The Cleveland Browns are preparing for one of the most anticipated quarterback battles in the NFL once training camp begins, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders vying to start the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13.
Watson returns after sitting out the entire 2025 season due to two right Achilles tendon tears suffered within a four-month span. Sanders, on the other hand, is heading into his second year in the league after earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie, despite a 3-4 record in seven starts. The competition for the top spot will kick off when practices start in Berea, Ohio, under newly appointed head coach Todd Monken.
Shedeur Sanders talks 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 animosity. The young quarterback said both players are concentrating on improving themselves rather than stressing over things outside their control.
Sanders noted that communication has become a key element within the Browns’ quarterback room. He mentioned asking Watson about techniques he values, while Watson does the same, believing these exchanges help both of them grow.
Instead of letting the competition create friction, Sanders stressed that everyone in the quarterback room is united by the same objective: getting better each day through steady 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 called the event a valuable chance for available players to build connections away from the team’s facility.
While not every teammate could make it due to scheduling conflicts, Sanders said the trip fostered closer ties among those who attended. He added that sharing time in a different environment created lasting memories that can’t be achieved through regular team activities.
Sanders also expressed appreciation for the experience, noting that everyone who joined had a great time and left with stronger relationships heading into training camp.
Shedeur Sanders looks back on offseason growth
Sanders said he focused on enhancing every part of his preparation during the offseason. He pointed out that changes went beyond football, including adjustments to his sleep patterns, breathing techniques, and even the way he drinks water.
His rookie season had some bright spots, such as becoming the first Browns quarterback since 1995 to win his first NFL start. He also surpassed Dillon Gabriel, who was selected before him in last year’s draft.
Yet Sanders’ first year also came with notable challenges. After his NFL debut in Week 11, he recorded the second-lowest completion percentage in the league at 57%, threw 10 interceptions, posted a 68.1 passer rating that ranked second from the bottom, and finished with a 7-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio. While these numbers point to areas needing improvement, the article notes that Sanders still has plenty of room to develop.
Deshaun Watson aims to reclaim Browns starting role
Watson is trying to win back the starting job after missing all of last 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 just 19 games over four seasons, winning nine of them. In that time, he has posted the lowest completion percentage, yards per attempt, and touchdown-to-interception ratio among qualifying quarterbacks.
Despite these results, Cleveland’s front office remains confident that Watson can turn things around in the final year of his contract. A report from late April suggested he currently has the edge for the starting job, but the outcome will be determined when training camp kicks off on July 28.