Shedeur Sanders Kept on the Bench

Shedeur Sanders, the promising young quarterback selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, finds himself starting his second season in the NFL as a backup. The Browns have confirmed that Deshaun Watson will be the starter for the upcoming season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Quarterback Battle

The competition for the starting quarterback spot has been under the spotlight throughout offseason training activities (OTAs) and training camp. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that Watson was the favored candidate going into training camp, edging out both Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. New head coach Todd Monken expressed early hopes of solidifying a quarterback depth chart before the start of camp, stating, "we'll have it set for Jacksonville." It appears the coaching staff has seen enough from Watson to settle on him as the starter.

Performance in Preseason

During the preseason, Watson showcased strong performances, particularly in the opener against the Chicago Bears where he completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards without a touchdown or interception. Although Sanders entered the game afterwards, his performance was less impressive, as he completed six of eleven passes for 79 yards, one interception and no touchdowns.

However, Sanders rebounded in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, going 9 of 11 for 74 yards, contributing one touchdown while throwing one interception. Meanwhile, Watson struggled, completing only 5 of 12 passes for a mere 36 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. Despite the promising second outing from Sanders, the Browns coaching staff ultimately favored Watson's experience and leadership as they made their final decision.

Context on Sanders' Rookie Year

Sanders began his rookie season on the bench but was eventually given the opportunity to start, recording a 3-4 record in seven starts. Although the Browns were two games under .500 in games where Sanders was not on the field, his individual performance raised questions. He finished the season with just seven touchdown passes against 10 interceptions and a disappointing QBR of 18.9. His rookie campaign saw him struggle notably, reflecting the inconsistency many young quarterbacks often face.

Despite these challenges, there were moments when Sanders flashed significant potential, suggesting that he might be able to capitalize on a second-year leap if given more playing time. Unfortunately, beginning this season as a backup means that Sanders will face an uphill challenge in improving from his initial struggles.

Watson’s Hopes for Redemption

On the other hand, Watson is looking to redeem himself after a tumultuous period since joining the Browns. Once hailed as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks, having made three consecutive Pro Bowls with the Houston Texans from 2018 to 2020, Watson's career has faced obstacles due to various issues including suspensions and injuries. He has only made 19 starts since the Browns traded for him prior to the 2022 season, and his record in those outings stands at 9-10.

In his time with Cleveland, Watson has not thrown for more than seven touchdowns in a single season, which adds to the urgency of this opportunity to reclaim his status as a top quarterback. The Browns are banking on Watson to salvage both his career and the franchise's investment, as he signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. As he moves into the 2026 season—the final year of his current deal—the Browns hope to witness an upwards trajectory in his performance.

Looking Ahead

With the depth chart now formalized, Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a backup role, awaiting another chance to showcase his skills in the NFL. The Browns have provided him with a foundation following his standout collegiate career, where he was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Sanders will need to continue developing his game on the sidelines and capitalize on any opportunities that arise as the season unfolds. Both the Browns and their supporters will be looking for significant progress from Deshaun Watson, as the team prepares for what they hope will be a successful season.