Browns QB Rumors Shift After 2-1 Start as Deshaun Watson strengthens his position while Shedeur Sanders remains Cleveland’s backup.
Browns QB Rumors Shift After 2-1 Start
Browns QB Rumors Shift After 2-1 Start as Deshaun Watson strengthens his position through Cleveland’s opening three games.
Watson has completed 56 of 82 passes for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception through three games.
His 68.3 completion percentage and 104.1 passer rating currently lead Cleveland’s offense through three regular-season games.
Cleveland has won consecutive games against Tampa Bay and Carolina after opening with a Jacksonville defeat.
Cleveland’s offense still ranks near the bottom despite entering Thursday night’s matchup with a 2-1 record overall.
Deshaun Watson’s Performance Changes The Conversation
Watson delivered his outing against Tampa Bay, completing 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns.
Against Carolina, Watson completed 16 of 30 attempts for 144 yards while throwing touchdown passes during Sunday’s comeback.
He briefly left that game with an injury before returning for Cleveland’s decisive late scoring drive afterward.
Watson connected with Harold Fannin Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown before completing a late two-point conversion pass.
Those late plays helped Cleveland overcome an 18-13 deficit and secure its second straight victory this season.
Cleveland Still Has Offensive Questions
Despite the winning record, Cleveland ranks 30th in total offense and 24th in scoring after three games.
Those numbers provide context for ongoing discussion about Watson and the team’s longer-term quarterback plans this season.
Where Does Shedeur Sanders Stand?
Sanders remains Cleveland’s backup after competing with Watson for the starting position throughout training camp and preseason.
Coach Todd Monken selected Watson before Week 1 after evaluating their complete offseason performance and preparation carefully.
Monken previously said the decision would not become a weekly quarterback competition once Cleveland chose its starter.
Sanders has appeared sparingly this season, completing his lone regular-season pass for no yards against Carolina.
He started seven games during Cleveland’s 2025 season and finished that campaign with 1,400 passing yards.
Browns Have No Immediate Trade Plans
Recent reports indicate Cleveland intends to retain Sanders and Dillon Gabriel despite outside interest from quarterback-needy teams.
Sanders could remain valuable insurance while Watson attempts to maintain his starting role throughout the 2026 season.
Cleveland also carries rookie quarterback Taylen Green, giving the organization additional depth behind its primary options.
What Does Watson’s Contract Mean?
Watson enters the final year of his Cleveland contract while carrying a 40.9 million salary-cap charge.
His contract situation adds another layer to decisions surrounding Cleveland’s quarterback room beyond the current season.
Watson’s recent production gives the Browns more information before they determine their longer-term approach at quarterback.
What Happens Next For Cleveland?
Cleveland faces Pittsburgh Thursday night while entering the matchup with a 2-1 record and Watson starting.
The Steelers game offers another opportunity to evaluate Watson against a divisional opponent during his return season.
Meanwhile, Sanders remains positioned behind Watson unless injuries, performance changes, or coaching decisions alter Cleveland’s plans.
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