‘It’s [Shedeur] Sanders’ Job Now’ — Why Former Giants OL Believes Deshaun Watson Just Lost His Job With The Browns

‘It’s [Shedeur] Sanders’ Job Now’ — Why Former Giants OL Believes Deshaun Watson Just Lost His Job With The Browns

Though Deshaun Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job, some fans remain unconvinced that Watson is the right choice despite being on the roster.

Browns supporters made their feelings toward Watson clear during Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, and former New York Giants offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz thinks Watson now has less of a chance to become the QB1 in Cleveland.

Geoff Schwartz Sees Shedeur Sanders Taking Browns QB Job After Deshaun Watson’s Rough Night

Watson and the Browns fan base made their mutual frustration clear again Saturday, as fans repeatedly booed the quarterback during Cleveland’s 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Watson did not hide his feelings about the hostile reception, making it clear that if Browns fans don’t like him, the feeling is mutual.

Watson called the booing a “disrespectful thing” and said he would keep his personal feelings about the situation within himself and his family. Playing at Huntington Bank Field for the first time since 2024, Watson was loudly booed by the home crowd. He acknowledged the reaction and explained that he had tried to earn the support and affection of Browns fans.

Watson also believed that his time away from the field due to injuries, his charity work in the community, and his efforts to return to action would help endear him to the fan base.

While Watson may feel his reaction is justified, Schwartz believes the latest developments could have changed the Browns’ quarterback competition.

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“I have thought all along the Browns wanted Watson to start. They’ve given him the better chance with reps. Media reports have been more positive… but after today’s performance, the fans booing and this response … I think it’s Sanders job now and moving forward,” Schwartz wrote.

However, head coach Todd Monken will ultimately determine who wins the starting quarterback battle between Watson and Sanders. Monken said that the decision will come down to performance rather than the crowd’s reaction.

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“They don’t want to get booed; it’s about playing good football,” Monken said. “Let’s play good quarterback. Let’s play good on offense, play good as a team, and then you don’t have to worry about all that. When we play good football, everybody will be fine.”

After starting Cleveland’s preseason opener, Watson did not take the field until after halftime in Saturday’s second preseason game. He completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards, threw no touchdowns, and had one interception, while adding 13 rushing yards on two attempts.

Meanwhile, Sanders, who finished last season with a 63.0 PFN QB Impact grade, started the game and played throughout the first half. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception.

His performance gives him an edge over Watson in the latest comparison, and if Saturday was any indication, fans in Cleveland clearly have strong feelings about this QB battle.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.