Opportunities at quarterback rarely arrive on a schedule. A starter takes a hit, symptoms show up a day later, and suddenly the backup is the most talked-about player in the building. That is where the Browns find themselves this week with Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol. If Watson cannot clear in time, the next few days could matter a great deal for the future of the position in Cleveland.
Chris Renkel of the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show believes Shedeur Sanders would have plenty to play for.
“The QB future for this team is wide open. It’s been that way since Deshaun’s been playing. and they have been winning. Now, we don’t know where that draft pick is gonna land. We don’t know about this 2027 class anymore. If Shedeur goes in there, he is gonna have every opportunity to prove himself and prove I am the guy for the future or I deserve a longer look,” Renkel said.
COULD THIS BE SHEDEUR SANDERS' BIG OPPORTUNITY?! 👀🏈
If Shedeur gets the nod against the #Saints, @Chris_Renkel believes the #Browns will give their second-year QB EVERY chance to prove he belongs!
Will he make the most of it?! 🔥
▶️ https://t.co/GmpF5Tzc8z pic.twitter.com/tKQK2Alp8P
— Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show (@ultCLEsports) November 4, 2026
Renkel’s point about the draft is a big one. Many expected the Browns to be picking near the top of the 2027 draft, with a clear path to a franchise quarterback. Instead, Watson has led them to a 5-3 start, and their own pick could land in the middle of the 1st round or later.
Cleveland does hold 2 1st-round picks next year thanks to the Myles Garrett trade, but where those picks fall will decide which quarterbacks are realistically in play. Questions about the strength of the 2027 class only add to the uncertainty.
That is why a start for Sanders would carry so much weight. He is in his 2nd season, still on an inexpensive rookie contract, and he won his final 2 starts to close out 2025. Watson beat him out in training camp, but Watson is also in the final year of his deal.
Sanders took the 1st team reps Wednesday with Watson held out of practice. Todd Monken said he could not wait to see Sanders let it rip, which suggests the coaching staff is not planning to play it safe if he starts.
The setup would not be easy. The Saints are coming off their bye and opened as 2.5-point favorites. Cleveland’s offensive line is coming off an 8-sack performance in Pittsburgh, and Austin Barber and Elgton Jenkins were both on Wednesday’s injury report.
Still, these are the moments that can change how a franchise views a player. One strong game would not settle the quarterback question, but it would give Sanders a strong case for that longer look Renkel described.
Watson’s status will be worth watching all week.
NEXT: Former Player Says Browns Made Major 2025 Draft Mistake
