Deshaun Watson may have earned a win over Shedeur Sanders during Browns' summer break

Both Watson and Sanders spent the spring learning a new offense being installed by first-year head coach Todd Monken. While Sanders made seven starts last season as a rookie, Watson is trying to shake off rust that has accumulated due to the fact that he hasn't played in a game since he first suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024. In total, Watson has made just 19 regular-season starts since September 2021. 

"I thought it was very significant that Deshaun came back up here to throw, to train, and I think to show this football team and this coaching staff that he means business here," Cabot continued. 

Deshaun Watson won't be given anything later this summer

As recently as earlier this week, multiple reports claimed that Watson is the favorite to win the starting job over Sanders. Not everybody agrees with such assessments, and Cabot reminded Watson that nothing will be handed to either signal-caller from the beginning of training camp through at least a portion of the preseason.

"I think when they get back to camp, I really do believe that it's going to be a robust competition between Deshaun and Shedeur," Cabot added. 

That competition likely won't get truly interesting until the Browns open the preseason with a matchup at the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15.