It sounds like the Cleveland Browns will have a two-man battle for QB1 in 2026, and that is leaving some people confused and even upset. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will reportedly battle it out for the right to be a starter.
Speaking on ESPN Cleveland, Tony Rizzo was flabbergasted that Sanders hasn’t already rightfully earned being the starter. Rizzo pointed out that Sanders was thrown into the deep end last season, with no reps in training camp and then weeks on the bench.
When he did get the chance to play, he helped get three wins, including two in a row at the end.
“How in the hell is Shedeur [Sanders] not the starting quarterback at this moment? He finished the season on the field, winning his last two games. Do you know any other organization that would take a rookie quarterback who got no reps whatsoever in training camp and in the first 10 weeks of the season, they throw him in, feed him to the lions, somehow he survives and wins three games, including the last two against divisional opponents, and he’s got to earn the starting job? I hope Shedeur’s okay with that. There’s a guy who got a concussion and never played again. There’s a guy who hasn’t played in four years and is coming off double Achilles, and a kid that’s won his last two games. We’re sitting here talking about who should be the starter? Get out of here,” Rizzo said.
"HOW IN THE HELL IS SHEDEUR NOT THE STARTING QB AT THIS MOMENT???," – Rizz wants to know what's going on with the Browns QB situation.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/L7ZlKTNpC8
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) April 1, 2026
Rizzo believes that another rookie in the same situation wouldn’t have to be fighting for his role. He feels it isn’t fair that Sanders is still proving himself, because he already has.
Yet, the Browns seem committed to the idea of Sanders and Watson facing off before the next season kicks off. The Browns don’t have a plan beyond that, which means that Sanders certainly still has a strong chance of being the starter. But some fans and analysts are shocked it’s even come to this.
With that being said, Watson is a three-time Pro Bowler. Yes, injuries, controversies, and his massive salary have affected the view of him, but Watson is a proven player. And the Browns are spending an immense amount of money on him, so they will want to try to get all they can.
Rizzo might be perplexed by this situation, but if he truly trusts Monken, then he will allow him to run the process as he sees fit and find the team’s next starting QB.
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