NFL insider gives latest update on where the Browns QB battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders stands
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders represent one of the most legit quarterback battles around the NFL. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has dropped the latest on where he believes things stand for the Browns.
The Cleveland Browns have made it through a couple of weeks of training camp in preparation for the 2026 NFL season, and the biggest topic of discussion around the team is as expected: the starting quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
Cleveland’s quarterback battle takes an important step this week when the Browns travel to play the Chicago Bears in a preseason matchup that will offer both quarterbacks a chance to play against another team.
Through the first stretch of camp, both quarterbacks have shown bright moments, but Watson might have the upper hand at this point. Sanders was originally slated to have first-team reps on Saturday, according to head coach Todd Monken’s comments before practice.
It was then Watson who took the first-team reps in what was described as a change from the coaching staff. The possibility exists it could be a sign of where the quarterback battle stands.
Deshaun Watson building momentum heading into first preseason game
Watson had a strong day of his own over the weekend on Saturday, including a noticeable connection with rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion.
Heading into the first training camp week with a preseason game, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport gave an update on where he believes the quarterback battle stands for the Browns.
“It certainly seems like Deshaun Watson has the leg up here,” Rapoport stated recently. “He is the one who is more well versed in the Browns offensive operation. Really just operations, running an offense, getting in and out of the huddle, getting the team in and out of the right play.”
It’s been a little bit of an up and down camp, I think it really has been for everyone. But in the Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders it feels to me at least like Watson is the more likely option. Shedeur has flashed in camp, he has made some plays that make them go, ‘okay, this guy has got some talent’, but just as far as dependability and play in play out, it feels to me like Watson.”
Watson hasn’t played since 2024 when he suffered an Achilles injury, then reinjured it and missed all of the 2025 season rehabbing from that serious injury. In each of his three previous seasons with Cleveland, injuries played a factor, and his first season started with a suspension after the trade from the Houston Texans. Watson is playing in the final year of his contract and is trying to play for what could be his next deal, whether that comes in Cleveland or elsewhere in free agency. The latter is more likely.
Sanders is trying to prove he can be the team’s starting quarterback as a fifth-round pick a year ago who made seven starts as a rookie. Sanders showed flashes of strong quarterback play at times with some explosive plays, but the turnovers were too much to overlook. The second-year signal caller is trying to win the job and show he is better than what he put on tape during his rookie season.
The preseason opener against Chicago will be a key step for both quarterbacks, and how they perform against another team’s defense will have a role in shaping this competition.
