Browns GM confirms Watson and Sanders to compete for starting role
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has confirmed that Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson will compete for the starting quarterback role in 2026.
Speaking at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Berry refused to set a timeline for naming a first-choice passer.
New head coach Todd Monken has also declined to commit to a specific starter following his recent appointment.
“We don’t have to make that decision anytime soon,” Berry said on Tuesday.
“I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different.”
Sanders seeks efficiency
Sanders, selected 144th overall in the 2025 draft, finished the previous campaign with a 3-4 record as a starter.
Despite securing wins in his final two games, the second-year signal caller recorded a Total QBR of just 18.9.
That figure ranks as the fifth-lowest among qualifying quarterbacks since data collection began in 2006.
Berry emphasised the need for better decision-making from the young quarterback.
“I think the biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth,” Berry explained.
“I think certainly playing more efficiently, not putting the ball in harm’s way as much would be important.”
Watson’s return to fitness
Watson is expected to be available for the 2026 season after rehabilitating a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in October 2024.
The former Houston Texans passer has played only 19 games since Cleveland traded three first-round picks for his services in March 2022.
His performance has also drawn scrutiny, with a Total QBR of 33.1 ranking last in the league among qualifying passers during his tenure in Cleveland.
Financial implications loom large, as Watson carries a league-high $80.7m salary cap hit for the upcoming season.
The franchise is expected to restructure the deal to provide greater flexibility in free agency.
“Deshaun’s been working really hard, he’s been working his tail off,” Berry stated regarding the veteran’s recovery.
Gabriel remains in the frame
While the focus remains on Watson and Sanders, Berry noted that the Browns are also expected to explore the quarterback market this offseason.
However, the organisation has not ruled out Dillon Gabriel, a 2025 third-round pick who started six games during his rookie year.
“He may be forgotten externally, but he’s not forgotten to us,” Berry concluded.