Browns face QB uncertainty as Andrew Berry addresses contract situation
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 6:26 AM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry discussed the ongoing competition between quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as the preseason progresses. In a recent podcast, Berry emphasized that the team's decision will be performance-based, downplaying the influence of Watson's hefty $230 million contract. Despite Watson's higher salary with a $40.9 million cap hit for the season, Berry stated both quarterbacks showed promise in their performances. In Cleveland's preseason opener, Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, while Sanders completed 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception. As the Browns prepare for their next game against the Buffalo Bills, Sanders is set to start, allowing him another chance to compete for the starting role.
- •Andrew Berry prioritizes performance over Deshaun Watson's contract in QB decision.
- •Watson had a strong preseason opener, completing 11 of 15 passes.
- •Sanders also showed potential despite an interception in his debut.
- •Browns will face the Bills next, with Sanders starting against Watson.
- •Watson's contract carries a $40.9 million cap hit this season.
- 7:21 AMYahoo Sports — ‘You Know They’re Lying’ — Bengals Legend Not Buying Browns GM’s Politically Correct Take on $230 Million Deshaun Watson Problem
- 6:26 AMYahoo Sports — ‘The Contract Does Not Matter’ — Browns GM Andrew Berry Makes Feelings Crystal Clear on Deshaun Watson’s $230 Million Elephant in the Room
"The season opener is drawing near, but the uncertainty over the Cleveland Browns’ QB situation remains. After the first week of preseason, Andrew Berry addressed the question and detailed what Cleveland is looking for as Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders await the green light.
"Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry addressed the ongoing battle between Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders on the “Deebo & Joe” podcast on Monday, and he made his stance pretty clear. “It’s a performance-based decision,” Berry said.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 7:21 AM‘You Know They’re Lying’ — Bengals Legend Not Buying Browns GM’s Politically Correct Take on $230 Million Deshaun Watson Problem
Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry addressed the ongoing battle between Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders on the “Deebo & Joe” podcast on Monday, and he made his stance pretty clear. “It’s a performance-based decision,” Berry said.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 6:26 AM‘The Contract Does Not Matter’ — Browns GM Andrew Berry Makes Feelings Crystal Clear on Deshaun Watson’s $230 Million Elephant in the Room
The season opener is drawing near, but the uncertainty over the Cleveland Browns’ QB situation remains. After the first week of preseason, Andrew Berry addressed the question and detailed what Cleveland is looking for as Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders await the green light.
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