Shedeur Sanders Receives Concerning Development After Kevin Stefanski Firing

As the Browns continue their evaluations, they’ll have another pivotal decision to make regarding the future of Deshaun Watson. Back in December, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Cleveland plans to have Watson, 30, on the roster in 2026.

The Browns opened Watson’s practice window late in the season to ensure he would not be away from football activity until next spring, even though the team ultimately did not activate him to the 53-man roster.

That decision proved significant. By keeping Watson inactive, the Browns effectively cleared the runway for Sanders to finish the rest of the season as the starting quarterback, allowing the rookie to gain valuable reps and experience. Sanders made the most of the opportunity, showing poise in difficult circumstances and flashing the accuracy and composure that made him a highly anticipated prospect. While his rookie season came with expected ups and downs, he demonstrated enough to establish himself as a legitimate starting option moving forward.

However, Watson’s continued presence complicates the picture of the quarterback room. Watson still has one year left on his $230 million contract signed back in 2022 and Browns general manager Andrew Berry made that uncertainty explicit on Monday:

“We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today whether the starter in 2026 is internal or external.”

Berry also emphasized that the team’s new head coach will also have significant input into that decision.

With a new coaching staff incoming, the Browns must now decide whether Sanders remains the long-term answer or if the organization will feel compelled to turn back to Watson once he’s healthy. If Watson returns to action, Sanders’ grip on the starting job could be threatened, making this offseason one of the most consequential of his young career.