The Cleveland Browns are preparing for one of the most anticipated quarterback battles in the NFL as training camp approaches, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders vying for the starting job before the Sept. 13 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Watson is back after sitting out the entire 2025 season recovering from two right Achilles tendon tears sustained within a four-month span. Sanders, on the other hand, is heading into his second year in the league after earning Pro Bowl recognition as a rookie, even though he posted a 3-4 record in seven starts. The competition for the top spot will kick off when practices begin in Berea, Ohio, under the guidance of new head coach Todd Monken.
Shedeur Sanders on Browns quarterback battle
At a free youth football camp in Brooklyn, Ohio, Sanders described his competition with Watson as rooted in mutual respect rather than conflict. The young quarterback emphasized that both players are concentrating on improving themselves rather than fixating on factors outside their control.
Sanders noted that open communication has become a key element in the Browns’ quarterback room. He mentioned that he often asks Watson about techniques he finds impressive, and Watson does the same, believing these exchanges help both quarterbacks grow.
Instead of letting the rivalry create friction, Sanders stressed that everyone in the quarterback room is united by the same objective: getting better every day through consistent effort.
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders strengthen their bond
Earlier this month, Watson and Sanders co-hosted a passing camp for Browns teammates in Miami. Sanders described the event as a valuable chance for players who could attend to build connections outside the team facility.
While some teammates were unable to join due to scheduling conflicts, Sanders said the trip fostered a deeper camaraderie among those who participated. He added that spending time together in a different environment created lasting memories that can’t be replicated during regular team sessions.
Sanders also expressed appreciation for the experience, noting that everyone who attended enjoyed the event and left with stronger relationships heading into training camp.
Shedeur Sanders on his offseason growth
Sanders said he focused on refining every part of his preparation during the offseason. He pointed out that the changes went beyond football, including adjustments to his sleep patterns, breathing exercises, and even his water intake.
His rookie season had bright spots, such as becoming the first Browns quarterback since 1995 to win his first NFL start. He also surpassed Dillon Gabriel, who had been drafted ahead of him the previous year.
However, Sanders’ debut season also came with notable challenges. Since entering the league in Week 11, he recorded the second-lowest completion percentage among qualified quarterbacks at 57%, threw 10 interceptions, posted a 68.1 passer rating that ranked second-worst, and finished with a 7-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio. While these stats point to areas that need work, the article notes that Sanders still has plenty of room to grow.
Deshaun Watson aims to reclaim the Browns starting role
Watson is trying to win back the starting job after missing the entire previous season. The Browns acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2022, giving up three first-round draft picks before signing him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Since joining Cleveland, Watson has started only 19 games across four seasons, winning nine of them. During that period, he has posted the lowest completion percentage, yards per attempt, and touchdown-to-interception ratio among qualifying quarterbacks.
Despite those numbers, Cleveland’s front office still believes Watson can revive his career in the final year of his contract. A report from late April suggested he currently has the edge for the starting job, but the final decision will be made when training camp starts on July 28.