The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition for the 2026 season has taken a wild turn, with rookie Shedeur Sanders making an undeniable case for the starting job over the $230 million man, Deshaun Watson. It's no longer a long shot, folks; Bleacher Report analyst Brad Gagnon straight up predicted on July 10, 2026, that Sanders is going to claim that starting role. This isn't just talk, either: the momentum for Sanders has been building since last season.
Sanders' Unstoppable Ascent
Sanders, who just arrived as a rookie last season, has been quietly grinding, building a case that Cleveland's coaching staff can't ignore. Remember 2025? He took over as the primary passer from Week 10 onward, racking up 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. His college completion rate at Colorado was a stunning 74%, a stark contrast to the sub-60% he posted as a rookie, but the improvement is clear. Coaches are reportedly buzzing about his faster decision-making and quicker ball release. NFL insider James Palmer confirmed Sanders is narrowing the gap, and honestly, after minicamp earlier this month, first-time observers were more impressed with Sanders than Watson, according to Dan Labbe of Orange and Brown Talk on July 6. Sanders earned his shot with his rookie performance, and his growth since then has only cemented his standing.Watson's Rocky Road and The Looming Trade
Meanwhile, Watson's journey with the Browns has been rough, to say the least. Since that massive trade from Houston, he's only played 19 games across four seasons, despite signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal. The dude ruptured his right Achilles in October 2024, then suffered a second injury to the same area in 2025 that wiped out his entire year. Now, the competitive picture has shifted even more. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot flagged a visible dip in Watson's arm strength, suggesting fatigue in his surgically repaired shoulder. Steven from Stadium Rant hammered this home on July 13, pointing out that a double Achilles rupture basically ends most careers, and betting on a quarterback without a full healthy season since 2020 is a gamble that costs coaching staffs their jobs. The Browns have been through 40 QBs since 1999, a pattern of instability that Watson's struggles are just adding to. Oh, and here’s the kicker: the Cowboys and Buccaneers have reportedly been sniffing around, inquiring about Watson's trade availability.The Clock Is Ticking
Cleveland has not formally named a starter yet, with the first open training camp practices kicking off on July 31. But let's be real, Steven's analysis on July 13 says it all: barring injury or a monumental August collapse, the direction of this competition feels determined. Gagnon agrees, saying Sanders still has room to grow, but his ceiling is too high for Cleveland to look away. This could be a franchise-defining summer, and it looks like Shedeur Sanders is ready to take the reins.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.