Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam weighed in on the team’s quarterback situation, highlighting the ongoing competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders for the Week 1 starter role as the franchise prepares for the 2026 season.
The 30-year-old Watson is attempting a comeback after missing all of 2025, while Sanders, entering his second season, is also competing for the starting job.
Dillon Gabriel remains in the mix as a backup, and the Browns could still explore adding another quarterback to the room.
Haslam publicly endorsed Watson, emphasizing the quarterback’s opportunity under a coach with a history of developing signal-callers.
“Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, an offensive-minded coach,” Haslam said. “Who has in his past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful. Deshaun has a great chance to do that now.
“We talked to him the other day, and he said he weighs the [least] he has in several years. He is in great shape, he’ll be [in Cleveland] on April 7 when we start [OTAs]. Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.”
A year ago, Haslam’s comments around Watson were far less optimistic, as the quarterback was coming off injury and uncertainty regarding his ability to play at a high level.
Now, with a $44.9 million cap hit, Watson must prove he can contribute effectively for the Browns if he hopes for any sort of extension.
In 2024, when he last took a snap, Watson started seven games, completing 63 percent of passes for 1148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Browns must weigh his performance potential against salary considerations while preparing for OTAs and training camp.
What does Jimmy Haslam think of Shedeur Sanders?
Meanwhile the 22-year-old Sanders started seven games last season, going 3-4 while completing 57 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions also looks to land the starting gig.
Coach Todd Monken will choose the starter who gives the team the best chance to win, but Haslam praised the 2025 NFL Draft fifth round pick’s commitment to improvement.
“I was in Cleveland two or three weeks ago, and was working out early and he was coming in,” Haslam said. “He’s been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication to wanting to be an NFL quarterback and understanding what it takes.
“His body looks better. I think he’s been working hard. So, I think it’s hard for a lot of college kids to understand what it takes to play in the NFL, and particularly quarterback. I think Shedeur got an education in that, and my instincts are he’ll come back ready to play.”
If Sanders excels during OTAs and training camp, demonstrating command of the offense and big-play capability, he may earn the starting role. Otherwise, Watson could reclaim the position, making the Browns’ quarterback battle one of the most closely watched stories this offseason.
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