Watson's Resurgence: A Battle for the Helm
Watson Takes the Lead in Cleveland's Quarterback Race
Reports from the Plain Dealer indicate that Deshaun Watson is currently positioned as the frontrunner in the Cleveland Browns' quarterback battle. This development marks a significant turn for Watson as he strives to reclaim the starting position.
Initial Impressions from Minicamp Shape the QB Landscape
Watson, at 30 years old, has seemingly established a firm grasp on the starting role following the initial minicamp under head coach Todd Monken. However, Monken has emphasized that an official decision regarding the team's primary signal-caller will be deferred until after the conclusion of the June 9-11 minicamp, which serves as the final on-field session before the July training camp.
Overcoming Adversity: Watson's Path Back to the Field
Watson was sidelined for the entirety of the previous season, undergoing recovery from an Achilles injury and subsequent surgical procedures. Health-related setbacks have been a consistent theme throughout Watson's tenure with the Browns since his acquisition from the Houston Texans in a 2022 trade.
A Look at Watson's Performance with the Browns
During his three seasons in Cleveland, Watson has not started more than seven games in any single year. Across 19 total appearances, he has recorded 19 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions, while also being sacked 70 times.
Emerging Talent: Shedeur Sanders' Progress
Shedeur Sanders has shown considerable promise in his first full offseason as a professional athlete. Head coach Monken previously expressed optimism regarding Sanders' potential during pre-draft assessments leading up to the 2025 draft. The Browns, then under coach Kevin Stefanski, initially selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round before drafting Sanders two rounds later.
Sanders' Inaugural Professional Season
In 2025, Sanders accumulated seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, enduring 23 sacks. He was given an opportunity as the starting quarterback after Joe Flacco was benched and subsequently traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, which led to Gabriel stepping into a more prominent role.
Future Prospects: Taylen Green Joins the Roster
The Browns recently added another quarterback to their roster, Taylen Green, a former standout from Boise State and Arkansas, selected 182nd overall in the draft. While Green is seen as a long-term developmental prospect rather than an immediate contender for the starting job in 2026, his physical attributes are noteworthy. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Green impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and an impressive 43.5-inch vertical leap.