Browns to make 'inevitable' Shedeur Sanders move after Deshaun Watson decision

The Cleveland Browns didn't hesitate to go against their fans' wishes.

New head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the starter for the season opener vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it feels like he'll have some wiggle room; this won't be a week-to-week decision. Nevertheless, as has been the case in recent years, whoever starts at quarterback for the Browns in Week 1 may not be the same guy in Week 10 or Week 17.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Watson's starter status is rather temporary, with Shedeur Sanders poised to take the reins at some point in the season.

Shedeur Sanders will get his chance with the Browns eventually

"The Browns entered the offseason with the belief that Deshaun Watson would be their starter in 2026, so the outcome of the competition with Shedeur Sanders really shouldn’t have been a surprise," Howe wrote. "Watson, who has won nine of 19 starts since joining the Browns in 2022, will apparently get one more chance. Still, Sanders’ next promotion feels inevitable."

Sanders made some strides between seasons, but he was statistically one of the worst quarterbacks in the league as a rookie, so there are understandable reasons for skepticism. However, Watson hasn't been much better, and Sanders has the fan base's support and some upside as a young player. Maybe he just needs more time, but at the very least, he should get the benefit of the doubt.

Also, it would be much easier to go from Watson to Sanders than the other way around. The Browns have had at least three starting quarterbacks in the past three seasons, and it looks like they will inevitably have at least two in 2026 as well.