Shedeur Sanders Leads Browns QB Race

0:00On April 5th, the Cleveland Browns have a clear frontrunner for their starting quarterback spot in the 2026 season, and it is not Dishon, Watson. The 30-year-old signal caller is coming off to rupture to Kelly's tendons, has not thrown an NFL pass in mid-2024, and sits on a bus. Fully guaranteed contract that locks him in until March 2027. Instead, all signs point to Shadour Sanders taking the reins. Coach Kevin Monk and drop hints at the NFL League meetings in Phoenix, telling reporters that Sanders, who started the team's final seven games last, season, will get most of the early off-season reps. Watson's injury history and lack of recent high-level play make his roster spot more about money. Then merit, fueling talk of an open competition that feels more like PR spin. Fans and media are buzzing with wild takes on Watson's return, but ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck, cut through the noise, saying Watson has no real shot. Due to his time away, injuries and past issues in the locker room, he highlighted how rare

1:04it is for a 5th round rookie like Sanders, with a losing record as a starter to line up as the top guy next year. The Browns passed on free agent quarterbacks last month, and reworked Watson's deal back in December 2024 to set up his exit at the start of the 2027 League year. No manager Andrew Berry plays it coy publicly, but the moves scream confidence in the 24-year-old Sanders on his cheap, rookie contract. Unless they shock everyone with a first round draft pick like Alabama's tie since in this month, Sanders holds the depth chart lead heading into. Training camp, giving Cleveland real hope at the position.