Door is open for Shedeur Sanders to be a factor down the stretch

The Cleveland Browns, in a shocking twist, have reportedly named quarterback Deshaun Watson the starter for Week One of the 2026-27 NFL regular season on Monday morning.

Throughout the course of the offseason, the ongoing quarterback battle between Watson and 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders was the primary question mark for the franchise. Despite Watson's recent comments about fans booing him during Saturday's preseason contest against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Todd Monken and his staff have ultimately decided to roll with the veteran to begin the season.

Following the reports of Watson being named the Browns' starting quarterback, NFL insider Albert Breer gave insight into the decision, claiming that the choice came down to "the full body of work" during the offseason.

"The decision for the Browns came down to the full body of work—Deshaun Watson was better and more consistent over time before a tough day Saturday, and practiced well against the Bills on Thursday," Breer stated in a social media post on Monday. "The other thing that I've said all along, it's easier to go from Watson to Sanders than the other way around. If this doesn't work, Cleveland can pivot."

This offseason has been full of drama for the struggling organization.

After the shocking trade of star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, the primary storyline for the Browns throughout training camp was the quarterback battle between Watson and Sanders. Both players were set to split first-team reps for most of training camp and the preseason, hoping one would emerge as the starter. However, despite Sanders' strong showing in his start against the Bills last Saturday, the 24-year-old was unable to secure the role to begin the season.

Fortunately for fans, Breer also mentioned that Sanders "took the news in stride."

"Also, Sanders took the news in stride this morning," Breer wrote. "[He] was smiling as it was emphasized to him that he play the long game here, said that he got it."

Sanders not being named the starting quarterback for Week One should not concern the second-year playmaker. Cleveland will begin the season on a two-game road stint against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Watson struggles in his first two starts, there's a good chance that Monken and the organization could turn to Sanders for the team's home opener in Week Three against the Carolina Panthers.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Door is open for Shedeur Sanders to be a factor down the stretch