Browns QB Deshaun Watson drops how he clearly feels about competing against Shedeur Sanders for the starting job
Deshaun Watson answered multiple questions for the first time in over a year and a half on Wednesday. One question came up about Shedeur Sanders and it’s worth noting.
Wednesday was an important day at the Cleveland Browns’ mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, as it was the first time QB Deshaun Watson talked to the media since his Achilles injury in 2024.
Watson is competing for the Browns’ starting quarterback job against second year Shedeur Sanders. The offseason competition started in the voluntary veteran minicamp and is expected to extend into training camp.
Watson hasn’t played a game since Oct. 20, 2024, when he went down against the Cincinnati Bengals with an Achilles injury. Watson then reinjured his Achilles after the initial surgery and missed all of 2025 recovering. While it may be looked at as a Watson against Sanders battle, Watson doesn’t seem to be approaching it with that outlook.
Deshaun Watson gets honest about Shedeur Sanders and the QB competition
“It’s been good, I from the time he got drafted, the relationship and conversations has been growing, even during pre-draft, Watson stated of his relationship with Sanders. “I’ve known the Sanders family, I’ve known his brother all the way back when he was at SMU, Coach Chad Morris, he was the coach that used to go out there.”
I used to hang out with the team, and his brother was one of the players, so man, his family [and I] got a good relationship, and you know, we always just try to pull for each other. We both have the opportunity to go out there and put out the best product for the team, and let Monken and the organization choose who goes out there, and we’re going to support each other.”
Watson is taking a pro’s approach with this quarterback battle. He’s in the final year of his deal that will pay him north of $240 million in total from the Browns, and he’s playing for the future of his career in 2026. Watson will turn 31 years old and he’s not getting any younger. His NFL contracts are numbered from here on out and no guarantee at all, to be honest. Putting a solid product on the field in 2026 will be needed for him to secure guaranteed money in the future.
Browns’ QB battle will head into training camp
Watson had an up-and-down day on the second day of mandatory minicamp with one pick-six thrown to S Ronnie Hickman. It wasn’t all bad though, as Watson connected deep down the right sideline with rookie WR Denzel Boston for a big gain.
The last time Watson was on the field, he went 1-6 as a starter in seven starts for the Browns. Cleveland’s veteran quarterback had just 1,148 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, and three interceptions during the seven starts. The last time we saw Watson he was a shell of his former Pro Bowl play, which has been a constant theme over the three seasons he’s appeared in games for the Browns.
Browns head coach Todd Monken is going to go with whoever gives him the best chance to win, whether it’s the veteran or the second-year player. A decision isn’t expected to come until training camp, but these mandatory days are a part of the decision. Both Watson and Sanders are facing crucial seasons in 2026 for their careers, and if history tells us anything, both players will see the field.