The Cleveland Browns will have a few options for their starting quarterback next season, and they haven’t decided who will get the role. But most people assume it’ll come down to Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson. Recent reports have said those two will likely battle it out in training camp in order to earn the starting spot.
While speaking on 92.3 The Fan, Mary Kay Cabot said the prospect of Watson starting wouldn’t help Sanders at all.
“It’s certainly not going to be better for Shedeur [Sanders] if Deshaun [Watson] goes out there and starts the season and plays well. There’s no way that would be better for Shedeur. Every report I’ve heard, Deshaun looks good, and they think he’s going to be better under Todd Monken,” Cabot said.
"It's certainly not gonna be better for Shedeur if Deshaun goes out there and starts the season and plays well. Every report I've heard, Deshaun looks good and they think he's gonna be better under Todd Monken."
📞@MaryKayCabot when asked if Shedeur could benefit from starting… pic.twitter.com/2rdAStYUTt
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) April 2, 2026
Some people have claimed that Watson starting might actually benefit Sanders. It could help him have a stronger motivation to be better and improve. For a young quarterback with room to grow and plenty to prove, it might light a fire under him.
Cabot doesn’t think so, and others have stated that it could have the opposite effect. Losing the starting spot after ending the season as QB1 could be hugely detrimental to Sanders and could make him lose faith in his role with the team.
The good news for Sanders is that there is still time for him to claim the starting job. Reports continue to suggest that nothing has been decided, and the Browns are leaving the door open for him to earn the role if he proves he is ready.
At the same time, Watson is reportedly looking much healthier and closer to his previous form. That is encouraging for Cleveland overall, but it also raises the level of competition for Sanders.
The battle for QB1 is just getting started, and it has the potential to become one of the most compelling storylines of the Browns’ offseason. With both players having something to prove, the coming months could go a long way in determining the direction of the franchise.
NEXT: Video Of Dawand Jones Could Ease Browns Concerns
