.

“He’s been away from the game for so long. He has had two Achillies injuries. I think his credibility in the locker room has been compromised because of his past.

“I do think there’s too many things with it. And so, I think Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a remarkable position.”

Watson’s hefty $230 million contract was restructured by the Browns at the beginning of the offseason to create cap space.

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But while Hasselbeck believes he has ‘no shot’ at the starting role, Browns general manager Andrew Berry has been vocal this offseason about his chances being open.

Watson will be given fair chance to win Browns’ starting job

“Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach, who has in the past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful,” Browns owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters.

“He’s in great shape, he’ll be in Cleveland on April 7 when we start the offseason workout program. Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.”

Throughout his career, Watson has thrown for 17,904 yards with 123 touchdowns to 48 interceptions.

New HC Todd Monken will have a big decision to make — a rookie who has shown flashes, or a veteran returning from a severe injury.

If Sanders were named starter in 2026, it would complete a remarkable turnaround from where he found himself a year ago.

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He entered the 2025 season fourth on the depth chart, with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Gabriel ahead of him.

It is expected that Cleveland will stay out of the quarterback market in the upcoming NFL Draft, leaving Sanders or Watson with a clear path to the starting role.

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