Shedeur Sanders boost as Browns star thinks Deshaun Watson has ‘a lot to prove’
The Cleveland Browns face another quarterback battle ahead of 2026.
Early indications from voluntary training camp is that Deshaun Watson has an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the race to be under center come Week one.
Dillon Gabriel and 2026 Draft pick Taylen Green are also in the mix to start, but the pair are seen as favourably as Watson and Sanders.
The news that the veteran was ahead startled Browns fans, who watched Sanders finish the season as quarterback and were left impressed.
Watson has an experience edge, no question, but Sanders could show some other advantages that will unfold over time.
For Browns star defensive lineman Maliek Collins, what stood out about Sanders was the swagger he brought to the offense, which had been nonexistent previously when it was Joe Flacco and Gabriel starting.
Collins, appearing on Terron Armstead’s podcast this weekend, said he does not have a pick between Watson and Sanders, but his comment on the veteran was noteworthy.
“I think for the main thing, it is, they both great dudes,” Collins said.
“I was with Deshaun for a second in Houston before he get traded up here. So I seen, I played against him when I was in Dallas, so I seen what type of player he is, I seen how dynamic he has been in the past. I think he got a lot to prove.
Just because he feels like Watson has something to prove, doesn’t mean he believes it should be a cake-walk for Shedeur.
“I think Shedeur, super talented, I think he has a lot to prove, too. Maybe to themselves, like, who am I? I think whoever we rolling with is who we are rolling with. … I think they said it is an open competition,” Collins added.
“Let the best man win in that situation. I like Shedeur, I like the swag he brings, the confidence he plays with. Deshaun’s a little bit more quiet but he is still a baller.”
Before last week’s update, Watson was seen more of the wildcard pick due to his injury history with the Browns.
Watson tore his achilles in 2024, requiring surgery, and then just months later, he re-ruptured it, requiring an additional procedure.
He has started just 19 games in his three years in Cleveland, accumulating 3365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Despite restructuring his contract, the Browns are still paying him a lot of money, which could also be a major aspect in who gets the starting job.
On the other hand, Sanders stepped in for the final seven games of the season, throwing for 1,400 yards, and a controversial pro-bowl honor.
With the rookie under center, the Browns won three out of their season total five games, another aspect to consider for new head coach Todd Monken.
It will once again be another dominant topic as the regular season creeps nearer.
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