At this point, many teams have already decided who will be their starting quarterback when the next season kicks off. But the Cleveland Browns are not most teams, and there is still great speculation about who will be QB1.
Speaking on First Take, Stephen A. Smith said that he’s inclined to select Shedeur Sanders as the Browns’ starting QB, partly because he finished the season in that role. However, he said that he also thinks the Browns should at least allow Deshaun Watson a chance to start.
Because of the money he is owed and his history, Watson is entitled to that opportunity, according to Smith.
“I’m inclined to say Shedeur Sanders because he finished the season, and Deshaun Watson has been so bad in a Cleveland Browns uniform, but because of the money, I’m inclined to try to, at least, give the man one more chance. I’m not telling you to start him without him showing what he can do in training camp, but I’m praying and hoping that he lives up to his billing to some degree. You’ve got to give him a chance with the money you owe him, the money you’re paying him because you can’t give him away. My answer to this question would be Deshaun Watson,” Smith said.
.@stephenasmith thinks Deshaun Watson should be the starting QB for Cleveland 👀 pic.twitter.com/nHIZTbmUxs
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 31, 2026
Smith made sure to say that Watson still has to prove himself at training camp before he earns anything.
There are plenty of fans unhappy with what they’ve seen from Watson during his time with the Browns. The fact that the team gave him a guaranteed five-year, $230 mililon contract, and Watson has only been on the field for 19 games so far doesn’t sit well. While his injuries are out of his control, there is no doubt that most people see his Browns tenure as a disappointment so far.
Many people would like to witness Watson play like he used to, and they would be elated to see him help the Browns greatly improve their record next year. Sanders has tons of fans across Cleveland’s fanbase, but there are numerous people who would be more than okay with Watson starting, as long as he is playing well and his injuries are really and truly behind him.
They want to win by any means necessary.
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