Browns' Shocking Decision on Deshaun Watson & Shedeur Sanders Has NFL Fans Fuming—Find Out Why!

The Cleveland Browns are once again facing the age-old dilemma: who will lead the team as their starting quarterback? As the 2026 season approaches, an early favorite has emerged in the competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. While both quarterbacks have shown flashes of potential, the situation is rife with implications for the Browns' future.

Last season, Sanders started seven games for the Browns, completing 56.6% of his passes, which amounted to 1,400 yards along with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. In contrast, Watson, the former Pro Bowl quarterback, has appeared in only 19 games since 2022, throwing for a total of 3,365 yards and 19 touchdowns during that period.

Before the Browns began their voluntary minicamp in April, JW Johnson of Haslam Sports Group emphasized that no player would be handed the starting position outright. “Nobody is getting handed the keys to the car today,” Johnson stated. “They’re going to come in and compete. Deshaun is coming off a major injury. He’s done well and has battled back. It’s nice to see him back… Now with a new head coach, let’s see how they come in, compete and understand the offense.”

However, reports from Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com indicate that Watson is currently the frontrunner for the starting job in Week 1. Although both Sanders and Watson received first-team reps at the beginning of minicamp, Watson spent more time under center, further solidifying his position as the preferred candidate.

This has sparked a wave of criticism from NFL fans, many of whom believe that the Browns are not giving Sanders a legitimate chance to earn the starting role. Comments on social media reflect a sentiment of frustration: "Just a nasty league," one fan remarked, while another stated, "This league is disgraceful man." Some even argue that Sanders should be the starter, arguing that his success would benefit the sport overall. “Shedeur should be QB1 even if Watson is better now,” one fan expressed. “Shedeur as QB1 would be good for football.”

Critics are also questioning the financial implications surrounding the decision. Watson carries a hefty $46 million base salary for the 2026 season, a factor that could influence the Browns' choice. The pressure of such a financial commitment may sway the team's decision-making, potentially sidelining Sanders despite his potential.

For his part, Sanders remains hopeful as he has time to impress new head coach Todd Monken and the coaching staff. The quarterback battle has only just begun, and with a new regime in place, both players have an opportunity to showcase their skills.

As the minicamp continues, the question remains: Will Shedeur Sanders eventually earn the starting gig? With the upcoming season less than four months away, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this unfolding drama shapes the future of the Browns.