Deshaun Watson

Watson will compete with Shedeur Sanders for the starting role, with Watson starting throwing this past week and expected to be a real factor in the Browns' quarterback competition this summer. Multiple sources project a 40-40 split between Watson and Sanders for the starting job, with 20% for someone else.

Watson missed all of last season after re-rupturing an Achilles tendon in January and last played Week 7 of the 2024 campaign. Over a year of inactivity creates significant concern about true return-to-form ability.

Watson tore his Achilles in Week 7 of 2024 (confirmed by 39% snap share that week) then re-tore it during recovery in January 2025, missing the entire 2025 season. Bilateral Achilles damage at age 30 raises severe durability questions entering 2026 camp.

Shedeur Sanders (dynasty value, higher than Watson's 1228) is the frontrunner for the 2026 starting job per multiple reports after emerging during 2025. Watson enters an open three-way competition as the underdog despite being the incumbent.

Structured game log shows snap share declining from 100% in W4 to 39% by W7—the week the Achilles gave out—confirming that competitive pressure and injury were already eroding his role before the catastrophic event.

Teammate Shedeur Sanders out-values Watson and is the franchise's clear future; the staff has been impressed with Sanders' minicamp progress. Even a Watson camp win is a bridge role, not a durable one.

Watson clearly has the experience edge over Sanders and his Pro Bowl past with the Houston Texans is something that has Monken intrigued. Watson appears to be gaining legitimate momentum as a viable option under new head coach Todd Monken.

The Browns have invested heavily in skill positions: The Browns hit on many of the non-quarterback 2025 draft picks including tight end Harold Fannin Jr., and still have RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin Jr., with WR Jerry Jeudy also on the roster. These weapons support strong QB play if Watson reclaims form.

There is no guaranteed money on the deal after 2026, making next season critical for Watson and imperative for him to get on the field and perform well. Some analysts speculate that if Watson balls out in training camp, preseason, or wins games in a row, it could reshape the franchise calculus.

Whoever starts at QB inherits a legitimate skill group: Harold Fannin (TE, value), Quinshon Judkins (RB,), David Njoku (TE, 2400), and Jerry Jeudy (WR, 2675). If Watson wins the job, the fantasy floor is meaningfully higher than his current price implies.

Watson outplayed Sanders in voluntary minicamp and reportedly has the early inside track for Week 1 starts under new HC Todd Monken — a meaningful update from the prior bearish baseline.

Per OTA reports Watson currently holds the inside track for QB1 over Sanders, Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green, taking first-team reps and hitting more explosive plays. HC Todd Monken aims to name a starter shortly after the June 9-11 minicamp.