Deshaun Watson faces competition from Shedeur Sanders in Browns QB battle
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 3:34 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition features Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with both vying for the starting role. Former NFL MVP Cam Newton indicated that Watson’s $230 million contract does not ensure job security, emphasizing that performance will be the critical factor. Watson struggled in 2024, recording the NFL's lowest quarterback impact score, and missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to injury. The Browns added competition with the draft picks of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. In the preseason, Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, while Sanders had a challenging outing with only 6 completions out of 11 attempts and an interception. Sanders will start in the upcoming game, with Watson expected to play later to provide further evaluation of both players under pressure.
- •Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders compete for Browns starting QB role.
- •Cam Newton warns Watson that performance dictates job security.
- •Watson struggled in 2024 and missed the entire 2025 season.
- •Preseason game shows Watson completing 11 of 15 passes.
- •Sanders will start in the upcoming game as Browns evaluate options.
- 3:34 PMYahoo Sports — ‘You Will Get Yanked’ — Former NFL MVP Warns Deshaun Watson About Job Security Despite $230M Contract
"The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition has drawn plenty of attention this offseason, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders battling for the starting job. While Cleveland has kept the decision open publicly, Watson’s experience and contract make him the early favorite to open the season as QB1.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 6:02 PMPhiladelphia Eagles vs Cincinnati Bengals
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 5:38 PMCleveland Browns offer Nick Chubb chance to retire with franchise
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 5:32 PMUpdated Buffalo Bills-Cleveland Browns start time after weather delay
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 5:22 PMBrowns vs Bills weather updates: Shedeur Sanders start delayed by lightning
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 5:16 PMShedeur Sanders’ first preseason start will have to wait after lightning delay
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 5:13 PMBrowns’ Todd Monken lists key goals for Shedeur Sanders ahead of start against Bills