The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room has reached unprecedented turbulence. The unexpected return of Deshaun Watson—the $230 million signal-caller once written off for the season after a devastating Achilles injury—is now ramping up pressure on rookie Shedeur Sanders, igniting a fierce six-way quarterback showdown.
Watson, who signed a record $230 million fully guaranteed deal with Cleveland in 2022, has endured a rocky tenure marked by injuries and underwhelming performance . Yet, recent developments suggest he might defy the odds and return to the field sooner than anticipated. According to a report, Watson has been “sprinting and throwing in training,” signaling that his recovery may be ahead of schedule .
This potential return carries massive implications for the Browns’ quarterback landscape. Here’s a look at who’s in the race:
- Deshaun Watson – Veteran, returning from a second Achilles rupture.
- Joe Flacco – The presumed Week 1 starter.
- Kenny Pickett – Rookie acquisition with upside but injury concerns.
- Dillon Gabriel – Third-round rookie showing promise.
- Shedeur Sanders – Fifth-round rookie and son of Deion Sanders, gaining fan traction.
- Tyler Huntley – Recently signed, adding further competition .
For Shedeur Sanders, the emergence of Watson is a mixed blessing. On one hand, Watson has taken him “under his wing,” offering mentorship during minicamp and off-season workouts—a gesture that could accelerate Sanders’ learning curve . On the other, Watson’s still-on-contract status and potential return raise the bar for his playing opportunities.
In his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, Sanders flashed confidence and ability: 14 completions on 23 attempts for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers, plus 19 rushing yards . The performance ignited a wave of social media hype, with captions like “Shedeur Sanders slowly ending careers lol” highlighting his rising profile .
However, despite the promising debut, Sanders still sits fourth on the Browns’ depth chart, trailing Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel . Fans and analysts are frustrated, questioning why such a strong showing hasn’t translated into higher recognition. Former QB Robert Griffin III didn’t hold back, saying the Browns may have “set him up to fail” by drafting him in the fifth round and not giving him opportunity .
Despite his rookie status, Sanders is already outperforming at least one rival in the public’s eyes — he remains a fan favorite, evidenced by his jersey ranking among the top-selling rookies .
Meanwhile, analyst sentiment around Watson is shifting. After documenting his rehab journey on social media and pushing back on the doubters—“Everyone is doubting me… I know I’m gonna be way better than before”—Watson has reshaped parts of the Browns’ outlook on his viability . Some team sources even say his off-field presence and influence have made a meaningful impact during workouts and meetings .
Meanwhile, the six-QB competition remains the talk of the NFL. Browns insiders predict they may carry four quarterbacks into the regular season, an atypical move that could offer flexibility or trade leverage . The addition of Tyler Huntley marks Cleveland’s sixth quarterback—amplifying the heated environment within the room and increasing uncertainty over who will even make the final roster .
For Sanders, the message is clear: perform consistently, stay healthy, and rise above the veteran names. But with veteran mentorship, early flashes, and a charismatic profile, he’s becoming a more compelling storyline by the day.
As the preseason unfolds and roster decisions are finalized, the Browns’ quarterback future hangs in the balance. Will Watson’s comeback stall Sanders’ ascent—or will the rookie force Cleveland to rethink its hierarchy? The answer could define the franchise’s direction for years to come.