Deshaun Watson Announces Career Update After Shedeur Sanders News

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Deshaun Watson Announces Career Update After Shedeur Sanders News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Shubham Bajpai | Last updated Oct 3, 2026 8:07 AM ET

Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson battled throughout the offseason to become the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season. It was Sanders who had the better start to the quarterback battle, as Watson took time to adjust to the pace after returning to competitive football following nearly two years away from the game. But eventually, Watson’s full body of work convinced Monken to name him the starting quarterback.

It was a big decision as many Browns fans viewed Sanders as the future of the franchise. But Monken decided to go with the experience of Watson over the youth of Sanders, as he looked to help the Browns bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season, when they finished the campaign with a 5-12 record.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) works out during training camp Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

There were reports indicating that Sanders might start for the Browns in their home opener against the Carolina Panthers if Watson failed to put together solid performances. Fans even demanded a change at the position after Watson struggled in the first game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But the veteran bounced back against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Panthers to solidify his position as the Browns’ starting quarterback. This has led to the Browns reportedly being open to trading Sanders for the right price.

There’s another significant update for Sanders ahead of the Browns’ next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you thought Sanders would definitely take over the starting role after the 2026 season, when Watson’s contract ends, the veteran’s future plans might put an end to that speculation.

Watson’s five-year, $230 million contract ends after the 2026 season, but he has indicated that he wants to continue playing beyond this season. While speaking to the media before the Steelers game, Watson said, “So, I wanna play as long as I possibly can in football; tell me I can.”

#Browns Deshaun Watson said “that’s the goal” to play as long as #Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers, who’s 42. pic.twitter.com/vqBtC2XkC0
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 29, 2026

When asked if he could imagine himself playing in 12 years like Aaron Rodgers, Watson said, “That’s the goal, man. God willing, for sure. God willing. That’s the goal.”

The Browns will have a tough decision to make regarding both Watson and Sanders after the 2026 season, if Watson continues to perform at his current level.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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