Shedeur Sanders Leads Browns QB Race

On April 5th, the Cleveland Browns have a clear frontrunner for their starting quarterback

spot in the 2026 season, and it is not Dishon, Watson.

The 30-year-old signal caller is coming off to rupture to Kelly's tendons, has not thrown

an NFL pass in mid-2024, and sits on a bus.

Fully guaranteed contract that locks him in until March 2027.

Instead, all signs point to Shadour Sanders taking the reins.

Coach Kevin Monk and drop hints at the NFL League meetings in Phoenix, telling reporters

that Sanders, who started the team's final seven games last, season, will get most of

the early off-season reps.

Watson's injury history and lack of recent high-level play make his roster spot more

about money.

Then merit, fueling talk of an open competition that feels more like PR spin.

Fans and media are buzzing with wild takes on Watson's return, but ESPN analyst Tim

Hasselbeck, cut through the noise, saying Watson has no real shot.

Due to his time away, injuries and past issues in the locker room, he highlighted how rare

it is for a 5th round rookie like Sanders, with a losing record as a starter to line up

as the top guy next year.

The Browns passed on free agent quarterbacks last month, and reworked Watson's deal

back in December 2024 to set up his exit at the start of the 2027 League year.

No manager Andrew Berry plays it coy publicly, but the moves scream confidence in the 24-year-old

Sanders on his cheap, rookie contract.

Unless they shock everyone with a first round draft pick like Alabama's tie since in this

month, Sanders holds the depth chart lead heading into.

Training camp, giving Cleveland real hope at the position.