Cleveland Browns evaluate quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders
CBS NFL • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 4:18 AM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
The Cleveland Browns are deciding between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders for their starting quarterback role as the 2026 season approaches. Watson, who has more experience, is expected to start Week 1 after playing in the team's preseason opener. Sanders will get his chance in the second preseason game. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has expressed skepticism about Sanders' chances, claiming the Browns are inclined to establish Watson as the starter, partly due to his substantial contract. The Browns aim to see if Watson can regain his former performance level, with Sanders remaining under contract through 2028 as they assess their options.
- •Cleveland is deciding between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders for starting QB.
- •Watson is expected to start in Week 1 after preseason opener appearance.
- •Sanders will start in the second preseason game this Saturday.
- •Robert Griffin III believes Sanders wasn't given a fair chance in the competition.
- •Watson enters the final year of a five-year, $230 million contract.
- 9:16 PMCBS NFL — Browns quarterback battle: Shedeur Sanders decent in start, Deshaun Watson struggles, both throw interceptions
- 4:18 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Browns Never Had Any Intention to Start Shedeur Sanders’ — Former Heisman Winner Argues Cleveland Set Star QB Up To Fail
"The Cleveland Browns may be nearing a decision on their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. It’s either going to be Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, but was this a rigged competition? First-year head coach Todd Monken was intent on giving both QBs a clean slate, but is that really what has gone down in Cleveland? Why RGIII Believes Shedeur Sanders Never Had a ChanceSigns suggest Watson, the more experienced of the two, is expected to get the starting nod in Week 1.
"Browns coach Todd Monken reportedly plans to make a decision in the coming days
Sources
External links- CBS NFLAug 22, 2026, 9:16 PMBrowns quarterback battle: Shedeur Sanders decent in start, Deshaun Watson struggles, both throw interceptions
Browns coach Todd Monken reportedly plans to make a decision in the coming days
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 4:18 AM‘Browns Never Had Any Intention to Start Shedeur Sanders’ — Former Heisman Winner Argues Cleveland Set Star QB Up To Fail
The Cleveland Browns may be nearing a decision on their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. It’s either going to be Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, but was this a rigged competition? First-year head coach Todd Monken was intent on giving both QBs a clean slate, but is that really what has gone down in Cleveland? Why RGIII Believes Shedeur Sanders Never Had a ChanceSigns suggest Watson, the more experienced of the two, is expected to get the starting nod in Week 1.
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