Robert Griffin III believes Shedeur Sanders never had a legitimate chance to win the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition.
Griffin accused the Browns of favoring Deshaun Watson from the beginning and not being completely honest about the competition. He highlighted the circumstances surrounding Sanders’ start of the preseason against the Buffalo Bills.
Sanders will play the first half, but he is expected to do so without many of Cleveland’s established starters after they logged significant work during Thursday’s joint practice. That setup led Griffin to argue that Sanders is not receiving a fair shake to measure himself against Watson.
“I’m convinced the Cleveland Browns never had any intention to start Shedeur Sanders,” Griffin said. “Shedeur starting the 2nd preseason game without the rest of the Browns starters makes zero sense. It’s impossible to get a comparable evaluation in a QB competition if Shedeur doesn’t get to play with all the starters.”
Griffin: Browns Should Have Declared Watson Starter EarlyGettyBrowns coach Todd Monken has not revealed which quarterback has the edge in the competition.
Griffin ultimately pointed to Watson’s hefty contract as the difference in the competition.
“Shedeur doesn’t have a $230 million fully guaranteed contract,” he said. “It’s a business. I get it. But the Browns could have saved the locker room and the fans from a lot of unnecessary noise from the media by just declaring they planned to start Deshaun Watson no matter what.”
I’m convinced the Cleveland Browns never had any intention to start Shedeur Sanders.
Shedeur starting the 2nd preseason game without the rest of the Browns starters makes zero sense.
It’s impossible to get a comparable evaluation in a QB competition if Shedeur doesn’t get to… pic.twitter.com/oQcmmmCioa
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 19, 2026
Watson signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract after the Browns acquired him in 2022. He’s appeared in just 19 games and his performance when he has been on the field has not matched the investment. Despite that, Cleveland has remained committed to giving him an opportunity to reclaim the starting role after nearly two years away following Achilles surgery. Watson is in the final year of his deal.
Sanders, meanwhile, is entering his second season after making seven starts as a rookie. He went 3-4 while completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Shedeur Sanders Will Get Extended Look Against BillsGettyShedeur Sanders will play without many of the Browns’ starters against the Buffalo Bills.
The Browns announced before their preseason opener that Watson would start against the Chicago Bears and Sanders would get the first half against Buffalo.
Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in Cleveland’s 34-10 loss to the Bears. He did not throw a touchdown or interception but lost a fumble on a sack.
Sanders entered in the third quarter, completing 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards with an interception. He showed flashes, including a conversion on third-and-13, but the turnover loomed large.
Sanders will get an extended look against Buffalo. However, head coach Todd Monken confirmed that many of Cleveland’s veteran starters are unlikely to play after participating in the joint practice.
“I don’t anticipate seeing our older ones,” Monken said. “I anticipate our younger players playing Saturday night.”
Watson appears to have the advantage with the preseason nearing its end. Sanders has one more chance to state his case in front of a home crowd. But if Griffin is correct, the decision on who will start Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars has already been made.
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